TAKING NOTES:

This week, we concluded three days of endorsement interviews with all the political candidates from both the Costa Mesa and Newport Beach city councils, except for one — who never responded to our request.

We would have interviewed the school board candidates, but they are all running unopposed.

Doing those interview always makes for long and busy days with meetings sometimes going back to back to back.

But in the end, they are always worth it because we meet good people and learn so much.

What we learned this election year, dear readers, is that while the economy may be crumbling faster than a soggy saltine cracker and despair is gripping the nation from Wall Street to Main Street, those running for local office bring a lot of hope and energy.

In both cities there are a number of candidates who impressed us with their ideas and calls to public service.

Why anyone would want to run for elected office is beyond me.

It’s a thankless job with little pay and a huge commitment of time.

The reward is to be the target of angry community members and half-cocked newspaper columnists, like yours truly.

Come to think of it, that’s probably why the school board members don’t have any opponents.

While Newport Beach has plenty of pressing issues to help voters pick which candidate is best suited to serve, Costa Mesa is an especially interesting race this time around.

With three seats open and nine candidates running, including incumbents Mayor Eric Bever and Councilwoman Katrina Foley, the end result could change not only the tenor and disposition of the entire council but even its direction and policies.

Which brings me to the real reason I’m writing today: to encourage the readers to get to know the council candidates better and make an informed choice Nov. 4.

From 6 to 7:30 p.m. next Wednesday at the Costa Mesa City Council chambers, I will be one of two panelists asking questions of the nine candidates at a debate sponsored by the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, CMTV, Churm Media and the Daily Pilot.

Joining me on the panel will be Ann Stawicki, the chairwoman of the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce board of directors. Also, Steve Churm, the publisher of OC Metro, will be the debate’s moderator.

I encourage all of you to show up for the debate in person or tune in from home on CMTV Channel 24 for the live broadcast.

I believe viewers will find the same thing we did. That Costa Mesa, no matter whom they elect or reelect will be in good hands because so many good and bright people are willing to stick their neck out and run for office.

As for our endorsement choices, we’ll be making those public Oct. 19. So check in with us then to see if we made the right picks.

Meantime, I hope to see you at City Hall next Wednesday. Make sure you stop by and say hello.

TONY DODERO is the director of news and online. He can be reached by phone at (714) 966-4608 or via e-mail at [email protected].