SOUNDING OFF:

Well, folks, it’s that time of the year again. Pretty soon all those turkeys will have been roasted and devoured, and half the population will fall into a tryptophan-induced stupor. I love it!

It’s also time to contemplate all those blessing for which we are giving thanks. As always, I’m thankful for my lovely and patient wife and for those family members and friends who tolerate these rants. I’m also grateful to those of you who are moved to write about them — both positively and negatively. At least you’re paying attention.

This year I’m especially thankful for those brave souls who decided they could make a difference chose to run for a seat on the City Council. Of course, we had the four politicians — Gary Monahan, Eric Bever, Katrina Foley and Jim Righeimer. Businessman Chris Bunyan tried again. What was most fascinating to me were the newbies who ran this year — Lisa Reedy, Bill Sneen, Chris McEvoy and Nick Moss. When compared to the “old pros” they all ran thin campaigns. McEvoy, for example, enlisted his father to help him make his signs. While certainly not “professional,” they did represent McEvoy’s attitude and spunk. I was amazed by the number of votes he and Reedy managed to snag. More than 7,000 voters decided those two would make good council members. Thanks to all the new folks for giving it their best shot. I hope we see them again.

I’m particularly thankful for Foley, who ran another solid campaign and ended up the second-highest vote-getter to re-tread Monahan. She ran knowing full-well that her voice will be in the minority most of the time. This year I’m especially thankful for the Daily Pilot, which has managed to struggle along as part of the chaotic Tribune Co. I know Brady Rhoades and Paul Anderson will do their best to keep the ship afloat. I hope they are successful.

If the Daily Pilot ceases to exist that will mean the loss of our local newspaper of record for a century! Since the election there have been several articles about the vote on Proposition 8. The resultant comment threads online have produced more than 250 comments by people representing a wide diversity of opinions. Some of those have been stated with great clarity and passion. Others had the passion but not the skill to express the views — yet they were published for all to read. In my opinion, this forum is critical to the debate of important issues in our area. In these troubled times we’re all going to have to find creative ways to manage our lives, both municipal and personal. From the municipal standpoint, I continue to be thankful to City Manager Allan Roeder for the steady hand he applies to the helm of our city.

I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. As you stuff yourselves, take a moment to give those you love a big hug and thank them for the contributions they make in your lives.

GEOFF WEST lives in Costa Mesa.