John Gaccione

Date: 07/30/2022
Subject: District Elections
From: The Memo Desk

Jeepers, before you know it the election season will be upon us. The Kensington Police Protection & Community Service District and the Kensington Fire Protection District both have three director seats open this election cycle. This election could be a real barn burner!

With the remodel of the Public Safety Building about to start construction and the KPD searching for a permanent home, this election could have a major impact on how these issues get resolved. The rapidly approaching deadline for filing is August 12th.

For the KFPD these three director’s terms expire: Janis Kosel, Kevin Padian and Julie Stein. And for the KPPCSD the three director’s terms that expire are: Rachelle Sherris-Watt, Chris Deppe and Mike Logan.

Currently KFPD Directors Julie Stein and Janis Kosel names appear on the Contra County Candidate list. Janis Kosel has provided institutional & financial knowledge during her multiple terms on the board. And minutia maven Julie Stein has served for two terms and is known for her attention to detail. Kevin Padian’s name does not appear on the CC Candidate list.

KPPCSD Directors Rachelle Sherris-Watt and Mike Logan are also shown on the CC Candidate list. Rachelle Sherris-Watt has supported important reforms during her long tenure. Mike Logan was appointed to fill a vacant seat and is positioned to run for reelection. No sign yet if Chris Deppe will run again. The CC Candidate list also includes first-time candidate and lawyer Sarah Gough.

This election cycle should prove to be interesting because of the addition of groups such as the well-funded “Save Kensington’s Future” [copyright 2022} operation. It would come as no surprise if the SKF folks put up a slate of candidates to contest the open seats in both districts. Who knows, they might recycle old board members to save Kensington’s future. Turning back the clock to save the future seems to be their shtick.

While it would be terrific to get some younger folks on the boards, past experience with younger candidates produced mixed results. The energy and different viewpoints were invigorating, but sadly they were over shadowed by less than adult behavior (no names) and questionable campaign claims. Remember the anonymous “Kensington Independent” rabid fish wrapper? (Sigh…)

“If you don’t vote, you lose the right to complain.” (George Carlin)

Note: Caution, contents deemed reliable but may have shifted in transport causing satire.