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Opinion-If We Reduce Our Desires, There is Nothing to Get Upset About

VAL LYNDER, DEFENDER OF ALL THAT IS RIGHT stood before my desk, all excited. Her umbrella tapping incessantly on the carpet. “Well,” she began, “what did you think of the Republican Convention?”
Taken by surprise by her question, I replied, “ It was interesting. Why do you ask?
“Why do I ask? That’s a silly question,” she retorted.
“Well, If you want what I thought about it, I only watched Governor Romney’s acceptance speech and  excerpts of Congressman’s Ryan’s speech..”
“Well, what did you like what they said?” she asked.
VAL,” I replied, “They really didn’t say anything I haven’t heard before. They’re both family men, have nice families and both loved and respected their parents. What I was hoping was they would have given specifics on how they plan to help the economy and create jobs, maybe give us some idea about what. if anything. they plan to do on tax reform. You know specifics.
“As you know VAL, I vote for who I think will do a good job. I’ve split my ticket many times.”
“I realize that,” she said. “What are you going to do in the state elections?
“That’s a good question. When Nov. 11 rolls around, I’ll know then. If I had my way I’d throw the rascals out and elect representative who will represent the people and not themselves.
“So you’re not going to answer my question?”
“Nope.” I knew VAL LYNDER, DEFENDER OF ALL THAT IS TRUE, had something else on her mind. She seldom discusses national politics. I decided to wait.
“You know,” she began, “ This is the first time members of the Cerritos College Board of Trustees will be elected by district as opposed to at-large.”
“I know,” I answered. “There are five incumbents up for re-election and six challengers.”
“Are the incumbents in trouble?” she asked. “From what I can see they’ve done a good job. “
“I know that,” I said,  “the whole idea of breaking up the election into districts, was to give the district voters more say in electing them as opposed to elections-at-large where one area basically elected the trustees.”
“You mean Cerritos?” she asked.
”Yep”
.”Do you think some of the incumbents might be in trouble?” she asked.
“We’ll have to wait and see,” I replied.
“Cerritos also has an election coming up,” she said.
I wondered where she was going with this line of questioning? “Cerritos city council election will be in March,” I said. Before she could ask, I quickly said,  “We have one incumbent, Carol Chen, and one open seat that’s being vacated by Mayor Jim Edwards who can’t seek re-election because of term limits.”
“Do you know who will be running for a seat,” she asked, “beside Carol Chen?”
“It’s to early to say, but George Ray has announced he is a candidate. I also understand there will be several others seeking election to the council,” I said.
VAL LYNDER didn’t say anything. Instead she got up from the chair, umbrella in hand.”
“I held my breath as she turned toward my desk.
“I have to be going,” she said and quietly walked out of the office. Her blue high heeled tennis shoes with the white polka dots leaving indentations on the office carpeting.