Regardless of the outcome of this race, it is refreshing to see the Parkway playing a prominent role in it, though neither candidate has yet shown the type of leadership around Parkway issues that will result in long-term health and sustainability of its status, though public safety has to be on the top of the list for the safety of users on its often troubled trails, particularly in the North Sacramento area.
Stopping the long presence of illegal camping in or adjacent to the Parkway has to be a priority as it has slowly degraded the ability of the adjacent community to safely use their part of the Parkway.
It is also crucial to respect the private property rights of those who live adjacent to the Parkway, while balancing the visual and physical intrusion that impacts the sanctuary for Parkway users.
Challenger cites his endorsements in Sacramento County supervisor race
By Ed Fletcher - efletcher@sacbee.com
Published 12:00 am PDT Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Although Sacramento County Supervisor Susan Peters has raised more than 20 times as much money for her campaign as challenger Warren Harding, he's not intimidated by her fundraising edge or incumbent status.
Instead, Harding – a longtime Arden area park district commissioner – said he's scoring key endorsements and will run a viable campaign.
The two are competing in the June 3 primary in the nonpartisan race to represent the 3rd District, which includes Arden Arcade, Carmichael, Foothill Farms, Campus Commons, College Greens, east Sacramento, River Park and Sierra Oaks.
Harding, a Democrat, pointed to endorsements by former Supervisor Illa Collin, Save the American River Association President Warren Truitt and the Sacramento Central Labor Council.
Harding said that his experience as a former county employee and on a park board have prepared him for the job.
Harding, 63, has served on the Arden Manor Recreation and Park District's board for nearly 30 years.
By most objective measures of campaign strength, Peters has a clear advantage:
• She has $149,383 in her campaign coffers compared to Harding's $6,622.
• Harding said his Web site is days away, while Peters' – www.joinsusan.com – is professionally produced.
• As the incumbent, Peters enjoys a name recognition advantage.
And it remains to be seen whether the challenger having the same name as the nation's 29th president is advantageous. President Warren Harding is viewed by some scholars as being one of the country's least successful presidents.
Peters, a former developer, has earned high marks from the local business community.
She has been known to personally drive potential investors through her district, has worked to fix and beautify roadways to help improve the business climate, and kept a sharp eye on the county budget.
Peters, a Republican, is endorsed by numerous local elected officials including state Sen. Dave Cox, R-Fair Oaks; Sheriff John McGinness; District Attorney Jan Scully; and Supervisor Jimmie Yee, among them.
McGinness said she's been a good partner.
"She recognizes that public safety is an important piece to improving the business climate," McGinness said.
While fewer in number, Harding's endorsements could help affirm his legitimacy to voters.
"Warren Harding will give much more than lip service to protection of the American River Parkway," as a yet to be published flier for Harding quotes Collin as saying.
Truitt said preservation of the parkway was his motive for endorsing Harding.
"I just think that we just need a fresh approach," said Truitt, who noted he was speaking for himself, not the association, which doesn't make political endorsements. "I would like to see more attention paid to the parkway."
