Love in the Time of Monrovia Elections

One candidate has the ultimate spousalsupport

ByTerry Miller

I recently scanned Facebook only to find aninordinate amount of self-promotion and advertising for the upcoming Marchmunicipal election in Monrovia as well as that other election slated forNovember.

Monrovia candidates are blitzing potentialvoters on Facebook — particularly with everything from offering campaign yardsigns, posting pictures of yard signs in front of residents’ homes and candidatesupport buttons, to selling CBD oils to cure what ails you.

Then there are the comments, lots of commentseverywhere about everyone. Not all of them flattering.

When viewing political ads on Facebook, keep in mind that Mark Zuckerberg, the chief executive of Facebook, has made it clear that Facebook will not fact check ads from politicians — even if they contain lies — in the interest of free speech. But the social network is discussing some ad changes, like restricting how precisely campaigns can reach specific groups, said three people briefed by the company.

However, there is love in the time of cholera.

There is an analogy to Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s above mentioned novel. Candidate Becky Shevlin and husband Chris have been in love since they were 8 years old. That in itself is newsworthy.

Candidate Shevlin’s husband, Chris, has by farthe best.  perhaps most unique and decidedlyhonest approach to advertising — without using social media.

Chris walks the streets of Monrovia with asandwich board complete with holiday lights surrounding the sign. Somethingright out of the 1930s akin to newsboys touting the latest front page: “Extra!Extra! Read all about it!” 

On Tuesday evening Monrovia Weekly followedChris for part of his 5-plus mile (which is essentially the entire length ofthe famous Rose Parade) trek up Foothill Boulevard. The feedback from drivers,including a local Monrovia police officer, was extremely positive and severalthumbs-up helped the candidate’s husband continue his hike into the dusk.

He gets to chat firsthand with voters in thecity and is able to give their feedback to his wife. “I’ve been in love withBecky since I was 8-years-old. This is one way I can show her how much I loveher,” Chris said with a gleam in his eyes.

Clever, funny and simply a marvelous concept toget political messages to the man in the street. Novel and analog. What aconcept.

As a colleague of mine so aptly stated, thisdemonstrates the ultimate in spousal support and truly depicts what theMonrovia way really means.

For the record, Monrovia Weekly still publishes aweekly newspaper and corresponding website. Please keep us in mind when you getmad or frustrated with Facebook or other social media. We’ve been keeping the communityinformed for 22 years and will continue to do so in perpetuity.

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