Local Press

This past Tuesday I organized and held a successful press conference with Pacific Fuel Cell Corporation. Last year they moved their entire production facility to Willoughby from Tustin, California. When I had learned about their move and their hiring of local machinists I became very excited and decided that the word need to get out. As usual I put together the release, faxed and emailed it everywhere it needed to go. We had a great turnout, NBC, ABC and Fox affiliates arrived, along with our local newspaper, The News-Herald. Members of the press asked questions about fuel cell production, workforce numbers and the reasoning behind moving to Lake County. CEO George Suzuki, along with VP of Ops Michael Tyler gave great presentations and shared with the press their delight and hopes for the future. The coverage was terrific and I am so excited that people know about PFC, their plans and our area's need for skilled machinists. Now, I realized that some members of the press would exclude me out of the piece for "political reasons", but I thought that it was important that a candidate organize such a conference for the good of our community. It was with no surprise that the TV affiliates didn't mention my efforts, presentation or presence, but when I read the local newspaper I was a bit taken back. It didn't mention one thing about my effort to organize the press conference, instead it stated that "Pacific Fuel Cell Corp. held the conference..". The writer failed to mention an initiative I talked about, "Train and Gain Initiative" which would create legislation providing manufacturing companies tax credits for training. Please understand I wasn't and am not so concerned for my own political benefit. What bothers me is the fact that citizens were not given the opportunity find out about such efforts from their candidate for state rep. It's no wonder why so many say they don't know much about candidates come election time, the press doesn't help them find out. Low and behold the front page of the paper had a huge article about CANDIDATE Obama, his campaign efforts and presumed victory over CANDIDATE Clinton. Yes, I know it is the presidential race, but there in lies the problem with local press. Like most mainstream media they'd rather the voters focus on candidates for offices in Washington who have nothing to say than candidates here at home who have something to say. What a shame. This isn't about me, it's about us. It's about the voters and the ability they are given to learn about individuals who may serve or represent them. No matter how hard I may have to campaign, no matter how high the climb, I do have a 50/50 chance at this. I am one of two candidates for state rep in Western Lake County and I believe the voters should have all the information about my proposals and efforts.