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Paleka's antics instantly creates further like-a-bility for his opponent. Jen Ruggles speaks and touches on many good points. But in all reality, she will encounter some bitter realities as to how business is ran in this County, and in the state for that matter. For all intents and purposes, she will be rendered rather anemic. At the very least, Paleka will have an advantage in the larger political discourse. But man, he needs to have a better understanding of the power of video. I still think he pulls off enough votes to eek out a victory.
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In the past six weeks or so, Jen has knocked on my door, been viable at Maku'u, been spotted waving by the roadside on several occasions, marched in the gay pride parade and staffed a booth at the festival, personally called our home phone to discuss issues, had a volunteer call our home phone to discuss issues, given us her cell phone number, enlisted volunteers (friends of ours) who sent us a personal postcard asking for our vote, and sent several mailings describing her views on issues. I saw Danny once by the side of the road, and got one mailing listing his accomplishments (Hint to candidates: if your list of accomplishments is so thin that it's repeated on both sides of a postcard - and once side of the postcard lists the same exact accomplishments more than once...well, you might want to rethink your strategy...). Other than that from Danny? <crickets>
Danny's arrogance and verbal "tap dance" responses to questions at the debates also left a bad taste in my mouth. So what the heck, I'll give Jen a shot. Lord knows, she can't be any worse than the recent incumbents.
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Jennifer Ruggles will win this election because she is the more articulate candidate, and resonates with more of the population.
Jennifer Ruggles will be a successful council member because she knows how to communicate and collaborate with others - the only real requirements of this job.
it's not a hard gig - get out of bed every day, be nice, work with others, and stay focused. Oddly enough, that seems to be a challenge for many that live in this district.
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Every time I see Paleka in action it reinforces my feeling he wants to take the place of Kenoi in Hawaii Island politics, he works that same local boy pidgin talking schtick with some audiences while portraying himself as a successful educated management type speaking standard English to others. Not much of a manager if he can't even keep track of his campaign funds, it isn't rocket science! Too bad all the stuff about campaign fund mismanagement has only come out this week, lots of people have already voted by absentee or walk in.
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Actually I was just advised that less than 15% have been submitted by mail or walk in. Surprisingly low to me, I thought the Mayors race would be the lead horse, generating a high turnout.
Perhaps the presidential race has "depressed" the electorate ?
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Good theory HiloPuna. Especially since Hawaii went for Sanders, many probably feel like their votes don't count. Gotta change that, especially at the local level.
Make Puna Great Again!
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In his two years on the council, Danny Paleka sure did get a lot done. In fact, working with Greggor, they might have been the most successful duo in recent memory in terms of pushing for Puna's fair share of things. I can't see throwing away proven leadership in favor of someone who has friends send out stink press releases about her opponent.
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Oh, and randomq - Puna is the greatest place in the world. You should see how great it is! :-P
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Our ohana voted for danny.
Jen is certainly a good talker... but danny accomplished so much for Puna that i am hoping he continues on. Too many politicians are good at one thing.. talking up a storm. and then that "community organizer" title really turned me off too. been there and didn't like the result...
