Opinion and Commentary by Samuel Strait It is not often, since November of 2019 that my mailbox has had the temerity of accepting campaign flyers and advertising. All that changed today when the first of the often offensive literature appeared in said mailbox. The usual glib, short and to the point flyer making all sorts of fantasy like promises to fix this and fix that was the tone of this particular missive. Inflated claims to years of government service, the county dog catcher perhaps. Apologizes to the reference to the local Animal Control Personal, as they would be unlikely to descend to the level of prevarication most in politics descend and what the flyer has proudly proclaimed. GOALS, the flyer announces with the sincerity of a used car salesman. First on the list is "to improve the standard of living for everyone in our community" as if this was even remotely possible. "TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!" is the next in line for a comic routine. Increase affordable housing. Reduce unemployment. Improve Healthcare. File Grant Funds to improve roads, bridges, and highways. None of which has been offered in at least the last twenty four hours as a mechanism for making a difference and improving local standards of living. The same old tired theme that has no real solutions for anything. What's happened to improving police, fire, and emergency services. Oh, wait that's for when the government wants more money. Word salad for those that barely pay attention to the appeal for votes. Roadside litter, or destined for the trash in most houses. Gone is the time where candidates put shoe leather on the ground of a door to door campaign to meet those that they intend to represent. Gone is the eye contact with those whose lives you will be representing for their benefit. It is often said recently that those that govern have "lost touch" with those they govern. Government no longer is made up of the opinions and troubles of those in the community, government by the people, for the people, and of the people. Too often the governed are the last people in line when it comes to those that govern, except during election time. The wallets are opened and the propaganda is sent out to the community with the sincerity of the con men politicians have become. Unfortunately few have the time to educate themselves on those intending to be the government. Instead of being truly representative most candidates resort to the United States Postal Service to do their campaigning for them, after all five thousand colorful flyers are a small price to pay to avoid meeting your constituents face to face. So what is all this leading up to you might ask? The flyer in question was likely authored by some slick publicity firm intending to give the community something to think about before voting for Brian L Stone, candidate for Supervisor in District Four. As I have said previously in this piece, it makes all sorts of promises and urgings to work together for nothing but "Hot Air". Nothing of real substance, nothing that provides any path to solve anything listed, simply said nothing of any importance. Mr. Stone is but a hollow man, who author's fantasies galore. Years on the Harbor Commission have produced nothing but further problems he claims to have solved. A financial train wreck waiting for the next huckster to make promises as Alex Lemus has to the harbor's continuing issues with money. Transporting Monterey Bay to Del Norte County, just one unrealistic "plan" to turn the harbor around. Solar panels from a bankrupt company, owing the harbor hundreds of thousands, and saddling them with the cost of managing and maintaining this disaster in the making. From the tone of the flyer, Brian L Stone wishes to "jump ship" from the harbor debacle of his making and apply his "tender" touch to the County at large. Solar panels for everyone? Ferris wheels and carnivals at a County Park near you? I can hardly wait! Is this who you want representing you in District Four?