Casta Holds Candidate Forum
Staff editorial

All 10 council candidates participated in the Oct. 4 forum hosted by the Casta del Sol community. Approximately 70 people attended, including 15 visitors from outside the Casta gates. The moderator gave each candidate three minutes to speak at the beginning. Most took the opportunity to talk about their qualifications and platform.

Two opposing sides developed almost immediately. Incumbent council members seeking reelection – John Paul Ledesma, Trish Kelley and Lance MacLean – became the defendants. Kelley was criticized by challengers Bill Barker and Diane Greenwood for her lack of relevant accomplishments after four years in office. Challenger Justin McCusker joined Barker and Greenwood in criticizing the records of the incumbents, as well as contesting their remarks during the forum. After giving his critique, McCusker commented about the council’s inability to work together, and he said their reputation for ineffective performance is known outside the city. McCusker came across as being as disagreeable as those he criticized.

Almost humorous were several candidates pandering to the senior citizens. McCusker, who is 31 years old, said, “I might look as if I’m only 17 years old, but I have a few gray hairs.” An audience member quietly said, “Actually, he looks like he’s 12 years old.”

Councilwoman Trish Kelley admitted she didn’t accomplish her goal of providing a transportation program for seniors during her first four years, but she thought she might get it done if voters elected her to another four-year term. Kelley was also criticized for her lack of ability to lead regarding the completion of the community center expansion in a timely manner or for a reasonable cost.

Three candidates – McCusker, Lonsinger and Barker – continued throughout the forum to talk about their r‚sum‚ at every opportunity. By contrast, Councilman John Paul Ledesma drew applause when he said, “One cannot get a degree in decency or common sense.”

Blog writers sought out Casta residents in the audience who came to the forum to get information rather than hear the candidates they’ve already decided to support. One such resident said after the forum that she was especially impressed with Michael Ferrall because of his demeanor and ability to talk about problems and solutions without becoming contentious. She also favors Jim Woodin for his financial background. When asked if she would support any of the incumbents, she answered only that she didn’t care for council members who made excuses for not getting the job done after four years in office.

Audience members said they liked the format, which allowed candidates to interact with each other. One person said, “Before throwing the incumbents out, I hope voters will look carefully at who is trying to get on the council and why they’re running.”