John On Camera

Between attacking ethics guidelines for state government (or the lack thereof) to leading some of the most active student groups on his campus to running for city office, my darling husband John seemed to find himself on camera fairly often. That's where being married to a PR pro comes in handy for him.

We've done a number of pre- and post-interview media training. Looking at this, I can see so much improvement from his first on-camera interview years ago. The big thing I worked on with John (and that he nailed here) is knowing where they are shooting you (cut at the waist, shoulders etc.) and staying inside your "box."

John talks with his hands, so sitting this still while still seeming so natural comfortable and articulate is awesome. If you are a hand-talker (I know I'm guilty!) then just give it try. Sit on your hands and try to make a coherent point. It's hard!

Each of the Councilmen did a "Quality of Life" video. John's was the first one posted because he was the only one that needed no editing. That's my little media darling.

How a Politician Gives You the Bird

A few weeks ago, a candidate for House District 31 stopped by the house. She missed us, but left a handbill with a handwritten personalize sticky note. "{phone} {email}Beautiful orange door! Sorry I missed you. AJ Jones."

I'm impressed. We are more politically active than your average family (not hard!), and John and I know firsthand how hard it is to walk the ward much less the district. So I take a look to learn more.

AJ bills herself as a "Common Sense Conservative." Um, what does that mean? Are you a democrat or a republican? In Oklahoma "Common Sense Conservative" could mean either. I keep reading.

On the next page, there is a typo that is so bad I honestly didn't understand the sentence. And the kicker: the longest bullet on the entire handbill describes her husband. Evidently, he is proof of her "values." All this tells me is that she values her husband's qualifications over her own.

Ok, so I'll go the website to see more about her. Only, there is no website. The first day I checked, there was only a hosting page that stated the domain was purchased. A week later a "Coming Soon" splash image appeared. As of this writing, the page is still coming soon.

Then this shows up downtown:

Are you kidding me? This billboard is in the historic district! I soon learned I wasn't the only one annoyed by this. I explained this to AJ in an email on May 31.

AJ,
People in Guthrie are talking, but I doubt it's in a way you hoped. Everyone is intrigued by your campaign. You've been out in the neighborhoods--I know you stopped by my home--signs are starting to go up, and I've even heard Chuck introduced you to some folks at the coffee shop.

The only problem is the very, very large sign--more of a billboard, really--right smack dab in the historic district. I'm not the only person upset by this. One of our civic leaders has already spoken to the city attorney about this. It seems since you are political candidate, your sign is somehow exempt from our historic preservation regulations. So no one will force you to remove the sign on the White Rock Cafe. That is until the sign ordinance our city council has been working on for more than a year passes this summer.

Our beautiful Victorian downtown is our number one attraction and we are heading into tourism season. If you would like to impress the people of Guthrie, please have some respect for the integrity of our historic regulations and the community itself.

Bonnie Ann Cain, APR (registered Republican)

I received no automated response. The next day, nothing. The next week, nothing. Maybe Team AJ is as good at checking email as they are at updating the website. But, today I got a surprise. She wrote back. Here was her response:

Dear Ms. Cain:
Thank you so much for your thoughtful concern about our beautiful town. I too love our Victorian downtown. I apologize for not responding to your e-mail sooner, but I was researching and conversing with some people regarding your concern about my campaign sign. I have made every effort to ensure that the sign is only temporary. It will be removed after the July 27 primary. In making the decision to use the sign, I sought several people's opinions. They assured me that since we are in the political season, the temporary sign would not be offensive. They pointed out several other signs which are larger and have permanent placement. Again, thank you for your concern. Please do not hesitate to phone me or e-mail if you wish further information.
AJ Jones

Now that is how you give someone the bird. At least she's got one thing down.

I'm not sure who these people she talked to were. I'm guessing it wasn't the code enforcement office, or any downtown business owner who has struggled to remain in compliance, or the economic development office. And I thought I'd made it pretty clear the people I've talked to do find the sign offensive. As for taking the sign down after July 27, I'm hoping she won't have a need to campaign after that day.

And what are these larger permanent signs? Is she talking about these?

