SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - An August 25 forum will allow District 3 voters to hear rivals for Susan Peters' seat on the Sacramento Board of Supervisors. Sponsored by the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce, the event will offer air-time to candidates Gregg Fishman and Rich Desmond via the Zoom platform. 

The face-to-face was originally scheduled for a pre-election member luncheon. When COVID regulations ruled out such gatherings, the program became a webinar. Desmond and Fishman’s discussion may be watched live -- or viewed later -- on the Chamber's Facebook page.

“We hope Chamber members and the whole community will tune in and hear what the candidates have to say,” says Chamber executive Stephanie Young. “With public meetings so restricted, there aren’t many opportunities to hear from people running for office.”

Desmond and Fishman were the last candidates left standing from a March primary field of five. Their supporters hail from largely unincorporated communities that include Arden Arcade, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Foothill Farms, College Glen, North Highlands and part of East Sacramento. When Desmond garnered 42 per cent to Fishman's 25 percent of the vote, a November 3 run-off was assured.

Raised in Carmichael, Desmond is a Jesuit High school alumnus. He achieved a BA at Santa Clara University before attending McGeorge School of Law. At the age of 25, the graduate became a CHP officer. From patrol work in LA and Sacramento, a series of promotions led him to commanding CHP rank. Budgeting and forming department policy were among responsibilities. In 2018, Desmond became CHP Chief and was temporarily assigned to the State Assembly as Chief Sergeant-at-Arms. He and his Insurance agent wife Lisa have five children. Desmond contests the supervisory seat as an Independent.

Gregg Fishman is an elected director of SMUD. He was raised in Sonoma County and studied journalism at CSU Sacramento. His broadcasting career included work for KFBK and for San Francisco’s KGO. Fishman has served his Arden-Arcade Homeowner’s Association and was appointed to the Arden Park Recreation and Park District board. While leading a neighborhood partnership with Sacramento Tree Foundation, he helped plant thousands of trees in Arcade neighborhoods. His job with the California State Association of Counties included fostering new county programs. He and his psychologist wife Debra have two adult daughters. Fishman’s campaign has the support of the Democratic Party.

Both candidates miss hands-on pre-COVID days. “It’s difficult now for a candidate to stay in touch with people,” says Desmond. “Normally there are public events where a candidate could show up and meet hundreds of people. Now you have to be more creative. Through the webinar, I'm hoping to learn more about community challenges and concerns.”

Says Fishman: “Normally I’d be out walking the precincts right now. Virtual meet-and-greet is not like looking someone in the eye and hearing what they have to say, but I hope the webinar will help people get to know me and what I hope to achieve as supervisor.”

Candidate questions may be posed via Zoom during the live webinar.

To learn how to access the 7 – 8 pm program on August 15 or later, visit the Carmichael Chamber Facebook page, or Email [email protected]