Page A6 • March 8, 2012 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers Opportunities gained and lost at Redlands Tea Party forum By Harvey M. Kahn J im Bagley knows he's up against two heavyweights within the local political structure. The former mayor of Twentynine Palms is running for San Bernardino County Third Dis- trict Supervisor against incumbent Neil Derry and challenger James Ramos. In a year that has included miraculous comebacks like those from Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin, Bagley will need some of that type luck plus a few pages out of Rocky and Rudy. On paper, Bagley has little chance against the fine tuned machines of Derry and Ramos. "I'm an alternative to Neil Derry who has serious legal and ethical problems, and I am an alternative to James Ramos who is a spokesman for Indian gaming," said Bagley. "I think San Bernardino County has suffered serious ethical breeches. I want to be a positive force for change." Bagley says that much of the county's corruption comes under the cloak of closed sessions. "Im- portant county business is often conducted out of public view, ap- proved by county executives, then approved by county supervisors. The culture of corruption wouldn't occur if there was proper over- sight." Bagley was speaking after a pub- lic forum held on March 1 by the Redlands Tea Party at the Mill Creek Cattle Company in Men- tone. About 175 political observers attended the discussion, where Bagley did not win any endorse- ments yet caught the ears of the savvy audience. Bagley needed the timing and spark that he gained at the Tea Party event - one in which James Ramos did not bother to at- tend, and one that Derry showed blatant disregard for Bagley's chances. "This is actually a two- person race between James Ramos and myself," said Derry. At least Derry showed up for the March 1 event, a date that Derry and Ramos might have to look back to. Ramos had confirmed to attend the Tea Party forum but in- stead opted to attend a fundraiser in Ontario for San Bernardino Dis- trict Attorney Mike Ramos, at- tended by Governor Brown. While Ramos chose the more prestigious event, he therefore forfeited his chance to answer some serious questions. In attendance at the Tea Party were a number of local city officials, many who are Republi- can supporters of Ramos who ex- pected to at least greet their candidate. Ramos' bad timing was com- pounded because he missed a chance to win over a contingent of Occupy Redlands members who were coincidentally at the event to review topics of joint interest with the Tea Party. If by chance the Tea Party and Occupy Redlands unite in their support of Bagley, both Derry and Ramos could be facing a formative foe. However, the Redlands Tea Party forum moder- ator Phil Naman did show a bias in favor of Derry. In addition, Ramos left himself defenseless against allegations by Naman and fellow Tea Party mem- ber John Berry that Ramos would be faced with possible conflicts of interests as a member of the board of supervisors due to his affiliation with the San Manuel Casino. At question is Ramos' membership in a sovereign nation whose govern- ing body is said to differ from those of the United States. Ramos is serving as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indian Tribal Chair- man. Berry, a former reporter at the Press Enterprise, said that the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has financed unethical legal and political influence. Derry and Bagley agreed that Ramos has the ability to circumvent political cam- paign fundraising laws. "The San Manuel Casino has been a detri- ment to the local community," said Derry. "We can't rely on Indian gaming for our future economic develop- ment," said Bagley. "The County has no control over Indian gaming for economic development; any off casino investments most cer- tainly would bring tax revenue." He said casinos are exempt from normal tax provisions. Bagley said he'd like to see the county recover the $102 million that was wrongfully paid in the Colonies Development settlement. "There are still certain develop- ments that need investigating," said Bagley, who pointed out that Derry has a large and costly ad- ministrative staff. He called Derry's $240,00 total annual com- pensation as a county supervisor "shocking." Bagley said he welcomes support from all political persuasions. As a conservative, he says that operat- ing government within its means with integrity is his message. He said the conservative vote will be the deciding factor in the race for third district supervisor. "I am the new kid on the block and am not high profiled, therefore I cannot afford to alienate anyone, and wel- come support from all political persuasions." Derry and Bagley also agreed that illegal immigrants should not have the right to drive. "We need to e-verify restaurant workers," said Derry. Bagley pointed out that to run for office he had to pay a $1,501 fil- ing fee and another $7,222 to have his statement included in the voter pamphlet. "That leaves a lot of people out." His campaign is fi- nanced through friends and col- leagues, who donate from $25 up. "My candidacy provides a positive alternative for voters looking for ethical reform and transparency. If I can force a runoff, I believe I have a shot at this. I'm in this to win it." For Jim Bagley biographical info: Jim Bagleyrealtor.com. IECN COURTESY PHOTO Jim Bagley, former mayor of Twentynine Palms, is running for San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor against incum- bent Neil Derry and San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chair- man James Ramos. T he Board of Directors of Community Action Part- nership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC), one of the county’s largest non-profits serv- ing over 800,000 needy families and individuals every year, is proud to announce its 3rd Gala Fundraiser on May 17, at the Or- ange Show in San Bernardino, Ca. This year’s theme for the Gala is “Empowering People, Cultivating Change” and features the presen- tation of the Community Action Legacy Awards. CAPSBC launched the awards in 2009 to recognize and celebrate members of our community and institutions whose commitment to assist their neighbors is noteworthy because it has produced tangible results over time. The public is invited to submit nominations for the Community Action Legacy Award for the Venny H. Newman Humanitarian Award. It is given as a tribute to Ms. Newman who has dedicated her life to advocating for the poor. She was a pioneer in the establish- ment of the Dependency Preven- tion Commission in 1965, now known as Community Action Part- nership of San Bernardino County. She served as the manager of the Neighborhood Services Program where she supervised twelve com- munity centers. In 1975 Venny became a volunteer member of the agency’s Community Action Board, and served faithfully until her retirement in December 2000. Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County seeks nominations for Community Action Legacy Award Venny was also a volunteer coor- dinator for the Department of Pub- lic Social Services, and volunteered for the Girl Scouts, various PTA boards and senior programs. In addition, Venny raised seven children, all of whom have excelled academically and professionally. Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County is proud to pay tribute to Ms. Newman by presenting an award in her honor. The 2009 award recipient was Kim Carter, Executive Director, Time For Change Foundation. The 2011 re- cipient was Willie C. Ulibarri, Jr., Founder/CEO – Project Life Im- pact. Community Action agencies across America designate the month of May as National Com- munity Action Month (NCAM), a time to highlight the accomplish- ments and successes of the com- munity action network in their local communities. CAPSBC is celebrating NCAM with a series of activities designed to benefit the community and encourage citizens to learn more about CAPSBC pro- grams and services. The culmi- nating activity for Community Action month will be the 2012 Gala. If you would like to nominate a person or organization for the Venny H. Newman Humanitarian award, a nomination packet can be downloaded at www.capsbc.org or call 909-723-1512 for more in- formation. The deadline for sub- mission is Friday, March 16, 2012. All members of the community are welcome to submit an application for consideration. IECN PHOTO COURTESY COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY The Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County will be presenting its 3rd Gala Fundraiser on May 17 at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino. The organization is currently seeking nominations for the Community Action Legacy Award for the Venny H. Newman Humanitarian Award, a tribute to Ms. New- man, pictured above, who has dedicated her life advocating for the poor and establishing the Dependency Prevention Commis- sion in 1965, now known as CAPSBC. IECN6_Layout 3 3/7/12 9:49 AM Page 1