Political Gumbo: We Endorse …

It has been the long held policy at Pasadena Now not to endorse candidates in local political races.

Several times, Publisher James Macpherson and I have discussed changing this policy, but it remains in place.

Yes, we could recommend which of your neighbors you should vote for, and give you a bunch of reasons why.

Quite honestly, I do see some value in that.

But honestly it’s on you to do the homework and research and speak to the candidates, who hopefully by now have knocked on your door and made their position known on certain issues.

But before we get too deep in the pot, here are the candidates:

In District 3, Incumbent John J. Kennedy is squaring off against Brandon Lamar.

Jess Rivas is running unopposed in District 5. The council selected Rivas to fill the District 5 vacancy left by Mayor Victor Gordo after Gordo was sworn in as Mayor.

Over in District 7, commissioners Ciran Hadjian, Jason Lyon and Allen Shay are squaring off for the seat currently held by Vice-Mayor Andy Wilson.

Wilson stepping down guarantees at least one new City Councilmember.

There could be two if Lamar can pull off an upset.

The question now is who do you want representing your neighborhood?

All of them are good people who believe they can steer the city in the right direction.

But it takes more than belief.

The winners will be charged with doing the city’s business for the next four years, notice I said the city’s business, not the people’s business.

A hard job yes, but also an extremely important one that can only be done by residents of Pasadena.

The next city council will help a new city manager get up to speed.

In turn the city’s chief executive will choose a new police chief.

All that as the city continues to battle through an affordable housing crisis.

Couple that hard work with growing criticism from people inside and outside of Pasadena, some of who don’t understand how the City Council functions,m and some Mondays will be hard to bear for the winners.

This is hardly the time for dabblers.

That’s why you need to educate yourself on the candidates and their policies and viewpoints.

Somebody I never thought I would quote, Lindsay Graham, famously said elections have consequences.

Well, not voting has bigger consequences.

That’s why we endorse the voters.

Do your job properly, vet the candidates and make your voice heard.

That’s the only endorsement you need.