“For the last three years the budget has been balanced on the backs of the aged, the blind, the disabled, the poor and those who are without a strong voice in Sacramento.
“Our sincere hope is that the governor’s call for teamwork extends to members of his own Republican Party in the legislature. California Republicans should at least consider, if not agree to, a tax on oil company profits instead of insisting on what amounts to wholesale divestment from California.”
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
San Diego County Term Limits
I was reading other blogs this evening (Sorry, San Diego Politico) and came skimmed through SD Rostra and a post by Jill Sims.
It seems Jill considers herself to be a political intellect and not one to question others, but I had to post my responses to her post.
1) She thinks county supervisors will retire when they are in their 70's. How many congressional members retire in their 70's or have stayed on way passed that point and were wheeled into the chamber for votes - Strom Thurmond.
2) She thinks county counsel write proponent ballot measures. I'm sorry, but they get their own lawyers and county counsel review them.
3) She thinks the proponents should target sheriff, assessor, district attorney and tax collector or as she says, county treasurer, because they are in office for long times. Maybe Jill should just look back and find facts to support her wild theories then the true facts; Bonnie beat the incumbent, Kolendar beat the incumbent, McAllister beat the incumbent and Butler is not running.
4) She thinks it might be illegal to place term limits on only a certain group of elected officials at a level of government. Just look at the President of the United States, term limited and Congress no term limits.
5) She thinks the Sheriff, District Attorney, Assessor and Tax Collector don't effect employee contracts and the budget. Wrong.
6) She tried to make the case the proponents were doing this to get revenge on the supervisors with regards to their contract, but she seems to unravel her own theory by showing it isn't retroactive and would not kick them out now.
I hope this will answer the many items Jill tried to hypothesize and kind of missed the mark.
It seems Jill considers herself to be a political intellect and not one to question others, but I had to post my responses to her post.
1) She thinks county supervisors will retire when they are in their 70's. How many congressional members retire in their 70's or have stayed on way passed that point and were wheeled into the chamber for votes - Strom Thurmond.
2) She thinks county counsel write proponent ballot measures. I'm sorry, but they get their own lawyers and county counsel review them.
3) She thinks the proponents should target sheriff, assessor, district attorney and tax collector or as she says, county treasurer, because they are in office for long times. Maybe Jill should just look back and find facts to support her wild theories then the true facts; Bonnie beat the incumbent, Kolendar beat the incumbent, McAllister beat the incumbent and Butler is not running.
4) She thinks it might be illegal to place term limits on only a certain group of elected officials at a level of government. Just look at the President of the United States, term limited and Congress no term limits.
5) She thinks the Sheriff, District Attorney, Assessor and Tax Collector don't effect employee contracts and the budget. Wrong.
6) She tried to make the case the proponents were doing this to get revenge on the supervisors with regards to their contract, but she seems to unravel her own theory by showing it isn't retroactive and would not kick them out now.
I hope this will answer the many items Jill tried to hypothesize and kind of missed the mark.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
San Diego County Term Limits Qualify for June Ballot
It has been reported the term limit measure for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors has been qualified by the San Diego County Registrar of Voters. The Board of Supervisors will have to place it on the Jan 12th agenda and vote to place it on the June ballot.
Below is the press release I was sent:
Below is the press release I was sent:
Term Limits Qualified
San Diego County Board of Supervisors Term Limits is guaranteed to be on the June 2010 ballot
SAN DIEGO -- (December 15, 2009) – The campaign to reform San Diego County government announced today it has passed the next crucial milestone for appearing on the June 2010 ballot when the San Diego County Registrar of Voters qualified the signatures this week.
Registrar of Voters Deborah Seiler found that the measure qualified for the ballot after her office projected the campaign to have submitted 118 percent of the required 77,837 signatures needed to appear on the June ballot.
The ballot measure would limit the County Board of Supervisors to serving no more then two-terms. Voters from all over San Diego County signed petitions to qualify the measure after County Supervisors have had a lock on winning re-election after re-election. This has been due to a yearly $10 million in unrestricted slush funds that Supervisors have doled out as political favors, campaign accounts in the hundreds of thousands of dollars from previous uncontested races and supervisorial districts that the Supervisors get to draw themselves.
Every member of the current Board of Supervisors has served at least 14 years on the Board. The last time incumbents lost their re-election was in 1984, now more then 25 years ago.
“I find it difficult to fathom, that in a county of over 1.4 million registered voters, a select few would believe only five individuals can run our county government,” said Margarita Johnson, a worker at the Sheriff’s Department. “We are lucky to live in San Diego, and I know we have a wealth of individuals with the background to do this job and will step up, once there is an equal playing field and who have the needs of all the San Diego residences.”
