Politics & Government

Ramos Pulls Out of SB Supervisor Candidate Forum

Staffers for Ramos, who is running for the county's third district supervisor, say he has a scheduling conflict.

James Ramos, candidate for San Bernardino County Supervisor, has pulled out of a March 1 candidate’s forum that will be hosted by the Redlands Tea Party Patriots, according to the event’s organizers.

Ramos cited a scheduling conflict.

Tea Party members said they were confused and disappointed by the reasons behind the cancellation.

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“As residents of San Bernardino County we were looking forward to learning about his views on the future of our County,” Redlands Tea Party committee member Annie Rumary said in a written statement. “In addition, this forum would have given Mr. Ramos the opportunity to defend any accusations levied against him.”

“We hope he realizes the incredible opportunity this forum provides, and the face time with his constituents, is greater than money can buy,” Rumary wrote. “The offer remains open, and we hope he will reconsider.”

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Ramos campaign spokesman Andre Levesque said it was unfortunate that they were forced to cancel.

"Unfortunately, the other commitments that we have we simply couldn’t get out of but there will definitely be plenty of opportunities for voters to come and see James,” Levesque said. “And they are definitely encouraged to come to our many public meet and greets or one of the forums and debates we'll be scheduling down the road.”

The public has had access to the candidates and more opportunities will come soon, he said. They are in dicussions with other groups, including a different Tea Party group. But no dates have yet been cemented, Levesque said.

Tea Party Patriots extended their invitation to Ramos on Feb. 10, a Friday. By Monday, a staffer confirmed Ramos, a San Bernardino Community College Board Trustee, would be there, an organizer said. Early Friday afternoon, organizers said they got a call that a mistake had been made and that Ramos had already been committed to attend a fundraiser the same evening, organizers said.

Current Third District Supervisor Neil Derry, former mayor of Twentynine Palms James R. Bagley and Robert Wilson of Colton are left in the race.

The forum is scheduled from 7-9 p.m. at Mill Creek Cattle Company, 1874 Mentone Blvd. in Mentone.


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