PARTING THOUGHTS ON THE MOST RECENT WHINE AND CHEEZ PODCAST

Caty Presas-Garcia, Jim Barton, Pat Ahumada, Erasmo Castro,  Commissioner Jessica Tetreau-Kalifa

Sitting at the table this past Sunday February 24 with the three District 2 candidates and moderator Castro, I sensed both vulnerability and strength.

If you can't see the increased confidence and poise in Commissioner Tetreau-Kalifa over the last eight years, you are likely blinded with partisan or personal issues.

Presas-Garcia has an undeniable spunkiness, drawing on her experience in real estate to make her points.  As Tetreau-Kalifa did, Caty would face a learning curve, if elected.  

Former Mayor Pat Ahumada candidly admitted his battle with depression, his use of alcohol to dull the losses of his daughter and first wife, while proudly and truthfully stating that his public comments on social media are never submitted anonymously and that he "owns them."

"No one could create consensus with Charlie Atkinson on the city commission," Ahumada added.

None of these candidates impress me as buffoons, unworthy to even be on the ballot.  They simply have different skill sets, life experience and loyalties.

Two are mothers, easily the most important, yet difficult job in the world, while one somehow survived the shrimping industry to have a life of substance.(Having observed dozens of shrimpers in the 60's hit the shore with a fistful of money, only to be totally broke in two days, I've always admired those who could attain some stability in their lives.)

Endorsement time?  Not exactly.

I'm still observing.