The CD8 special election was just the tip of the iceberg as election season pulls into full swing. Now we have new districts, a lot of races and plenty of candidates working to gain the advantage. It’s no secret that with every press release and every request, politicians are nothing short of self-serving. Candidates and their campaign managers are all about helping their cause, promoting a platform and working to outdo their opponents. Through this strategy, they have no problem using the media.

Recently, Beth Ernst, Splendido’s Life Enrichment Manager and Program Coordinator Hollis Egan, stepped out from a pool party with the residents of Splendido, to talk about the rich assortment of programs available to those who live there. Splendido is an industry leading Continuing Care Retirement Community in Tucson, home to about 300 residents. It is part of The Plaza Companies, an award-winning Arizona developer and Mather LifeWays, an Illinois not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults by providing senior living residences, and by researching and implementing Ways to Age Well.

Want to win an iPad Mini before the holidays? What about a custom-made necklace and bracelet, or a family four pack to visit Out of Africa in Sedona? This year, The Explorer is collecting toys and goodies for the children at the University Medical Center Diamond Children’s Center. The Diamond Center has children of all ages from newborn, to pre-teens, to teenagers who are often overlooked in medical centers.

Here is your chance to win a Kindle Fire, a restaurant gift basket valued at $240, or a custom-made necklace. All you have to do is get into the giving spirit just in time for the holiday season.

Thelma Grimes’ recent editorial (Oct. 10 edition) “Thoughts on Candidates” deserves a response. Apparently Thelma does not like my debating style or the questions that I ask of my opponent. Rather than tell you I believe Thelma is biased I would ask you to listen to the Buckmaster debate she refers to? Then you can decide if I’m “hulk angry” or simply a passionate debater asking the tough questions.  The podcast of the debate is posted on the Bill Buckmaster website at, http://www.buckmastershow.com.  

During the last two weeks, 33 young men and women participated in the Explorer Academy held at the Golder Ranch Fire District’s training facility.

During the month of May, Explorer Publisher Ryan Kedzierski challenged the entire staff to look beyond the office and do something that helps the community. The staff was split into two teams, and they definitely rose to the challenge. One team was led by Kedzierski, and the other by me. Each team had a month to come up with the project ideas and present them.

Best Breakfast

Last Saturday, members of the Oro Valley Police Department's Explorer program held a car wash to support their post and start another.