I started writing a regular opinion column for the Hollister Free Lance four and a half years ago, in December 2007. Counting those columns, opinion pieces and analyses, I’ve certainly produced more than 200 articles. I am now embarking on a new course – running for the office of mayor in the City of Hollister.
Running for elected office is not compatible with doing local political commentary as a newspaper columnist. Therefore, I’m suspending my column indefinitely and resigning from the newspaper’s Editorial Board.
Here are some excerpts from my introductory column:
“I’ve taken on the enjoyable, and probably big-headed, commitment to write opinion pieces for the Free Lance on a regular basis. I hope it works out for everyone’s benefit, especially the local readers …
About a year ago I was speaking in opposition to a Measure S at a local meeting when one of the project’s supporters introduced himself as ‘a life-long resident of San Benito County.’ He then turned and asked me, ‘Just who the heck are you?’ Hey, welcome to our version of local politics, it’s edgy and your ‘bona-fides’ are always in question unless you’re the member of a founding family – the incident still makes me laugh. I hope this first column will answer at least that question – who is Marty Richman?
I’m a guy with a life philosophy, it is to respect people and talent, but refuse to worship celebrities or politicians; after all, politicians only have the power we give them, no more … I’m only human (thus the name of the column), so I’m no exception to the rule; make up your own mind about my personal biases. If you believe that opinion writers don’t have biases you can just skip the rest of this column and go back to sleep.”
All these years later, I sincerely hope you stayed awake. Reading it now I see it was a bit snotty, but the essential elements were there. I have held true to my purpose and have expressed myself honestly and, I hope, thoughtfully. My purpose was to inform, educate and challenge. I cannot judge if I did well. Only the readers can, and that’s who I’d like to thank first. To the readers, thank you for your overwhelming support and your valuable criticism.
I also want to give sincere thanks to the ownership, the editor – and my daily contact – Kollin Kosmicki, the entire staff, and members of the editorial board past and present of the Hollister Free Lance for their invaluable help in challenging my positions, correcting my errors, sharing their thoughts and improving my writing.
Disclosure: I supported the idea of an at-large mayor for Hollister with a four-year term; the voters opted for two years. This decision is not for personal gain. I believe that I can make changes to better the city. If I am elected it is my intention to serve for a token salary of $1 a year, decline all publicly paid health benefits and pay the entire cost of any other benefit. I will not qualify for or accept any public retirement benefits associated with the office and I will ask the city council to enact those changes by resolution for the duration of my term.
Please excuse all the references to myself – a column like this can only be written in the first person.
Working with the Free Lance has been a wonderful experience and I’ll miss it.
Marty Richman is a Hollister resident.
