By Romeo Agbalog, Executive Director, Kern County Farm Bureau
September marks the beginning of autumn in the northern hemisphere and the start of spring in the southern. September is traditionally considered the month that marks transitions between seasons, and for the Kern County Farm Bureau (KCFB), it marks more than just a change in the weather but transition and change in terms of our leadership and governance team too.
September will mark the end of the presidential term of John C. Moore, III., the beginning of new terms for members of our board of directors, and the election of new officers, including the election of a new president. Though you may have new faces in leadership positions at KCFB, you will have the same commitment and dedication to advocacy, support, and promotion of our local agriculture interests.
It’s no secret that these are challenging times for the agriculture industry, from drought to curtailments, regulations to volatile markets, and the persistent threat to private property and water rights. Perhaps a transition of political sorts could be helpful. A gubernatorial recall election will be held on September 14th. It’s just the second time in California’s history that a gubernatorial recall has qualified for the ballot. The first, you may recall, no pun intended, was in 2003 when then Governor Gray Davis was removed from office (just the second Governor to be recalled in U. S. history) and was replaced by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Being just the second time in our state’s history that a gubernatorial recall election is taking place, its understandable that voters may have some questions about just how this election works. To help, the California Farm Bureau Federation has developed a new website to demystify the process, CFBF.com/Recall. This website will breakdown the recall election process, assist with the questions voters will be posed with on the ballot, provide information on the candidates, and share the latest news on the recall election. I would encourage you to take a look, especially if change and transition are on your mind.
Lastly, a sincere thank you to the members of the board of directors who will cycle off the board at the conclusion of their terms. I appreciate your service, support, and dedication to KCFB, and I know local area agriculture appreciates you too. And to John C. Moore, III, “fair winds and following seas.”