San Diego County Board of Supervisors Term Limits is guaranteed to be on the June 2010 ballot
SAN DIEGO -- (December 15, 2009) – The campaign to reform San Diego County government announced today it has passed the next crucial milestone for appearing on the June 2010 ballot when the San Diego County Registrar of Voters qualified the signatures this week.
Registrar of Voters Deborah Seiler found that the measure qualified for the ballot after her office projected the campaign to have submitted 118 percent of the required 77,837 signatures needed to appear on the June ballot.
The ballot measure would limit the County Board of Supervisors to serving no more then two-terms. Voters from all over San Diego County signed petitions to qualify the measure after County Supervisors have had a lock on winning re-election after re-election. This has been due to a yearly $10 million in unrestricted slush funds that Supervisors have doled out as political favors, campaign accounts in the hundreds of thousands of dollars from previous uncontested races and supervisorial districts that the Supervisors get to draw themselves.
Every member of the current Board of Supervisors has served at least 14 years on the Board. The last time incumbents lost their re-election was in 1984, now more then 25 years ago.
“I find it difficult to fathom, that in a county of over 1.4 million registered voters, a select few would believe only five individuals can run our county government,” said Margarita Johnson, a worker at the Sheriff’s Department. “We are lucky to live in San Diego, and I know we have a wealth of individuals with the background to do this job and will step up, once there is an equal playing field and who have the needs of all the San Diego residences.”
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Dave Roberts Drops Out of the 50th
From the Desk of Dave Roberts
Thanksgiving Day 2009
Dear Friend,
This past Monday was one of the happiest, yet saddest days of my life. As many of you know, Wally and I have been foster parents for abused children for well over a decade. Years ago, we adopted our first two sons from the foster care system and we are in the process of adopting our third son. About five weeks ago, we were unexpectedly contacted by the San Diego County Department of Children's Services and offered two additional foster children, ages two and one year old, to bring into our home. These children are the half brother and sister of our youngest son. On Monday, we learned that these two young, foster children may become available for adoption and a permanent part of our family. In a short time, our family has almost doubled in size and we have come to love these two children, and they have quickly become an integral part of our family.
Keeping families together is an important value to us and we consider it important that we rescue these two children from their prior environment into one that offers love, a chance for a good education and healthy lifestyle. With our young children so new to our family, my campaign absences are unfair to them and Wally. While we could have hired people to help us, spending time with our newly expanded family cannot be done by anyone else. Parents all over the world are postponing their dreams for their children. I am in good company.
Therefore, after much deliberation and discussion with my family and advisers, I have decided to suspend my campaign for Congress. This decision was made after much thought and many sleepless nights. I thank each one of you who worked so hard to help launch and grow our campaign, particularly our oldest son Robert who accompanied me to many of our campaign events. I thank my advisers, supporters and other volunteers who have been with me from the start, opened their homes for events, and for Wally who shared my dream.
I have decided to refund contributions to all my supporters. Going forward, I will continue to work to build a strong Democratic Party in the 50th Congressional District and use my unique talents to forge bipartisan solutions whenever possible. I will continue to do this in my role as a Solana Beach councilmember and my other local, state and national positions. My hat goes off to both Francine Busby and Tracy Emblem who are still in this race. Once the voters decide next June who our Democratic nominee will be for 2010, I will work with them to defeat Brian Bilbray.
The mission goes on and our work to create jobs, reform healthcare and protect our environment does not cease with the suspension of my campaign for Congress. I will be working tirelessly with each of you to achieve our vision. My best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving! We truly have much to rejoice in my family with our children this year - it will definitely be a table full of lots of love and laughter.
With my sincere best wishes and appreciation,
David W. “Dave” Roberts
Thanksgiving Day 2009
Dear Friend,
This past Monday was one of the happiest, yet saddest days of my life. As many of you know, Wally and I have been foster parents for abused children for well over a decade. Years ago, we adopted our first two sons from the foster care system and we are in the process of adopting our third son. About five weeks ago, we were unexpectedly contacted by the San Diego County Department of Children's Services and offered two additional foster children, ages two and one year old, to bring into our home. These children are the half brother and sister of our youngest son. On Monday, we learned that these two young, foster children may become available for adoption and a permanent part of our family. In a short time, our family has almost doubled in size and we have come to love these two children, and they have quickly become an integral part of our family.
