Watching and discussing some of the local political potshots over the last several weeks has left me with an even more distasteful view of the City of Santa Clarita political process. It appears that I am not alone in feeling that way either as several people around town have similar views as well.

It’s a “win at any cost” mentality that has permeated not just politics but everything these days. Pointing out a mistake and timing it to try and do the most damage to a candidate; although it probably had the opposite effect. But the motivation by Bruce McFarland and others was apparently to try and smear an individual while attempting to sway voters.

Or making flimsy allegations as part of a mudslinging campaign against an opponent, again in a vein attempt to discredit and garner more votes. Frank Ferry’s handpicked City Council candidate Laurie Ender’s campaign attacks on Bob Spierer have been widely viewed as despicable dirty politics.

It is no secret in SCV that Mr. Ferry wants Laurie Ender elected so that he can garner voting control of the City Council. Is that in the best interests of bettering the City or is it for bettering Ferry’s political future? He sure is trying hard to be the puppet master!

This is the unsavory and counterproductive campaigning that has plagued the upcoming City of Santa Clarita council election. Forget the novel concept of running a campaign based on integrity, professionalism, a record of achievements and a vision for the future. That seems too droll for some of the candidates that are running to fill the two seats that are up for election in this cycle.

Yet that is exactly what is needed, especially a “vision.” Instead of the personal attacks and bare-knuckled slugfest the City residents deserve much better, they need to see a vision of what the City could be five, ten, or twenty years from now. City voters as well as residents in the unincorporated areas around the City that are considering annexation warrant a true image and reason to believe in the One Valley/One Vision concept. It would be much more productive for the candidates to be painting a verbal picture of the greatness that could be achieved for the City in the future instead of the disgusting display of small-mindedness that is the current theme.

That is all the more reason for City voters to take an interest and to vote for change; to actually vote two new individuals onto the City Council. That will at least start what is needed most in Santa Clarita; change and vision. Not the circus for a City Council that is witnessed twice monthly in the Council chambers at City Hall.

If you have any reservations that change is needed desperately just watch Councilman Ferry on YouTube. Is that what the City voters want in a City Council? My God I hope not! Yet that is not an isolated incident, that is the norm.

Just check out tapes of previous City Council meetings and it becomes evident that there is a pattern of incompetence and shouting in handling a multitude of issues. It is a pattern of disrespect towards anyone who has a different viewpoint or may offer up an alternant option. There is a lack of willingness to build a conscientious so that all may be able to participate in building a stronger City. I know first hand having been shouted at by Mr. Ferry during an appearance before the City Council to offer an alternative view on the two-tier park fee structure.

This is why there needs to be change and it starts with this election. The City voters need to get out and vote for change. They need to actually care about how the City is being run and they need to care about the future vision of the City of Santa Clarita. It will ultimately be up to City residents how the future of the Santa Clarita Valley takes shape.

After watching the current election campaigning it certainly does not convince some that joining the City would be any more desirable than the current status of their community. It should not boil down to a few hundred votes determining the difference between the status quo and a strong, bright future for the Santa Clarita Valley it should be a clear message with thousands of City residents going to polls next Tuesday.

Yeah, I know I’m only dreaming!

Dave Bossert                                                                                                                           Commentary

Dave Bossert is a community volunteer who serves on a number of boards and councils. His commentaries represent his own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization he may be affiliated with or those of the West Ranch Beacon.