Interview - Mike Gardner

Recently I met with Mike Gardner, the candidate running against incumbent Dom Betro for the Ward One City Council seat. His website at www.MikeForWard1.com boosts of experience, dedication, and integrity. I don’t agree with him on all issues, but I think that he is best for our city. We met at the Back to the Grind Coffee Shop for a one-hour interview where the environmentally friendly Mike rode to on his Segway Personal Transporter. [He let me test it out.] Mike is the candidate that I support for this office. I hope that this condensed interview will bring most of you around to my point of view. A recording of the complete interview can be found on the left side of this page.



Mike Gardner came to Riverside 36 years ago to finish his education at UCR. He has lived in the same house in the Grand Avenue – Wood Streets area of Ward 1 for 32 years. He and his wife Joyce have raised three children whom have graduated from Riverside pubic schools.


Most recently, Mike led the fight to block the sale of Tequesquite Park and the Market Street Frontage of Fairmount Park. Without a concerted community effort, the Council would have sold or leased this property to developers.


He has been an active volunteer with the Riverside Fire Department for over ten years helping with public education programs and sitting on the Department’s Disaster Preparedness Committee where he served as Vice Chair from 2000 to 2006 when the committee was dissolved. He served on the Mayor’s Advisory Committee and was Vice Chair of the Quality of Life Subcommittee. He is an active responder for the Riverside Fire Buffs, a volunteer organization that on request brings refreshments to firefighters at major incidents. He is an active member of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce and served on a Division Board. In 2000, he was recognized by the City of Riverside as the Municipal Volunteer of the year.


Aric Isom: OK, Mike let’s get some basics out of the way. Although this is not supposed to matter in city government, are you Demarcate or Republican? Conservative or Liberal?


Mike Gardner: Well, I’m registered as a Republican, but I find that I support candidates and issues on both sides of the line. The label is not as important as the issues. I’m a fiscal conservative, and a social moderate.


Aric: In federal law we have what are called “protected groups”, which in terms of employment laws are groups of people that are distinguished by special characteristics such as their race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, age (over 40), disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Some of your critics feel that you may not be able to relate to these groups. Have you heard of the term “angry white male”?


Mike: Other than my age it is true that I am not a member of any minority group, but it doesn’t mean that I can’t relate or haven’t any feelings for these groups. One example, back when I was in Berkley, attending Merritt College, during the start up period of the Black Panther movement, on a very segregated campus, I walked into a local café’ that was considered Panther territory. As I walked through the group of mostly Black people I got stares and attitude that made it clear that I wasn’t welcome. This is in spite of the fact that I had no ill thoughts or feelings towards anyone in that room. I just wanted something to eat. Not a good feeling. It is true that I’m White and not gay, but that should not be held against me. [No such thing as reverse discrimination, just discrimination.]


Aric: As for your personal life, what type of games do you play? Do you play Poker?


Mike: In the past I’ve played Poker, Chess, Cribbage, and Go, but not so much any more. My main hobby is the Riverside Live Steamers at Hunter Park. [These are narrow gauge (4 ¾" & 7 ½") trains which enthusiasts and hobbyists employ for the purpose of educating people in railroad history and lore and to further the avocation of live steam railroad technology.]


Aric: What are your views on equal marriage rights?


Mike: I have no problem with civil unions that have “all” of the rights of a full marriage, but I have a problem with the word “Marriage”, I guess it has to do with the way that I was taught growing up.


Aric: Do you feel that you would be able to work well with others with differing views than yourself?


Mike: I work well with others; I have friends and acquaintances of every stripe.


Aric: Do you support the Arts and cultural endeavors of the city?


Mike: I support the city’s efforts to make Riverside a “City of the Arts”, but I think that the results are hit and miss. I like the idea of the newly created city position that will boost the city’s efforts.


Aric: What about the city’s efforts to help get the homeless off of the street, and end homelessness within 10 years?


Mike: It’s a good program, but it is too small [We need a bigger budget].


Aric: What changes need to be made to our city government?


Mike: We need to get the citizens to take a look at the way City Council works. I believe our Council members are there to listen to what citizens have to say. Council members owe citizens an opportunity to speak their piece. They don’t have to agree, but they do have to listen – respectfully and attentively. This has not been happening. Right now the people like going to their elected officials when they have a problem, but the system is set up for the citizens to go to each individual department to deal with problems. It is set up in the City Charter that way.


Aric: We are almost eight years into the 21st century, how has the leap from the 20th century affected your life and views?


Mike: Growing up, when I was in school being tardy was unheard of, we would rather miss school all together than be late. Getting sent to the principles office was like a felony. We had more respect back when I was younger. We need that today. [We also have cooler technology today.]


Aric: Have you ever been actively involved in any type of protest movement?


Mike: During college I started out protesting the Vietnam War, but I left that group when it started being more about doing damage, breaking windows, and doing more harm then good.


Mike had a lot of interesting things to say, he spoke of other issue not printed here, such as the suicide of his son, how to help the homeless, the downtown parking problem, eminent domain, and other city issues, but don’t worry it was all recorded. For the complete unedited audio recording of this interview go to the Audio Posts section on the left side of the blog page. As always please post your comments and opinions in the comment section at the bottom of each article on the blog page, http://www.aricisom.com/. You can also post to past articles in there proper location at the bottom of each. I look forwards to your feedback. Please take note of the new features, such as the daily news feed, video clips, visitor polls, outside links, and Java games.