Friday, July 27, 2012

California Labor Federation Announces Endorsements for General Election


Defeating Prop 32 Identified as a Top Priority This Fall


San Francisco -- The California Labor Federation, representing 2.1 million union workers, today announced endorsements for all statewide ballot measures as well as State Assembly, Senate and congressional races for the November general election at its 2012 Biennial Convention.

Defeating Prop 32 was identified by delegates as a top priority this election year. Prop 32 is an unbalanced measure that would prevent workers from having a collective voice in politics while exempting wealthy individuals and many corporations from its provisions. The measure has been widely condemned as an effort to disguise an attack on unions under a phony veneer of reform.

“Prop 32 isn’t at all what it seems. It’s nothing more than a deceptive attack on workers funded by corporate special interests and billionaires,” said California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski. “This measure won’t solve Sacramento’s problems. By rigging the system to benefit the very wealthy and corporate CEOs, Prop 32 would actually weaken our democracy and threaten middle class priorities. Once voters learn the truth, they’ll reject this cynical attempt to give more power to the already powerful.”

In addition to opposing Prop 32, delegates also expressed strong support for Prop 30, the governor’s initiative to protect schools and public safety from additional budget cuts.

“Budget cuts are shredding the California Dream,” Pulaski said. “Funding our schools and public safety is essential to rebuilding California and creating a healthier economy for the future. Prop 30 is vital to getting California back on track.”

Other proposition endorsements were as follows:

Prop 30 - Yes

Prop 31 - No

Prop 32 - No


Prop 33 – No

Prop 34 – Yes

Prop 35 – Yes

Prop 36 – Yes

Prop 37 – Yes

Prop 38 – No

Prop 39 – Referred to the Labor Federation Executive Council for final action

Prop 40 – Yes 



The California Labor Federation unveiled its grassroots election plan at the convention. The campaign relies heavily on union volunteers to communicate with millions of voters across the state about the stakes in this election. The Labor Federation and affiliate unions will mobilize an army of more than 40,000 volunteers this summer and fall, which will contact voters at worksites, on the phone, at the door and online.

Endorsements are determined through a democratic process by which delegates to the California Labor Federation representing both public- and private-sector unions vote to support candidates and ballot measures.

For a full list of endorsements on candidate races, click here.

On Tuesday, delegates elected top leaders to the Labor Federation. Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski was re-elected to a four-year term. Pulaski has headed the Federation since 1996. Connie Leyva was re-elected as President. Delegates also elected the 46 members of the California Labor Federation Executive Council.

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Monday, July 23, 2012

DAVE ROBERTS CHALLENGES STEVE DANON TO A SERIES OF DEBATES IN COUNTY SUPERVISOR RACE




Escondido, CA – Solana Beach Deputy Mayor Dave Roberts, candidate for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors in the Third District, today challenged congressional aide Steve Danon, his opponent in the November 6th election, to a series of community debates throughout the District.

“I believe it’s important to the voters and healthy for our democracy, to provide public forums and face-to-face community debates where the public can hear from both candidates for Third District County Supervisor in the November 6th election.  By participating in joint debates, we will provide voters an opportunity to make an informed choice, compare our records, examine our views on reforming county government, and hear our vision for the future of San Diego County,” Roberts said.

This is a historic election.  For the first time in 18 years, voters will elect a new member to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.  Supervisor Pam Slater-Price is not running for re-election which provides voters an opportunity to elect a new County Supervisor.  As County residents consider the differences between Dave Roberts and Steve Danon’s candidacies and look at the key issues that are important to them, they will be able to decide at these debates which candidate best represents their values and vision for the future.

"I challenge Steve Danon to a series of community debates throughout the District where we can talk about real reform of county government.  Reforms, such as pensions, open space, and protecting our neighborhoods from power plants and over-development,” Roberts said.

The voters in the Third District have a clear choice in this upcoming election between Danon, a government employee and partisan political aide, and Dave Roberts who has both extensive Fortune 500 and small business experience, and a proven track record of successful public service.

I have asked for a series of debates on these key issues,” said Roberts.  “I invite Steve Danon to join me in a series of community debates before recognized groups such as the Chambers of Commerce, League of Women Voters, Sierra Club, Democratic and Republican party organizations, Planned Parenthood, and the local press to discuss both real County reforms and how we can best improve our quality of life.”

Supervisor Pam Slater-Price has endorsed Dave Roberts for supervisor, calling Roberts “an independent, bi-partisan leader with a solid record of reforming pensions and providing environmental leadership.” Slater-Price said, “Dave Roberts is honest, caring, and someone we can trust.”

Roberts has worked on issues that improve the quality of life for the residents of the Northern San Diego County region and his home town of Solana Beach where he has served for the past eight years as a councilman, Deputy Mayor, Mayor, and county-wide leader.

During the primary campaign, Roberts and Danon were the top two finishers, of five candidates.  Both will now compete head-to-head for the supervisorial position on November 6.

Roberts’ campaign manager Gary Gartner said that dates, venues and moderators should be discussed and mutually agreed upon by both campaigns.

Please see attached letter dated July 23, 2012, from Roberts challenging Danon to a series of debates throughout the Third District.

For more information regarding Dave Roberts for County Supervisor, please visit his website at www.DaveRobertsforSupervisor.com.

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