Henry Nickel, one of two Republicans challenging two Democratic councilmembers, has announced he is joining forces with Joell Ackerman, who is challenging incumbent City Clerk Lorrie Poyzer.

It is an interesting tactic that would seemingly be a net positive for both candidates.  My understanding is that each camps are passing out both camps literature, thus maximizing their voter contact.  Similarly to San Bernardino, Poyzer hasn't been challenged in years.

I suspect that most people, even in Redlands, do not know who their city clerk is or what the city clerk does. 

In order for Nickel to win, he is going to have to ride an anti-incumbent sentiment.  The city is horribly mismanaged and the councilmembers seeking re-election (note: Aguilar is an appointed incumbent) have no record of reform to run on. 

It appears Ackerman is going to piggyback on this anti-incumbent sentiment and ride on Nickel's coattails and Nickel benefits from partnering up and getting his message out to more voters.