Letter from the newly elected Mayor


Published on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 10:18 PM PST

My name is Tony Plante, Tenderfoot Tony, and I was just elected Mayor of Whiskey Flat. Now pretty much everyone knows that this is just an honorary title and with it just comes some little P.R. work for the community. But as the newly elected I feel I have a responsibility to expose to our community how some of this process works.

Every year, just as this one, the candidates for mayor go out into the community and drum up support for their charity/cause. This support comes in two ways. The first is that we go directly to the citizens and we try to bribe them (dollar votes). But the second way is the one that I feel we should all pay attention to. And that is that all candidates go to the various businesses and ask for their support as well. This support comes in as a sponsorship. Now businesses aren’t obligated to support these candidates at all, but here is my take on all of this.

If a business does their work and profits from our community then aren’t they responsible for that community just as the citizen are? My feelings on that are, ABSOLUTELY! So if we, the citizens, pay you for your services and we’re doing our part as your clients, customers and patrons, shouldn’t you do your part as the community member and also participate in your community?

“So, what does this all come down to,” you ask. Citizens, when you read your papers or your news, you will find that each one of us candidates have thank you letters to those businesses that supported us. Please take the time to read these lists and then go out and support those businesses who in turn have just supported your charities/causes. But if you don’t find a business’ name on our list maybe you ought to ask, “why?”

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Tony Plante

Squirrel Valley

Copyright © 2010 Kern Valley Sun

Comments

4 comment(s)

    Where does it go wrote on Mar 17, 2010 6:06 PM:

    " Whiskey Flat Days does bring in a lot of tourists, and I am sure "some" of the local businesses appreciate the "bump" in sales. But doesn't most of the money spent go to all the booths the chamber brings in (who gets the rent?) and Monday all the booth vendors pack up, and take the money out of town. My understanding is that the chamber takes 60% of everything the candidates earn. When the candidates do all the work for the charities it is a shame the chamber is so greedy! How is that money spent? "

    Trey wrote on Mar 1, 2010 7:54 PM:

    " Tenderfoot Tony, I read your letter and one other you submitted after Whiskey Flat Days. You had my support, but it seems you are whining about the so-called "fun" election. Just accept that you WON and let it go. Don't take your "HONORARY" title too seriously. "

    Gail Korner wrote on Feb 17, 2010 9:09 PM:

    " We participated in the Whiskey Flat Days activities and thoroughly enjoyed them. Congratulations Tenderfoot Tony (you handsome guy :-)). We marvelled at the tourists and the money they poured into the local establishments... they were eating, drinking, and spending their money. Isn't that what helps our Valley's businesses to remain viable? Seems to me we depend upon tourism, why fight that reality? Plus Whiskey Flat Days was downright fun!! I am grateful for the opportunity to enjoy the weekend's events. Like it or not, a lot of money was spent here last weekend. "

    Caring local wrote on Feb 17, 2010 1:40 PM:

    " You are sir, assuming everyone thinks Whiskey Flat days is as fantastic as you, your cohorts, and the Chamber think it is. Businesses pick and choose when and which charities they wish to donate to. Just because you are bitter that some don't support Whiskey Flats does not, in any way, mean they do not support this Valley and its great citizens. Many locals leave town specifically to avoid the Fiasco, the trash, and out of towners blocking our driveways so we cannot leave in our own cars. My 100 word limit has exired. "

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