History on write-in candidates

Write-in candidates, past and present

Earlier today I visited the Registrar of Voters to get a current list of write-in candidates and posted that information on the Juice blog.

I thought it might be of value to share some trivia on write-in candidates. i.e. In 1992 consumer advocate Ralph Nader ran for President in the New Hampshire primary. In 1954 South Carolina’s Strom Thurman was elected to that state senate as a write-in. After losing his Congressional bid in the primary Ron Packard won as a write-in Independent defeating both the Republican and Democrat standard bearers. And closer to home let’s not overlook Judge John Adams who won as a write-in when he defeated Judge Ron Kline who was found having child pornography on his home computer.

The bottom line is that although running as a write-in is a long shot we have evidence of winners from a Judge to members of Congress.

Let me provide some information on the latest write-in candidate who filed this morning. F.K. Holtzman, better known as “Joe” for those who know him in south County, filed for a seat on the Santa Margarita Water District Board. Although water district posts may not get a lot of media coverage, their duties and responsibilities are critical to our quality of life, especially with a finite supply of water and the anticipated development in this area.

“Joe” is no stranger to the political process having assisted and walking precincts for nine different candidates for city, county and statewide positions during the past four years.

In asking him what made him decide to run he said: “After examining the other candidates–I have decided to become a write-in candidate for the Santa Margarita Water District. In seeing the explosive growth that is planned with the added new housing (residents and businesses in Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Las Flores, Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo Ranch Project and Talega),it is time to plan ahead on this issue BEFORE it happens.”

“Joe” Holtzman, a retired Fortune 100 business executive, has been a resident of Mission Viejo for the past 24 years. As Director of Procurement for McDonnell Douglas, Joe was responsible for major Contract negotiations and on-time delivery from thousands of suppliers for major commercial and military programs. Most recently he was an elected member of the Mission Viejo Environmental Association Board of Directors. MVEA is the largest homeowner association in Mission Viejo with 3,000 homes and is responsible for maintaining over 170 acres of common areas. During his tenure on MVEA Joe successfully promoted and executed major water conservation/reduction without an increase in homeowner fees.

In deciding to run for this seat he wanted the voters to make note of this commitment. “I pledge to you a stepped up water conservation and cost reductions programs for the SMWD–just like I did in industry and with MVEA.  I have NO special interest ties and will not accept campaign donations.  All meeting attendance fee’s/payments will be donated to a local area organization to be spent in our water district.”
If you have any questions for Joe simply email him at: joeholtzman@cox.net.
He aske dif I would remind the voters to please do write my name on your ballot—F.K.Holtzman. Thank you!

In a recent discussion with Joe he said that “based on my many years of industry experience and having an understanding of water related issues I know I could do a great job for the Santa Margarita Water District SMWD.”  Having worked side by side with Joe for the past six years I believe him. He is a caring and dedicated resident who is not afraid to call for audits and contract evaluations.

Joe received his B.A. from University of Toledo, he earned his M.A. at Eastern Michigan University and a certificate in Executive Education from U.C.I.

In his spare time you will find Joe in the stands critiquing Mission Viejo Diablo football games. He is currently serving as Secretary of the Mission Viejo Heritage Committee.

Larry Gilbert