Mayor's Race- What do you think of Dominic Yagong?

[Rob Tucker]

At the door step of this election cycle for Mayor....

What is your assessment of Council Chairman Dominic Yagong?

Strong points? Weak points?

[Kelena]

Self-aggrandizing closet religious conservative with a knack for landing in the press, but with no coherent political philosophy other than his own ambitions.

[JerryCarr]

Well, Mr. Yagong is not Billy Kenoi, and that's a start. He has also shown a willingness to stand up to certain elements of the government employees' unions, and that is even better. I also like the fact that he has called a spade a spade with the current administration's fiscal shell game of kicking some pretty serious pension and medical obligations down the line and then claiming we have a "balanced" budget.

Kelena, you talk about Mr. Yagong's ambition. Have you ever spent an hour or two in a room with Billy Kenoi? I have, and his ego and ambition for higher office come through over all the talk about "keiki and ohana" that he puts out for public consumption.

[Kelena]

You have a point, JerryCarr -- no, I haven't spent time with Billy Kenoi. I will keep an open mind. I am new here and don't propose to be highly knowledgeable on both candidates. My concern is about a series --perhaps even a flurry-- of actions that seem designed to catch the attention of the press and public, the merit of which is open to debate. If you propose an action and are a candidate, please do so because you think it is in the best interests of the island.

[Rob Tucker]

I have always found Dominic looking toward the best interests of the island. He has about 12 years on council and there is a lot of legislative history there. Dominic has consistently been a defender of Puna's interests (as has Brenda Ford).

[Kapohocat]

I also like Dominic Yagong back when he was my council person out in Honomu.

He regularly come to our neighborhood meetings and just sat in to see what he could help with. He didnt have to be "invited" to make a public appearance and hug tutu and kiss babies.

[mmaruyama]

I think it's interesting that in his 12 years on the council, I haven't heard much about Dominic. Only this year, now that he's running for mayor...

[KeaauRich]

quote:

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Originally posted by mmaruyama

I think it's interesting that in his 12 years on the council, I haven't heard much about Dominic. Only this year, now that he's running for mayor...

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I don't know enough about Dominic to have an opinion either way (clearly I have research to do before the election...), but I think one could interpret your observation two ways:

1) He was working quietly for his constituents for the past twelve years rather than being a publicity-seeking politician or,

2) He hasn't been doing much on the council for the past twelve years, but now that he has higher aspirations, he's seeking the limelight

[kjlpahoa]

quote:

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Originally posted by KeaauRich

quote:

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Originally posted by mmaruyama

I think it's interesting that in his 12 years on the council, I haven't heard much about Dominic. Only this year, now that he's running for mayor...

---

I don't know enough about Dominic to have an opinion either way (clearly I have research to do before the election...), but I think one could interpret your observation two ways:

1) He was working quietly for his constituents for the past twelve years rather than being a publicity-seeking politician or,

2) He hasn't been doing much on the council for the past twelve years, but now that he has higher aspirations, he's seeking the limelight

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Number 1 is the correct answer. He is a hard intergenic worker even though quiet. He respects the people of this island and has tried to fight the political games that Kenoi plays. He would make a good mayor.

[Kapohocat]

Welcome to Punaweb.

But it is interesting to note that your only two posts are for Kenoi and against his opponent Dominic Yagong. Just an observation.

I would much more impressed if you expounded on the Kenoi thread about why he is a good mayor.