Candidate takes on Toastmasters

OCEANSIDE — On Sept. 1, Walt Meier, Carlsbad mayoral candidate and
member of Carlsbad-Oceanside Toastmasters Club 47, challenged his fellow Toastmasters to a debate.
During the evening debate, club members discussed their qualifications, big box stores, the Encina power plant, and their vision for the future of Carlsbad.
Meier became a member of Carlsbad-Oceanside Toastmasters Club 47 in November 2008 and believes the club has helped him become a better communicator. Through the Toastmasters program, he has learned how to run meetings, give effective evaluations, deliver prepared speeches, and handle impromptu questions. He also says he no longer feels nervous when speaking before the Carlsbad City Council and at other civic events.
Good-natured, but passionate feelings for the seaside community of Carlsbad led to a heated exchange among the participants. Although Meier easily fielded every question while dealing with hecklers in the audience, he eventually lost the contest to a club member who suggested the city decrease taxes but increase revenue overall by building strip joints on every corner.
Carlsbad-Oceanside Toastmasters Club 47 meets every Wednesday evening, except holidays, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the multipurpose room at the Salvation Army, located at 3935 Lake Blvd. For more information, contact Henry Heller at (760) 522-7341 or at [email protected].