It’s not too early to start thinking about who you’d like as the next governor of California.

I’d like you to give Steve Poizner a chance to impress you. He has certainly impressed me.

Initially, I was impressed by Meg Whitman’s candidacy. As I began to learn more about her, I was shocked to find that she registered to vote for the first time in 2002. She was 46.

As the mother of five, I fully understand how busy life can get, but surely she could have filled in a voter registration form in front of any Whole Foods and opted for an absentee ballot to be sent to her home.

I’ve managed to raise five children and still find the time to vote in every election since 1973. I can only assume that Meg failed to understand the importance of each and every vote.

I find it impossible to trust someone who’s been completely absent from the political process for most of her life.

The few times I’ve seen her she seems to be “handled,” and that’s suspicious to me. Her people are very carefully keeping her insulated and protected. I want her to talk from her heart, not from her talking points. So far, she’s not willing to take that kind of chance.

The governor we’re looking for is already in tune with the needs and opinions of the people of California. He’s not afraid to be unscripted and unescorted. He’s available to the people of this state for debates and radio interviews. He can answer questions spontaneously.

Poizner has proven that he’s not afraid of hard work, and he knows that some of what must be done will make him unpopular, even with those in his own party.

Do your homework and check him out.

I think, like me, you’ll be relieved to find a candidate you’ll want to vote for. Brenda Freeman Thousand Oaks