Keeping families together is an important value to us and we consider it important that we rescue these two children from their prior environment into one that offers love, a chance for a good education and healthy lifestyle. With our young children so new to our family, my campaign absences are unfair to them and Wally. While we could have hired people to help us, spending time with our newly expanded family cannot be done by anyone else. Parents all over the world are postponing their dreams for their children. I am in good company.
Therefore, after much deliberation and discussion with my family and advisers, I have decided to suspend my campaign for Congress. This decision was made after much thought and many sleepless nights. I thank each one of you who worked so hard to help launch and grow our campaign, particularly our oldest son Robert who accompanied me to many of our campaign events. I thank my advisers, supporters and other volunteers who have been with me from the start, opened their homes for events, and for Wally who shared my dream.
I have decided to refund contributions to all my supporters. Going forward, I will continue to work to build a strong Democratic Party in the 50th Congressional District and use my unique talents to forge bipartisan solutions whenever possible. I will continue to do this in my role as a Solana Beach councilmember and my other local, state and national positions. My hat goes off to both Francine Busby and Tracy Emblem who are still in this race. Once the voters decide next June who our Democratic nominee will be for 2010, I will work with them to defeat Brian Bilbray.
The mission goes on and our work to create jobs, reform healthcare and protect our environment does not cease with the suspension of my campaign for Congress. I will be working tirelessly with each of you to achieve our vision. My best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving! We truly have much to rejoice in my family with our children this year - it will definitely be a table full of lots of love and laughter.
With my sincere best wishes and appreciation,
David W. “Dave” Roberts
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
DeMaio’s Proposal Creates Open Season for Government Contractors, Harms Local Economy
Press Release from Labor:
DeMaio’s Proposal Creates Open Season for Government Contractors, Harms Local Economy
Proposal would ban policies to help local workers and veterans; repeals living wage; could hand contracting power to unelected city manager
SAN DIEGO – (November 23, 2009) – A proposed ballot measure supported by government contractors and Carl DeMaio handcuffs the City of San Diego from creating policies that promote hiring local workers or veterans for public works projects and hands over authority to the city manager to enter into contracts “at his discretion” without safeguards for nepotism, cronyism or favoritism.
Included in the proposal, which is supported by big-dollar government contractors, who filed a lawsuit earlier this year against CalTrans for its minority contracting program, are several provisions that hurt local taxpayers and workers:
• Bans local hiring policies.
• Bans policies to promote the hiring of veterans.
• Bans agreements that prevent strikes on public works projects.
• Bans policies to hire qualified workers.
• Bans policies that promote the payment of health care benefits to workers
• Bans policies that promote the hiring of ex-city workers who have experience providing a recently outsourced service, such as the policy the North County Transit District put in place when it voted to outsource its services this month.
• Allows the City Manager to enter into contracts “at his discretion” without safeguards for nepotism, cronyism or favoritism. If initiative to make strong mayor form of government permanent is defeated in June 2010, this authority would be in the hands of an unelected city manager.
• Repeals the City of San Diego’s Living Wage Ordinance.
• Creates new anti-competitive “Direct Outsourcing” process that would force services like trash or landfill management to be outsourced without letting city employees compete for their jobs. This new process conflicts with Managed Competition process approved by voters in 2006 and supported by Mayor Jerry Sanders.
“The only thing ‘transparent’ about Mr. DeMaio’s proposal is how badly he wants to hand out contracts to his friends in the government contractor industry,” said Lorena Gonzalez, Secretary-Treasurer and CEO of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council. “After making a fortune himself as a government contractor during the Bush Administration, Mr. DeMaio is trying to pass along his tricks to other big-dollar government contractors. But he’s doing it at the expense of San Diego’s taxpayers and local workers.”
The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO, representing 189,000 firefighters, teachers, nurses and other workers who are making the region a better place to live and work. For more information, visit www.unionyes.org.
DeMaio’s Proposal Creates Open Season for Government Contractors, Harms Local Economy
Proposal would ban policies to help local workers and veterans; repeals living wage; could hand contracting power to unelected city manager
SAN DIEGO – (November 23, 2009) – A proposed ballot measure supported by government contractors and Carl DeMaio handcuffs the City of San Diego from creating policies that promote hiring local workers or veterans for public works projects and hands over authority to the city manager to enter into contracts “at his discretion” without safeguards for nepotism, cronyism or favoritism.
Included in the proposal, which is supported by big-dollar government contractors, who filed a lawsuit earlier this year against CalTrans for its minority contracting program, are several provisions that hurt local taxpayers and workers:
• Bans local hiring policies.
• Bans policies to promote the hiring of veterans.
