By Patric Hedlund

New Supervisor David Couch campaigned in 2012 on the promise to restore an elected MAC to the Mountain Communities.

But it appears County Administrator John Nilon has convinced him to pretend that never happened.

Maybe Couch’s staff has convinced people that elections are just too expensive if you happen to live in a rural town.

Democracy? That’s for city folk.

Throughout our rural mountain region, whether in Kern County or Los Angeles County or Ventura County, residents of unincorporated areas face major challenges in seeking effective partnership with county supervisors and bureaucracies based a half-day’s drive away in urban centers.

Over the last three years residents voted with their feet by staying away from the MCMAC (Mountain Communities Municipal Advisory Council) meetings after Kern County Supervisor Ray Watson snatched away the Mountain Community’s plan to elect their own council. He insisted on appointing the members. People boycotted their meetings.

It appears Bakersfield believes the people of the Mountain Communities have a short attention span. And maybe it is true.

Maybe you’ve all forgotten that it meant something to you to know you had completely independent representatives dedicated to working for your goals and future.

Maybe they are right. Maybe no one will show up on Thursday, June 13 and Wednesday, June 19 at 6:30 p.m. to David Couch’s Town Halls. Maybe no one will step up to claim the right to elect their own council again. I admit I hope they are wrong. I hope you will be there to speak up for your rights. This is one of those moments when no one else can do it for you. It’s your voice. Use it or lose it.

6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13 Fraz Mtn Prk Cmmty Ctr

6:30 p.m.  Wednesday June 19 Pine Mtn Clubhouse

This is part of the June 14, 2013 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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