NOT Kickoff a Success

The No On Measure T kick off event yesterday went very well, as far as I'm concerned. I figured maybe 25 to 30 people were there and it looks like the Eureka Reporter agrees with me.

Chris Crawford did a great job with his presentation. Reporters and others asked some questions and things seemed to move along without a hitch. A number of people, including myself, hung around after the formal meeting ended. Joy Finley hung around until I left, as did Nancy Flemming.

First time I'd ever spoken to Nancy, although I'd seen her in person at a National Guard event years ago. She sure has a pleasant personality. She told me she regularly visits this blog and the Buhne Tribune. See, I told you: Anybody who's anybody...

Rex Bohn, was there as well. I was surprised he knew who I was and my name. I'd spoken to him briefly, once before, as he was leaving the Arkley's house. I didn't recall giving him my name, but maybe I did.

I believe he said something about reading this blog and referred to the Arkley's being neighbors of mine, which I've mentioned here, even though they live two blocks away. He even knew where I live. See: Anybody who's anybody...

Oh, he said he wouldn't be running for Mayor of Eureka, for those that are interested.

Our very own Rose, showed up for the meeting. First time I'd met her in person and it was a pleasure. She tells me she was surprised at how many people she knew there. I didn't get to speak with her as much as I would have liked as there were so many people and so little time.

I ended up speaking with former Green Party guy, Charles Douglas, for a while. In fact, as we were leaving, he took a picture of me and Nancy Flemming rubbing elbows in the parking lot. If you get a chance, Charles, send me the photo and I'll post it here.

Charles was there taking notes for a story for his online paper and was sitting next to someone during the meeting I thought was probably some other newspaper type guy, maybe from the Advocate or Arcata Eye, since he asked a few questions.

Turned out to be Dennis Mayo, local activist from Mckinleyville. I'd never had known except for Rose telling me who he was later on. Never thought to ask while he was speaking with Charles and I.

I got to meet Jerry Partain, also. We've exchanged a few e-mails over time, but this was the first time we'd met in person. I keep telling him to start his own blog. He's interested and says he'll get around to it, eventually.

All in all, a pleasant time for me, surprised as I was, being one of those agoraphobia types that fears crowds and unfamiliar surroundings. After I got home, I got to wondering how the Measure T supporters would respond.

**********

Shamelessly, albeit expectedly, Kaitlin- over at Democracy Unlimited- says they stand behind Measure T as it will benefit the community: Union contributions good- Corporate contributions bad. In other words: We know what's best for you and our favored interests should be allowed to contribute but the other side shouldn't.

Kaitlin, Kaitlin, Kaitlin...I should come over there and give you a pink belly.

It will be interesting to see if their obsession with corporations and their anti- corporate mantra carries the day on June 6.

********************

I was disappointed to see Rob Arkley pipe in on the issue, sending some communique to the county counsel advising it was in the county's best interest to oppose Measure T in order to avoid paying legal penalties when Measure T loses in court.

I think it would have been best if he would have stayed on the sidelines in this matter as it only adds fuel to the fire. Not that he's not entitled to get involved. I just think it confuses the issue for some people.

As an aside, after I came home and it got around to beer o'clock, who stops by my house but Bonnie Neely. She's out canvassing the neighborhood for her re- election bid. We had a short chat in my driveway of little substance.

Not saying that was her fault as I think she knew kinda where I stood and there weren't really any questions I wanted to ask. She didn't seem too familiar with me but seemed to recognize the name.

All in all, one of the more interesting days in my life over the last few years. Boy, talk about having NO LIFE!