• Bans agreements that prevent strikes on public works projects.
• Bans policies to hire qualified workers.
• Bans policies that promote the payment of health care benefits to workers
• Bans policies that promote the hiring of ex-city workers who have experience providing a recently outsourced service, such as the policy the North County Transit District put in place when it voted to outsource its services this month.
• Allows the City Manager to enter into contracts “at his discretion” without safeguards for nepotism, cronyism or favoritism. If initiative to make strong mayor form of government permanent is defeated in June 2010, this authority would be in the hands of an unelected city manager.
• Repeals the City of San Diego’s Living Wage Ordinance.
• Creates new anti-competitive “Direct Outsourcing” process that would force services like trash or landfill management to be outsourced without letting city employees compete for their jobs. This new process conflicts with Managed Competition process approved by voters in 2006 and supported by Mayor Jerry Sanders.
“The only thing ‘transparent’ about Mr. DeMaio’s proposal is how badly he wants to hand out contracts to his friends in the government contractor industry,” said Lorena Gonzalez, Secretary-Treasurer and CEO of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council. “After making a fortune himself as a government contractor during the Bush Administration, Mr. DeMaio is trying to pass along his tricks to other big-dollar government contractors. But he’s doing it at the expense of San Diego’s taxpayers and local workers.”
The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO, representing 189,000 firefighters, teachers, nurses and other workers who are making the region a better place to live and work. For more information, visit www.unionyes.org.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Union Members support Humberto Peraza for Chula Vista City Council
The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council announced last week their endorsement for Humberto Peraza for City Council in Chula Vista for the June 2010 elections.In their press release, the Labor Council described Humberto as committed to rebuilding Chula Vista’s economy by creating good paying local jobs and by promoting the city as a destination for potential business. Peraza has experience in tackling regional issues for Chula Vista and the South Bay as an aide to federal and local elected officials such as Congressman Bob Filner and San Diego Council President Ben Hueso.
Now let me take a bit of license here to talk about Humberto. I know Humberto. He hired me as an intern for Senator Barbara Boxer’s office when I was a senior in college at UCSD, back in 2002. And now I serve with him on the board of the League of Conservation Voters San Diego.
Besides being a nice guy, a committed progressive, and a policy encyclopedia, Humberto’s one of the rare people in San Diego that looks out for young folks and actively helps to promote them. When I was first starting work after college, he set me up with a political interview, and he wrote me a fine law school letter of recommendation. After I returned back home after NYU Law, he was responsible for getting both me and Patrick Finucane connected with the League of Conservation Voters.
The San Diego area needs leaders like Humberto. We need people who’re team players, and who understand that the success of our region depends not just on one person’s career, but on a community of stakeholders. Chula Vista is the new frontier of progressive politics in San Diego, and I rest comfortably knowing that Humberto is a part of its bright future.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
California’s Constitution: Time for an Overhaul: Town Hall
You are invited to join us in San Diego to discuss California's drastic need for reform and Repair California's Constitutional Convention ballot measures.
California’s Constitution: Time for an Overhaul
Friday, November 13, 2009
8:30 a.m. Registration | 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Program
NTC Events Center (directions)
Truxton & Dewey Roads
San Diego, CA
Refreshments served
Cost: Free
Register here
Speakers will include:
-Jim Wunderman, President and CEO, Bay Area Council
-Bob Edgar, President of Common Cause
-Scott Peters, Former San Diego City Council President
-Matt Regan, Repair California
-John Grubb, Repair California
Topics will include:
-Delegate selection process -Limited scope -Balancing expertise with shared values -Lessons from other states -The initiative, referendum and recall -The alternatives -And more!
Brought to you by: Repair California, Common Cause and the League of Women Voters.
We hope to see you on the 13th!
Best,
Repair California
California’s Constitution: Time for an Overhaul
Friday, November 13, 2009
8:30 a.m. Registration | 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Program
NTC Events Center (directions)
Truxton & Dewey Roads
San Diego, CA
Refreshments served
Cost: Free
Register here
Speakers will include:
-Jim Wunderman, President and CEO, Bay Area Council
-Bob Edgar, President of Common Cause
-Scott Peters, Former San Diego City Council President
-Matt Regan, Repair California
-John Grubb, Repair California
Topics will include:
-Delegate selection process -Limited scope -Balancing expertise with shared values -Lessons from other states -The initiative, referendum and recall -The alternatives -And more!
Brought to you by: Repair California, Common Cause and the League of Women Voters.
We hope to see you on the 13th!
