It is with disappointment that I announce the departure of one of the members of our roster of contributing authors. Joshua Candelaria, who is also a personal friend of mine, will be leaving our "blogpen" to focus on several upcoming projects in future days and weeks ahead.

Just last month, Josh Candelaria was appointed Interim Executive Director of the San Bernardino County Republican Party, a position I myself once held. I know how difficult it can be executing the duties of the party's elected members and managing many crucial aspect's of the party's daily activities.

Candelaria's responsibilities with the San Bernardino County GOP are in addition to his post as Fourth District Supervisor Gary Ovitt's Deputy Chief of Staff.

Obviously, with such positions Candelaria holds and the time-consuming responsibilities associated with his professional roles in public policy and advocacy, Josh would find it difficult to devote the time to be a contributor to our site.

To that, I say good luck Joshua in all your future endeavors! I know you will continue to do a tremendous job for the people of San Bernardino County's Fourth District as a top aide to Supervisor Ovitt, and I am sure the party will be better hands than ever before.

In closing, I would simply like to point to one of Joshua Candelaria's early postings, an editorial titled "Politics Vs. Governing," where Josh states his belief in the differences between political advocacy and working on behalf of the people: "Politics has its place in the public sector, but it should not be the determining factor in implementing policy. Good politics is not a substitute for poor policy."

Excellent words and great insight.

Best wishes Joshua for continued success!