(Editor’s Note: The following letter from a Council District 5 candidate is being published only for the fact that it offers insight into comprehensive public funding. Generally, only introductory letters from candidates will be published.  Beyond that, candidates for public office are encouraged to pay for advertising during the 2010 campaign season. An ad on this blog can be linked to one’s personal or campaign website.  For information on how to set up a website or design a website for this blog, email bruce@perceptions-unlimited.com.)

Thanks to you folks (and several more I do not — yet — have email addresses for) I was notified today by the Hawaii State Campaign Spending Commission that I have been certified for Comprehensive Public Funding. This was the culmination of the application process that required me to collect, from 200 registered voters, a signature and $5 contribution payable to the Hawaii Campaign Election Fund.

The application, along with the $5-checks and $5-money orders, and my nomination papers were filed with the County Elections Office on March 17.

The James Weatherford for County Council campaign will be receiving (probably early next week) $9,826 to conduct operations for the Primary Election, September 18. Read the rest of this entry »

(Editor’s Note: Following is a campaign-related letter from James Weatherford, Ph.D., who intends to run for the Hawaii County Council District 5 seat currently occupied by Emily Naeole-Beason.  Big Island Chronicle is publishing the following letter as an introduction to Weatherford as a political candidate in the campaign season to come.  Those  intending to seek public office in Hawaii County are encouraged to write introductory letters to be published here.  Introductions aside, those who wish to publicize their campaign on this blog should buy an ad.  Email newswoman@mac.com for ad rates.)

James Weatherford

Aloha,

My name is James Weatherford and I will be a candidate for Hawaii County Council District 5 in 2010. With my wife, Elizabeth, I reside in Hawaiian Paradise Park.

The Council can make a positive difference in what matters to us all. As a Councilor, I will be a creative and productive force in helping to bring that difference to materialize.

My approach on the Council will be to apply the work ethic I learned as a child doing farm chores and applied in more than 20 years of public service in agriculture and rural development, mass transit, economic analysis, and education.

My priority on the Council will be good government for Hawaii County and sustainable livelihood in Puna. I will get to work on this on Day One, because I have a clear awareness of persisting and emerging issues, a sound grasp of the nature of alternatives available to successfully contend with the issues, and a well-grounded understanding of the role of the Council in implementing appropriate measures. Read the rest of this entry »

(Editor’s Note: Following is a campaign-related letter from Barbara Lively, who intends to run for the Hawaii County Council District 5 seat currently occupied by Emily Naeole-Beason.  Lively served as a legislative assistant and council aide to former councilman Bob Jacobson. The campaign season kicks off in February, however Lively will be hosting a kick-off between 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday at the Pahoa Community Center, aka Pahoa Neighborhood Facility, and between the same times, Friday, Dec. 18, 2009 at the Ainaloa Longhouse.  Big Island Chronicle is publishing the following letter as an introduction to Lively as a political candidate in the campaign season to come.  Introductions aside, those seeking public office who wish to publicize their campaign on this blog should buy an ad.  Email newswoman@mac.com for rates.)

Aloha, Everyone!

My name is Barbara Lively and I am running for the District 5, Puna County Council seat. I have the education and experience to provide the leadership our district needs.  I look forward to providing responsible representation for all of Lower Puna as we address our economic and social challenges.  I have the heart and courage to meet these challenges with you.  I will be using Public Funds to run my campaign, so please come to my events to learn more about the program and how you can help me. Read the rest of this entry »

(Editor’s Note: Following is a letter from a prospective candidate for Council District 5. Big Island Chronicle (BIC) will publish/post letters and guest columns from prospective candidates for public office until February 2010, when the campaign season officially begins.  Between February and November 2010, BIC will not publish letters and guest columns from those seeking election or re-election. To state a campaign message on this site, candidates will be asked to buy an ad, to comment on entries, or to participate in hot-seat-type discussions arranged by BIC.)

Ms. Edwards Hunt,

My name is Loren Baker. I am the L. Baker who has written to the Editorail page at the Hawaii Tribune-Herald regarding our Councilwoman Ms. Naeole on numerous occasions.

I have decided to seek a nomination for the County Council in District 5 for 2010. Read the rest of this entry »

Aloha,

An update on campaign activities:

On Nov. 5 Elizabeth and I attended classes in Hilo by the Campaign Spending Commission regarding campaign finance. That allowed me to learn about and consider options in how to fund the campaign.

It is my desire and intention to participate in a comprehensive public funding pilot program being conducted in the Hawaii County Council elections.

Requirements for me to participate as a public-funded candidate include:

·        Collecting $5 qualifying contributions from two hundred registered voters in the district. Read the rest of this entry »

(Rob Tucker is a Puna resident who is active with the non profit group Friends of Puna’s Future (FoPF) and is the moderator of www.Punaweb.org.)