Opinion by Samuel Strait – May 13, 2022 Before diving into the recent meet and greet of the Fourth District's candidates, I'd like to say that the realtors of Del Norte County have done a fine job allowing for local voters to get a glimpse of who they will be voting for in June. Granted there were questions that came to mind while listening to each candidate that remain unasked. Unfortunately it was not the format of this particular public exposure for the four, Joey Borges, Brian Stone, Patty Adams, and Margret Sargent. Further, I would like to commend the realtors who have given their time to make the three events happen and the Crescent Fire Protection District for opening up their station on Washington. I commented on the three third district candidates in an opinion piece previously published in the CCTimes, this will be the second covering my impressions of Fourth District candidates, followed by the Fifth District five in the future. As I have explained in my coverage of the previous meet and greet this does not specifically seek to cover the items discussed during a bit more than two hours of back and forth between the Fourth District's four, but rather focus on the patterns that each candidate displayed while making their pitch during the session. Ignoring most of the posturing primarily from Mr. Stone, the direction of their sources for solutions, how "representative" they were, and what drove them to seek office, were the main focuses from tonight's interaction. Clearly they all have the qualifications to run for office, yet what qualities do they have for becoming a representative of the voters for the Fourth District? Brian Stone It is very often the candidate that is the most pedantic and arrogant that becomes noticeable only after they spin their fantasies while successfully seeking your vote before an election. These characteristics only surface noticeably once in office and are clearly not a pathway to a successful solution for any situation. Mr. Stone is all of that and more. His fantasies for government solutions are the only trick in his bag. He prattles on about his "successes" during his five years as Harbor Commissioner, yet clearly the jury has considerable reservation about his claimed "successes". His ideas are "grand" in scope, most particularly with regard to solar and wind power, for this County, and coming "whether we want it or not". He has trouble with his facts, and does not have much ability to step back and listen to anything but his own voice. Joey Borges Mr. Borges on the other hand is a breath of fresh air, seldom seen in politics at least for many decades. Sharp and personable, yet willing to admit he does not "know it all". I found him to be anything but those that currently "represent" us on the Board of Supervisors. This is someone to have the hope that good things will come if he is the choice of the district's voters. One is not often greeted with a candidate seeking public office that both exercises common sense, and the drive to make things happen. I do not sense the overwhelming need for Mr. Borges to utilize the common excuse of most politicians that "this is the way things are done". Too often is the case where the current board does not ask the important questions or acknowledge that there is a future. Mr. Borges seems to have that one covered. Clearly he is of an inquisitive mind, and does not hesitate to ask penetrating questions. Margaret Sargent Ms. Margret Sargent is liken to a mostly cloudy day where the sun comes out briefly and gloriously, yet hides the day within the many clouds in that sky. I heard some very good ideas in an otherwise convoluted and incomprehensible menagerie of disconnected thoughts. Sad to say that Ms. Sargent is occupying an arena that will not suffer any sense of lack of confidence, nor evidence of a tag along mentality. There is something there, just not in evidence or on display but in very brief patches. Patty Adams Mrs. Adams is a bit of a puzzle, clearly grounded in a business world, yet certainly has the desire to join the ranks of the elected. Currently a realtor by trade, that comes from an urban setting and a lengthy business background in some well recognized companies. Most certainly not someone to be taken lightly. Her response to some of the questions posed are at odds with the rural setting of Del Norte County. Knowledgeable and aware of the distinct issues that inevitably are part of the make up of a poor rural setting, yet has solutions that are occasionally more suited in a much more lucrative and urban setting. She does not appear to understand that government services quite often are directly related to the issues and are part of the problem. More money, and more services do not equate to a functional government and likely never will. This is a common failing for many who "throw their hat into the ring" not understanding that less is often the path of necessity for things to truly function as a benefit to the local citizenry. Otherwise this venue was entertaining as well as revealing. From stogy and stuck fast to younger and wiser. Quite the spectrum of choices. Clearly my choice is for a local successful and long standing resident, who is the future in the County. Listens, works hard at becoming a better person, and most importantly is able to handle all the characteristics of being an educated representative rather than being stuck in a predetermined set of personal goals while in office. Stay tuned for the five from District Five…..