Now that I've had a chance to reflect on some of the local media writings regarding my appointment as Chief of Staff for Supervisor-Elect Neil Derry, I will share with you some of my thoughts.

The writings of the local press in my opinion, kind of fall in the realm of "tantrum". Like a kid being told "No ice cream after dinner", and the child then falling to the floor to kick and scream.

I had the experience of chatting with Lauren McSherry of the Sun and Columnist Cassie MacDuff of the Press-Enterprise during the writing of the various stories and editorials. Both individuals asked significant questions and the discussions were lengthy. McSherry who is fairly new to the area had some misconceptions that I corrected. She apparently was referencing previously published stories that were highly senationalized and inaccurate. The story turned out fair and balanced.

Now, MacDuff on the other hand was a completely different story. After interviewing with her and then reading her columns, I thought maybe I had been interviewed by possibly a sock puppet. In her first column published on August 26th, the day my appointment was approved by the Board of Supervisors, MacDuff single-handedly called SEBA President Bill Abernathie, Supervisor-Elect Derry, and me all liars! I think she was hallucinating into believing her column was going to sway the Board vote somehow. Hmm, have the Supes ever listened to her? The answer, No!

The second MacDuff column was more about calling County Public Information Officer David Wert a liar, plus a little whining thrown in. Could this be a new common theme or maybe the manifestation of a need for therapy?

Editorial Boards! Let's face it, both papers board members all graduated Harvard with a combined Ph.D. in quantum physics, public administration, economics, chemistry, criminal justice, philosopy, geology, urban planning, drama, finance ....... you get my point.

Enough said.

Most County Supervisors are in fact elected in Novemeber and have less than thirty days transition time. Most supes will probably tell you they wish they had more time but unfortunately the election is usually not decided until November and assuming office date is the first Monday in December. It take months to get fully up to speed, and the holidays don't help.

What is the Transition Staff doing? (Somehow omitted from news articles)

Preparing to interview applicants and hire 8-10 additonal staff.

Review more than 140 Third District appointments to 41 various Boards and Commissions.

Analyzing current district projects and proposed expenditures.

Cedar Glen redevelopment.

New County Government Center Project

Reviewing the county budget and potential drop in property tax revenue.

Preparing to meet with staff and the Chairman's Office for preliminary work on an Ethics Commission framework.

A note to the Newspapers: Most residents don't know what a County Supervisor is or does, let alone their Chief of Staff, nor do most even care. A quick tip on what most residents do care about. Maybe, high crime.....$3.70 gas.....losing their home........losing their home equity......paying their bills.......losing their job.....feeding their children......paying the rent..........healthcare.....will their bank fail tomorrow...not reading local newspapers......etc.........