Posted by Tsismis' political watchdawg Emeliano ''Jo Jo'' Orencia

           Amid all of the excitement and historical nature of the 2008 general election, there is wide-ranging agreement that "change" and "progress" and "results" occur more likely on the local scene than the national.  What with all the partisanship, a dysfunctional Congress, special interests, lobbyists and, did I mention, hyper-partisanship, it has become patently clear that Washington, D.C. is, indeed, a gravesite for the aforementioned terms in quotations.  If you're looking for answers to every day and real life issues, then:  look at and participate in the grass-roots movement of community; stay on top of decisions made by City Council and the Mayor; seek out appointed positions in the city; and you will likely recognize that the real difference is within our fingertips or, at least, a short bike ride away.

            Last Friday, I was invited to attend a "Meet and Greet" for Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera Oberndorf at a local resident's home and the house was filled with about 100 guests, mostly Filipinos with varying degrees of age, economic status and party affiliation.  Now, this is when the milieu can become toxic because, at times, the third rail of social discourse is sports, religion and, oh yes, politics, particularly when the diversity of ideology moves toward collision.  Surprisingly, as I made my way around the room and spoke with the attendees, not espousing any allegiance save for the perception of where my politics rest and organically making conversation but not geared or having to touch on politics, I found the group to be very even-handed and focused on how our community of Virginia Beach could be improved.  When discussions moved towards the general election, most of my interviewees may have had differences with either of the candidates but none of them were fanatics or unwilling to listen and respect another's views.  This despite the fact that for brief moments, I had to fend off the "So how does it feel to be a socialist?" attacks from someone who I am assured was sent by my childhood friend and Councilman Ron Villaneuva - but that is a story for another day and another blog. 

            After the enjoyment of really great cuisine - what would a Filipino soirée be without this feature? - Mayor Oberndorf spoke and did so with a naturalness and impolitic style which we could only dream of in our other more ballyhooed national and state politicians.  She was literally speaking from a place of citizen to citizen - no talking points, teleprompters or note cards, just from the heart.  In that "she had me at hello" moment, arose when she said, "I was born an only child but having been associated with the Filipino community for so long makes me feel like this is my extended family."  This is not pandering at all because I have seen the Honorable Mayor at events, not just Filipino-related, whether small or large and she is always humble and willing to just be a part of the tapestry rather than make some audacious appearance and I have not seen photographers or press accompany her.  Her humanity, sincerity and sensibility of being a fellow citizen are why I have always been an admirer - I could just pinch her every time I see her.  I would be an ardent supporter no matter her status as mayor or otherwise but it is the tangible things that she has helped accomplish and speaks of going forward that motivates me, along with many others, to support her candidacy.  Real issues with real results.  Not just some amorphous, warm and fuzzy, hard to measure mantra. 

            As Mayor Oberndorf moved to the heart of her speech, she spoke of economic development, quality of life issues and education - of her past record and future aspirations if bestowed the honor of serving our community and for me, it was conspicuous in that her presentation did not occupy the typical politics of today.  She did not attack her opponents nor did she ascribe to social issues - that while they have a place in politics because of their possible legislative consequences - they should not and were not the forefront of what regular citizens care about every day - jobs, health care, energy costs, improvements to our educational system, etc. and for this, I was most appreciative as were the gathered company on this evening.  Her fifteen minute soliloquy plainly presented an agenda of those long-lost attributes in politicos of substance, competence and a real vision for her constituency. 

            Maybe one day the historians will look at the tenure of Mayor Oberndorf and her ilk of grass-roots politicians and write kindly of a person who should be amongst the gold standard for the aspirations of the future and how their works should be tied to the community and not their own self-interests.  But before that happens, let's affirm her request in that living room of "Please renew my contract to serve you for another term."  And no - there was nary a "wink", "you betcha" or even the hint of "Joe the Plumber" to be found. 

           Small miracles do exist.    

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