Myrna de Vera’s Candidate Statement
— by Jeffrey Wisniewski — 27 September 2010 — 4 comments below »
Planning Commissioner Myrna de Vera’s candidate statement is mostly biographical, and it includes her commission work planning projects “such as the Waterfront, Sycamore Downtown, and New Town Center.” The last line regarding her recognition as one of the most influential Filipina is probably too much. (And you don’t have to say it if it’s true.1)
- A gentle nod to Mad Men, whose Don Draper mocked Muhammad Ali earlier this season: “‘I’m the greatest.’ Not if you have to say it.” Of course, he did not say it to the Champ’s face.↩
While I’ll likely vote for de Vera just to get rid of the incompetent incumbents, I find it quite laughable for de Vera to suggest she works with “diverse” organizations. All of the groups are in fact Asian-based, including St. Patrick’s church, whose congregation is likely 95% Filipino (though I’ve never taken an official poll, just what I see there). Nothing wrong, necessarily, with one working for specific ethnic/racial groups, but for an elected official the lack of diversity makes me a bit uncomfortable, especially in the bay area. Hercules is a diverse city these days and I hope de Vera can serve the needs of the entire, DIVERSE, community, not just a specific group.
To all Anonymous Commenters: Because of the 250 word limit for the Candidate Statement, I could not write my entire bio, therefore, it is probably an incomplete picture of my education, qualifications and my platform. (please read the detailed platform at http://www.citizensformyrnadevera.com)
To answer some concerns, First of all, I did graduate from the University of the Philippines with a B.S. Architecture, 1982. I worked in companies like Black and Veatch and Camp, Dresser, and McKee before I gave birth to my twin sons and changed my career to insurance agency owner.
Secondly, yes, my civic volunteerism are mostly Asian-based, but St. Patrick is quite diverse and not 95% Fiilipino. I also worked with the Hercules Chamber of Commerce, which I am an active member, and during the 1990′s, I was more active as an officer (Board of Directors and Vice-President). And as a planning commissioner, I have always made decisions for the best interest of all Herculeans and not just one group. You can also check my website http://www.citizensformyrnadevera.com to check that my supporters are not all Filipino or Asians.
I would be very happy to meet any of you to answer your concerns you may have about my qualifications and background, even my motivations. You can also email me at citizensformyrnadevera@gmail.com
You’re not getting my vote. We need new, untainted leadership in this town and I don’t feel as if that describes you. I am sick to death of hearing that you work with diverse organizations too! Fil-Am residents in this city stick together and vote for their own, and it isn’t right. We need to elect the best candidates based on their qualifications and what they can do for us. I’m not racist. I’m being real. And I am Filipino too! Sadly, our incumbants can’t do the job, and I don’t think you can either!
Amen!!!!!!
She’s not getting my vote either!