One thing I love about Voter Services is that you get to see all kinds of things. In addition to learning about burning issues in other cities, one gets to meet and observe a wide variety of candidates, each with his or her own campaign style.

Such was the case several years ago when I moderated a city council candidate forum in Monterey Park. No sooner had all of the confirmed candidates arrived and had been seated than a figure in a suit and tie flashed by on black inline skates (Rollerblades) and screeched to a halt at the front table. This unexpected addition—who was a qualified candidate—was quickly given a chair and a name badge, and we proceeded with opening statements.

The questions at the forum, which were posed in front of a standing-room-only audience, focused on a range of issues, from police pensions to billboards, from business development to a possible ban on plastic shopping bags. Everything went smoothly, and when the event concluded, Mr. Rollerblades stood up and wheeled off into the night.

I highly recommend volunteering at a candidate forum to all League members. It’s guaranteed to be an interesting, enlightening, and often entertaining experience.

—Robbie Davis