The AAUW (American Association of University Women) presented a free panel discussion on the evening of Thursday, October 20, 2011 at the Government Center on the procedure, how and what of running for public office (With Audio)

The AAUW(American Association of University Women) presented a free panel discussion on the evening of Thursday, October 20, 2011 at the Mariposa County Government Center on the procedure, how and what of running for public office. The panel consisted of Keith Williams, Bill Davis and Bob Brown. There were around two dozen interested residents in the audience including Supervisor Kevin Cann and Sheriff Doug Binnewies.

Audio is in minutes and seconds and time is approximate.
 
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0:00 Mariposa County Tax Collector/ Registrar of Voters/County Clerk Keith Williams provided information on filing dates and fees. A key date for filing is December 30, 2011 when signature in lieu paperwork goes out and is due back by February 23, 2012.

13:55 Mr. Williams talks about the redistricting and how it will affect the upcoming election. Information will be on the County Website.

17:30 Positions that will be open in Mariposa Countyinclude: three Board of Supervisors positions (Lyle Turpin, Kevin Cann, Jim Allen's seat), Judge Dana Walton's position, Three seats on the Lake Don Pedro Water District, Three John C. Fremont Hospital Board seats and three School Board positions.

19:30 New Ballot Features are mentioned by Mr. Williams. Election costs are mentioned including poll costs and mailing costs.

30:00 There are about 11,000 registered voters in the county.

34:50 Mariposa County District Attorney Bob Brown mentions his experiences in running for District Attorney including what he feels works and does not work in Mariposa County. He has run for office four times in Mariposa County. Mr. Brown mentions yard signs and the most important thing to do is knocking on doors for campaigning and that it is easy to win when you can run unopposed.

42:15 Bob Brown mentions Sheriff Doug Binnewies and how Mr. Binnewies ran the most effective, best organized campaign that he has seen in Mariposa County.

43:40 Mariposa County Auditor William "Bill" Davis mentions his experiences in running for office including what he feels works and does not work in Mariposa County.  He mentions; do not try to get your message out to everyone and get the voting list and concentrate on the people on the list. Mr. Davis recommends a mailing of three times to the voters and also knocking on doors. He visited 2,500 houses in his campaign.

48:30 Mr. Williams agrees with an audience member who mentioned being knowledgeable about the office the person is running for. Mr Williams mentions going to community events and that one person knows ten others.

52:30 The panel responds to an audience question about were there things about the position that surprised them once they were elected?