These couldn't be it. These are actually adding to the historic district. But these were the only other billboards I saw in downtown. Maybe I'm just so used to these other larger permanent signs I've tuned them out.

Pet Pics Can Win Prizes

Think you have the cutest pup or kitty? Snap a picture and you could win $100.

FOGAS (Friends of the Guthrie Animals) is hosting a Cool Cats, Dashing Dogs Photo Contest this spring. The contest is open now and the deadline is April 15. (That should be an easy deadline to remember, I think something else is due that day...)

It's $5 per entry; enter as many times as you like. The extra money goes to support FOGAS's low-cost spay and neuter program.

John and I plan to enter a couple times. You should, too. If you think your pet can beat out that cute face above.

Christmas Train is Coming to Guthrie

The Christmas Train is coming, the Christmas Train is coming! I love riding the train, and soon it will be coming to my hometown, Guthrie.

The Guthrie Chamber of Commerce has been working with ODOT and Amtrak to set up a special visit to Guthrie by the Heartland Flyer. The Heartland Flyer is scheduled to arrive in Guthrie December 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th: the first weekend of the Territorial Walk.

If this year's Christmas Train is successful, there is a chance we could have train service for all of Guthrie Festivals. Amtrak has agreed to provide this year's service for at no charge to the city and use it as a pilot for future endeavors.

The train holds 200 passengers. It will leave from OKC, Thursday December 10 at 9:35 p.m. and arrive in Guthrie at 10:55 p.m. Passengers can expect an after-hours reception before they take a walk through town for a little late night shopping. There are plenty of hotels or B&Bs where you can stay over. You be able to get around town via the trolley or rental car, or weather permitting, even a horse drawn carriage.

Amtrak tickets are currently $7 per person for one way, the price could go up to $11 the longer you wait! For Tickets Call: 1-800-USA- rail or visit www.amtrak.com (use the code GUT to bring up the Guthrie Christmas Train).

What a great way to have some holiday fun and do your part to show the powers-that-be that Oklahomans want and will use a light rail system.

I Heart My Public Library

As you may have guessed working in a library for 14 years has made me a big library fan, but it's not just my beloved OSU Library. My library-love extends to my awesome public library as well.

I serve on the Guthrie City Library Board, and our fantastic library director, Linda, ask the Board if we could share some info about a cool new resource at our library.

--Press Release from GPL---
Free Courses and Practice Tests Online at Guthrie Public Library

GUTHRIE--Improving the job search process, preparing for career certification, raising college entrance test scores and improving 21st century basic skills are all possible with just the click of a mouse at your local library!

Visit www.guthrielibrary.com and enjoy free, unlimited access to interactive skill-building courses in math, reading and writing as well as a broad range of practice tests based on official exams such as the ACT, SAT, GED, ASVAB, Allied Healthcare, Firefighter, Police Officer, Paramedic, EMT Basic, U.S. Citizenship, Postal Worker, Cosmetology, Real Estate Agent and Broker Exams.

This valuable service is available 24/7 from any internet-enabled computer—in your library, your office, and even from your home!

To find out more about how you can access LearningExpress Library, call Linda Gens, 405-282-0050 or stop by and ask any of your friendly library staff for more information.

The LearningExpress LibraryTM online learning platform provides more than 770 of the most up-to-date test-preparation and skill-building resources, helping both students and adults prepare for a wide range of academic and career-oriented exams as well as to improve basic skills in reading, writing and math. In addition, job-skills tutorials are available to assist in creating a great resume, expanding job search and networking skills, honing interviewing techniques, and improving business communications. Patrons also have the option of selecting from more than 130 e-book titles to help learners of all ages prepare for success. The innovative platform includes self-paced study, instant scoring and diagnostic feedback and can be accessed from any computer that has an Internet connection.

###

We Made It!

This morning was the first-ever Guthrie Clearwater Ride. John and I signed up about 6 weeks ago and we had the best of intentions to train for the ride. Unfortunately, the non-stop rain really put a crimp in that plan.

So, I was a little worried when we headed out this morning. Turns out the original optimism I had when I signed up was actually on track. I thought 18 miles on a bike isn't so bad, we're in good shape we can do it. What do you know, I was right!

