In the 1995 movie , Michael Douglas, who played President Andrew Shepherd, addressed the media after being chastised by his election opponent for allegedly showing a lack of character.
Shepherd was quoted as saying in a speech to the White House press corps, ƵIƵve been here three years and three days, and I can tell you without hesitation that being President of this country is entirely about character.Ƶ Yes, itƵs only Hollywood, but in my opinion, that dialogue is right on the mark.
No, this column is not about who currently resides in the White House or who took up residence there during the previous four years. ThereƵs been enough mudslinging over the past couple of years to last a lifetime and most people, with the exception of those who simply want to Ƶstir the pot,Ƶ so to speak, are tired of the entire scenario.
That is why I have found it a pleasure, for the most part, to cover the days and months leading up to the May 3 election that will see voters make their choice for mayor of Victoria and two district school board seatsƵDistrict 6 and District 7 for the Victoria Independent School District.
I had the honor of being one of the moderators during the recent candidate forum held at the University of Houston-Victoria. That night, I also had the honor of meeting all of the candidates personally and speaking at length to a couple of them.
During the forum, I listened intently to the hearts, hopes and dreams of the candidates. I was particularly impressed with all three of the candidates for the District 7 seat of the VISD board, one of which will replace outgoing District 7 representative Mike Mercer, who also has served as the boardƵs president since 2021.
Josh Moore, Christian West and Mickey Kostella are all vying for the coveted seat. After listening to their comments and watching their demeanor during the debate, I have little doubt that any one of the three would make a stellar representative on the VISD Board. All three are family men, and all three expressed their about addressing some of the daunting issues facing the school district.
I can usually discern the sincerity of someone who is running for public office, and itƵs my humble opinion that the school district canƵt lose whoever wins that particular race. I believe they sincerely want to see change and they want to see students within the district receive the best education possible. I also believe none of them are true politicansƵthank GodƵand whoever is elected will do their best for the students of VISD.
Then thereƵs the race for mayor. I must admit that IƵm more familiar with incumbent Mayor Duane Crocker. IƵve gotten to know him over the past few months I have been in Victoria, and I know this: Mayor Crocker is very sincere and extremely dedicated to helping make our city the best that it can be for each and every one of its more than 65,000 citizens.
Instead of campaigning, Mayor Crocker has instead used his time to do the job he was elected for in February 2024. He has helped to do a lot of really good things for the city and, if re-elected, I believe he will continue on that path and will oversee the potential growth of the city both economically and in population. In short, the man indeed possess character.
But then so does, I believe, his opponent, Jacob Sauseda. While I have only known Mr. Sauseda for a short period of time, I have had conversations with him and can discern the passion he has to serve the city of Victoria.
He told me stories about his mother, Joyce, who he said had a huge heart for helping people and for the oppressed. He draws his inspiration from his mother, who passed away from cancer in 2023. I listened to him at the forum while he poured out his heart and vision for Victoria, and an interview with him last week did nothing to change my opinion of him. HeƵs 30 years old, but heƵs got a great head on his shoulders and his passion, if elected, would supersede his inexperience. He has done his homework and he certainly deserves the respect of VictoriaƵs voters.
Entirely about character? You had better believe it. All of the candidates mentioned above seem to have it.
None of them exude the character of a true politician, and thatƵs a great thing. I canƵt wait to see how things turn out Saturday, so please perform your duty and get out and vote, if you havenƵt already done so.
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