Yes, you can feel it in the air that election time is nearing. The handshaking, the kissing of babies’ heads, the “I know you and want your votes,” those large canvassed and regular posters, and those many things the candidates do when running for government seats, certainly makes it obvious that election time is near.
Although considered qualified and capable, here on Kauai my observations, though may have no bearings to what is happening, are that we need to have more selections and some better choices of people vying for the mayoral seat.
The people are the same people running for government, and their ideas are very stale and will forever be the same. We need younger, more vibrant, more eager, and people who have the gumptions and the credibility to do the things to help the people of the islands, and not just to be elected for self-interest purposes and to do things for themselves.
Here are my assessments of the four candidates running for the mayor’s position.
The two Rapozos will probably, most likely, cancel each other, leaving Kawakami and Yukimura other possible candidates. But if you don’t like either one of them, who else is available?
Kawakami sounds like a good candidate, but to give initial support to the dairy could jeopardize his chances.
Yukimura, who I like very much, was a mayor already and may be canceled as a likable candidate.
Then who? Me? Why not? I could “bull” my way to become a very good candidate. Why not Bob Cariffe? There! He is a good man. I really like this guy. He is really honest and, having some serious talks with him, he holds no punches. Has anyone really and truly talked to him and hear what he has to say? No! He has no personal business to worry about, and therefore, he will have no “conflict of interest” because he is/has seen picking up recycled cans and plastics, people think he would not be a qualified person.
No one felt he was worthy, therefore, talking to him was just wasting time. Consider this. Those running and putting their names for mayor is to me much and way less than talking to Bob Cariffe. Think about it. He’d be the guy that would help the people, and probably the most qualified person to be on the mayoral ticket. Not like those who have been in government for so many years, promising this and that, but never coming through.
Yes, Bob Cariffe. I like him, and I believe he is really the one. Think I’m kidding? Heck, no. Crazy? No. I am as sane as those people who believe that those candidates running for the mayoral seat are those who would make the changes and would do well for the people of Kauai. Really?
Yes, election time is here, but why aren’t more people putting their names on the ticket for the mayor’s seat?
There are a lot of good people around.
Whatevers, just be there in the voting booths and vote when the time comes.
Ray Domingo
Hanamaulu
