Scraps From My Table: The Buckwheat Project

 

 

 

"Leadership is based on inspiration, not domination; on cooperation, not intimidation." (William Arthur Wood)

In his tenure, Kevin Smith has failed this test of his leadership ability.  Smith is the captain of a mutinous ship; not because his crew is dishonorable, but because he relied on winning their support by force.  Smith quit learning within months of taking office, proclaimed himself an expert in every field, and began to undermine those who dared to dissent.  He so thoroughly disenfranchised employees, members of the business community and leaders of not for profit organizations that they no longer respect him.  Those who work most closely with Smith know him best and support him least.  Win or lose on November 6, Kevin Smith has become a lame duck.  Kevin, there is no "team" in "I".

 

I met Kris Ockomon a few months ago; he had no idea that he was having lunch with Buckwheat.  I arrived with low expectations, but was heartened to meet a man with depth, sincerity, and a desire to serve.  I was impressed by Ockomon's willingness to admit that he didn't have all the answers to the issues that he would face as mayor, but he did have a commitment to talk to as many people as he could to learn from their collective experience.  Ockomon exhibited superior active listening skills, an important mark of a natural leader and indicative of a sharp mind.  I have met with Ockomon again recently and was impressed by his growth in both knowledge of issues and in his level of confidence.  He is able to communicate his message to both individuals and large groups in a passionate and engaging way.  I believe that Ockomon's leadership style will be that of a consensus builder. I trust his determination to build a City government that  implements policies based on the sound reasoning of an experienced staff as well as forward thinking new team members.

 

What is it that separates Kris Ockomon from Kevin Smith?  I dare to hope that it is more than incumbency; that Ockomon's character can withstand the corruptive influence of political power that Smith's could not.  

 

Bibbs and Jozwiak?  I don't think even they take themselves seriously. 

 

BW 

---

 

Smith                45%

Ockomon         51%

Bibbs                 3%

Joswiak             1%

 

Ockomon will win based on an intensive grass roots effort and an army of workers who are skilled at get out the vote efforts.  The number of absentee votes that he will garner will dwarf those of other candidates.  Smith's "Continue the Progress" slogan will fail to resonate with rank and file voters who feel that they've been left behind.  Bibbs will get a few votes due to a good absentee vote effort but undermined himself with his literal failure to "show up" in the campaign.  Jozwiak will receive the 'none of the above' vote.

 

---

City Council Ward 3

 

Although Jay Stapleton has made a good effort to retain his seat,  he will lose by a sizable margin to Pam Jones. Ward 3 will be the area of town where Ockomon will reclaim wayward Democrats from 4 years ago, spelling Jay's demise.

 

---

City Council Ward 4 

 

It is fortunate for Ollie Dixon that he is not mixed up in an at-large race.  He is extremely unpopular outside his district.  However... he will hold it together in the 4th. 

 

---

City Council Ward 5

 

Art Pepelea is also fortunate that he is not involved in a city wide race.  His meddling in the airport fiasco is very unpopular throughout the city.  I think about 6 weeks ago he realized that he might be looking at a loss unless he quit playing air traffic controller and got to work in his district.  He will win in a race that ends up closer that it had to be for him.

 

---

City Council Ward 6

 

Joe Newman wins.  Easily.  I am not a fan of candidates being unopposed, but in this case Dunteman should have stayed home.  It was never close.

 

---

City Council At-Large

 

Two easy picks.  Chamberlain and Muir.  The third one is driving me nuts.  My poll tells me that Joe McClain will unseat fellow Republican Kato Smith and win this one.  David Eicks could very easily slide in there if Republican votes are closely divided between Smith and McClain.  My gut tells me to go with Kato.  He is one of the most popular Republicans in Andersonia right now and with good reason.  He is a man of integrity who serves the city with the proper motives.  All that said, what good is a poll if the pollster is unwilling to stand behind it?  At large winners:  Chamberlain, Muir, and McClain.

 

---

The scorecard...