We hit one rest stop at mile 7, and that was the only break I took. I was pretty proud of that fact. I will admit about that time I was thinking, "ok I could really use an endorphin rush right about now." Luckily, my body obliged around the half-way point. I was feeling really great, happy even. When I saw a huge hill looming around mile 12 and thought with a bit of glee "oooh, that's a big one!" I realized I was definitely high on something, because that was certainly not my reaction during the first 5 miles.

So big pat on the back to me!! Oh, and John and Mom and Dad. They did it too.

Meeting Highlight: Rudy the Police Dog

Three policemen.



But this one was the cutest.

The highlight of tonight's city council meeting (for me at least) was getting to meet Rudy, Guthrie's police dog. He was so sweet, such a lover. Rudy is 3 and a half and has been working for Guthrie since October.

I asked his "partner" what Rudy does for us, and he told me Rudy is a multiple purpose canine officer. He does narcotic searches, tracking, body recovery and biting. Yep, that's exactly how the officer put it: "biting."

It was hard to believe as Rudy was nuzzling my knee and trying to give kisses, but evidently this dog will take you down.

89er Day in Guthrie

Yesterday was the 89er Day Parade in Guthrie. John and Sarah were both in the parade, so I went and took pictures. Boy, did I take pictures! Here's a small sample. I'll be posting the best of the best on Flickr soon.

First thing, I tracked down Sarah and Christina.

They got the whole team to come out and pose for photos. Aren't Roller Girls sweet?

The trick ropers were awesome. How cute is this little guy?

And, what's a parade without horses...

...and classic cars...

...and bands...

...and old men on tiny bikes...

...and old men on giant bikes...

Here's John on the Guthrie Noon Lion's float.

Hooray, it's the Roller Derby! Sarah and Christina are tossing candy to their adoring fans.

Of course, at the end of the day, there were a few pieces of candy no one wanted.

Bow Wow Luau

John hasn't even been sworn in yet and already the Councilman benies are coming in. Today, we were comped two tickets to the Bow Wow Luau.

We were already planning to go to the Luau, and one of John's friends told an organizer we were interested. Bam, free tickets. I should actually say "free" tickets because John and I are planning on writing a check at the event that will more than cover the $20 for the two tickets. But still, it kind of makes you feel all warm and fuzzy that someone wanted you especially to be there.

And who wouldn't want to be there?! It's going to be awesome. The Luau is May 16 at 6 pm; Dr. Anna, one of the super duper bestest vets ever, is hosting. There is going to be a pig roast (even as a flexitarian, I'm intrigued to see this!), an auction, door prizes, hula girls, and cocktails ($10 tickets and there are drinks? Score). All the proceeds from the tickets and the auction go to support the low cost spay and neuter program in Guthrie.

I know, I know, now you're thinking "Gosh, Bonnie, I want to go to the Bow Wow Luau." Well, you can. Stop by the Guthrie Pet Hospital or the Emporium in downtown Guthrie and pick up your $10 tickets. And Dr. Anna is so nice, I'd bet if you wanted to just call the Pet Hospital (at 405-28-8796) and make reservations, they'd let you pay at the door.

In Training! Guthrie Clear Water Ride Here I Come!

John and I are officially registered for the inaugural Guthrie Clear Water Ride. The ride takes place on Saturday, May 16. It begins in downtown Guthrie at 8 a.m. You can register for an 18, 35, 55 or 65 mile ride.

The money raised by the Guthrie Clear Water Ride will go towards the construction of our new water treatment plant. Our current plant is outdated and performing well below capacity. The new plant is slated for completion in 2010 and will cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $10.2 million. That's a pretty steep price tag for small financially struggling town.

I am quite proud of our community for coming together in such a creative way to help the city. Even if you're not from Guthrie, you should think about dusting off your bicycle and coming down to our beautiful little town. It's going to be a nice ride through the country, and you can get your civic engagement on.

It's been a long time since I've rode an extended distance, so John and I opted for the 18-mile ride. Looks like it's time to pull the bike out of winter storage and start training.

If you want to join us, you can register online. Early bird fee (deadline April 30) is $20, or $30 for a tandem.