It’s official!  It started Thursday, September 4. The political race started at 1:30pm Thursday afternoon in the council chambers. Incumbent councilman Kevin Schafer and his two opponents William “Bill” Smith and Charles “Chuck” McGuire had their first debate in front of California City employees.
To their credit, all three candidates were extremely respectful of each other and there were no wisecracks or anything of the sort. A panel of four City employees, lead by Allan Vasquez, tested the candidates with questions and concerns about their plans for the future of the city, and how these changes, if any, would affect them.
Mr. Schafer, who has resided in California City for the last 5 or 6 years, said he has now learned a lot about listening to everybody involved before making his decision, and if after research, the arguments are plausible and correct, he will often change his first impression.  "It is challenge, but I will struggle along." When asked about trying to bring a supermarket to California City, Mr. Schafer explained that they tried and tried and are getting really close to enter into an agreement with a local developer and Green Frog Markets.  Déjà vu?  Only time will tell.
Mr. Bill Smith said he was hoping for that question after the panel asked, "What his plans would be for the roads."  “Our roads need constant improvements, not just at election time” and he commended (as did all the candidates) the employees for doing so much with so little.  But he understands their situation, having employees of his own, and assured the crowd that his experience, as a businessman, who owns 2 successful businesses in town, Ace City Hardware and Pizza Factory, gives him the advantage of knowing how to work with people and how to treat employees. To be able to accomplish his goals for the city that he’s been calling home for such a long time, “Bill” as everyone calls him, said that progress comes little at a time, but building a good infrastructure and bringing in a market here would also bring in other residents, and new retail businesses with their sales taxes, and would restore the city to its original goals.  Mr. Smith proved himself with his successful business. Can he duplicate success?
Last but not least to comment, is also a long time resident (37 years) and a retired veteran of the California Highway Patrol.  He has held many positions for the city as “on call” firefighter and serves on the Citizens Advisory Commission.  Mr. McGuire informed, that he is willing to work for and with the employees.  Morale is very low, because of lack of communication regarding city plans from the city’s officials, and employees are moved around too often without notice. If elected, he would make them proud to go to work again, like they used to.  One of Chuck’s mottos toward employees would be “You don’t work for me, I work for you”.  Mr. McGuire said I don’t promise anything, but there will be changes, mostly in communication and information.  Speaking of the council, Chuck believe that it should not be “us and them”. It should be us.
Incumbent Councilman Dr. Nick Lessenevich was not present.
The political forum for the mayoral candidates is scheduled for 6:00pm, September 30 at the California City Middle School and is sponsored by the California City Chamber of Commerce.