hunterbishop.com

OK, I will admit that I am a newcomer and lurker on this blog. Will someone explain just what the mayor does? The one we have now doesn't seem to have done much in the year I have been here. Does he get to appoint a cabinet of guys who actually get to do things and run departments? I think he has a veto, which means he can block things he does not like. What's the big deal? The job pays well, but I don't get all the excitement.

Don't you mean 'firm gossip' and 'loose speculation'?
And how far off the radar did Gary Safarik fall? Never heard him say 'yah' or 'nay.' But it was loosely firm gossipy speculation at one point ... just saying.

Thank you Mr. Bishop for this entertaining subject. Albeit speculation and gossip at this point, there will be a few on this list that will run for mayor, and it behooves us to keep a watchful eye on this next race.

Here's another "rumor". At the airport, one of the Aloha Airlines agents told us he and his wife are helping Jay Yoshimoto plan for the mayor's race. Another council person to add to the "maybe" list.

I have a question: if a council person runs (not to mention several current members) do they have to give up their council seat? We have two maybe three that will run for mayor, who will make decisions if they have to give up their seat? Further, if they don't, how can we trust that they make decisions for the people, and not for themselves as they campaign?

Gary Safarik? Hmmm....Does he fall into the same basket as Dante Carpenter? During his tenure, my personal experience with Safarik was less than impressive. He was the most arrogant, pompous person I have met in many years. Maybe not being re-elected has humbled him in some respect.

I would hope the next mayor will fall into the category of "statesman" not "politician". As we grow as a County, we need strong leadership to fix the old problems, and avoid creating new ones. Another tall order.

As another old saying goes, "Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their Country"....(Typing class; 1966..)

Chunkster,

Yes, the Mayor appoints cabinet directors and deputy directors, and other executive/administrative positions.
This is very big responsibility.
A proposed budget is developed by the Mayor and his cabinet.
Again, no small deal.
The veto power is not simply about "what he does not like."
That is major force in shaping policy -- that power of veto hangs over every Council decision and can influence it.
The current Mayor has not sought a lot of publicity.
Even though he and I disagree (strongly) on the issue of WTE
(which I think is the biggest financial and environmental issue anywhere on the horizon for the County), he still has done a pretty good job -- not perfect. Corruption and political pay offs are not a hallmark of this administration.

'Gary anyone',

No, thanks. Not only is Gary not right for the job, there are enough others (many mentioned here) that are.

Actually, Kim Jordan here.

Intresting to see Billy Kenoi on the list. Though I personally truly like Billy, he is a "spokesperson" sometimes to help push partisan politics. I would like to see him step up and let us see and hear his own ideas. I believe Billy is much less partisan on his own.I believe he could bring the Island more into a position of working together. He could be an awesome Mayor.
There are a couple of names on the rest of the list I could also truly support as Mayor. Though I won't go into who....way to far out timewise for me to actually vocally support any one person. All lean to the Democratic side, which doesn't bother me at all. Even as a Republican. I look at who would best represent all of us...and can stand strong in that venue.
I think Gary was a very good option a couple of years ago. I considered him as a friend and I hope one day, that will be true again. Now, politically, I'm afraid I must (help!) agree with James on this one.

Aloha Kim and Brian,

"...I'm afraid I must (help!) agree with James..."

Don't worry, it won't become a habit ;>)

...thanks.

Hunter, as your list grows, one has to wonder why Aaron Chung is missing. In talent, potential and promise, he ranks above many on your growing list. As for Chunkster, he needs to invest in a copy of the charter. The mayor simply runs the county as proven from the outset with Kimura. The styles may vary but everon from Akana upward has proven the office makes the annointed one boss. As for attorneys, I urge subscribers to use cauton.Some of us do not see that as any plus at all.

As for attorneys, I urge subscribers to use caution.Some of us do not see that as any plus at all.

Amen.

Dear Hugh, I never cared for Aaron Chung no matter how akamai they seem to think he is. He was one from the majority who voted to close a very vital Mauka Makai road in Kona. I suspect he might have received money from the developer, Sanford Carr, who did not want to design a mauka makai road through or around his ppty. As a result of that vote, my old roadway with no sidewalks for da keiki, choke runoff along the shoulders, is now being pounded with choke traffic from all the new condos along Alii Drive tanks to clueless people like Aaron Chung.

Hey,
Anybody heard ofthis guy,Ed Case?

I like Ed Case, but I don't think his next political move will be to run the Big Island. He seems to have larger ambitions on his mind, and another Senate run is more likely. And with two octogenarian senators, an opportunity won't be too terribly long in coming.

Great idea! Someone call him now! Perfect.