Best,
Repair California
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Statement from Chairman John Burton on Gavin Newsom’s Decision to Withdraw from the California Governor’s Race
I have known Gavin Newsom since before he was born and I have watched him become a fine man and a skilled political leader.
As San Francisco Mayor, Newsom has been a champion for marriage equality and innovative new environmental and health care efforts.
But Gavin does not define himself by politics alone. He is also a successful businessman, a loving husband and a proud new father.
Gavin would have been a strong candidate for governor had he won the Democratic Party’s nomination. And he will continue to be an energetic, effective mayor of San Francisco and a powerful voice in the California Democratic Party.
I continue to wish Gavin and his family every happiness. And I remain confident that California Democrats will have a strong nominee for governor in 2010.
As San Francisco Mayor, Newsom has been a champion for marriage equality and innovative new environmental and health care efforts.
But Gavin does not define himself by politics alone. He is also a successful businessman, a loving husband and a proud new father.
Gavin would have been a strong candidate for governor had he won the Democratic Party’s nomination. And he will continue to be an energetic, effective mayor of San Francisco and a powerful voice in the California Democratic Party.
I continue to wish Gavin and his family every happiness. And I remain confident that California Democrats will have a strong nominee for governor in 2010.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
News from Barbara Boxer
I am pleased to let you know of a major construction project that will create about 2,000 jobs in San Diego. A contract has been awarded for the construction of the new United States Courthouse in San Diego. This project will create a boost to the construction trades, which will, in turn, create even more jobs for the region.
Construction of the San Diego Courthouse is long overdue. It is one of the busiest courts in the nation, a situation compounded because of its proximity to the border. Along with Congresswoman Susan Davis, I worked to secure the final authorization to begin construction.
This funding could not come at a more critical time as it will create much-needed jobs and help boost San Diego’s economy. And the new courthouse will be a more secure facility that will help federal judges in San Diego keep pace with one of the nation’s heaviest caseloads.
This Courthouse will be built on Broadway between Union and State Streets in downtown San Diego.
Sincerely,
Barbara Boxer
United States Senator
Construction of the San Diego Courthouse is long overdue. It is one of the busiest courts in the nation, a situation compounded because of its proximity to the border. Along with Congresswoman Susan Davis, I worked to secure the final authorization to begin construction.
This funding could not come at a more critical time as it will create much-needed jobs and help boost San Diego’s economy. And the new courthouse will be a more secure facility that will help federal judges in San Diego keep pace with one of the nation’s heaviest caseloads.
This Courthouse will be built on Broadway between Union and State Streets in downtown San Diego.
Sincerely,
Barbara Boxer
United States Senator
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Does Meg Whitman Have the Judgment to Be Governor?
From the CDP:
Planned to Campaign for Candidate Who Wrote Working Women Were "Detrimental to the Family" Will Whitman Renounce McDonnell's Antiquated Views?
Meg Whitman is already struggling to answer why she’s qualified to be California governor if she didn’t have the time or inclination to vote here for years.
Now another troubling question demands an answer: Does Whitman have the judgment to be governor?
Just days ago, Whitman was poised to raise funds and throw her support behind far-right candidate Bob McDonnell, who is running for governor in Virginia. As a 34-year-old graduate student, McDonnell wrote a thesis in which he espoused an ultra-conservative government agenda [http://www.bobmcdonnellblueprint.com/] targeting working women, contraception for married couples – even child care. McDonnell worked to put his plan into action once elected to the Virginia legislature.
Despite the fact that McDonnell’s views fall far outside the mainstream in California and the nation, Whitman agreed to raise money for this far-right candidate. After her fundraiser attracted attention, Whitman canceled her trip.
“Every day, Meg Whitman shows California voters that she is not ready for prime time,” said California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton. “Bob McDonnell advocates far-right positions that, if implemented, would hurt all women, including Meg Whitman. If Whitman supports someone like Bob McDonnell enough to raise money for him, voters deserve to know: Does Whitman support McDonnell’s antiquated ideas? Is she as out of touch as he is?
“As the election draws near, the people of California need to know who Meg Whitman is and where she really stands,” Burton said. “Will the real Meg Whitman please stand up?"
###
Planned to Campaign for Candidate Who Wrote Working Women Were "Detrimental to the Family" Will Whitman Renounce McDonnell's Antiquated Views?
Meg Whitman is already struggling to answer why she’s qualified to be California governor if she didn’t have the time or inclination to vote here for years.
Now another troubling question demands an answer: Does Whitman have the judgment to be governor?
Just days ago, Whitman was poised to raise funds and throw her support behind far-right candidate Bob McDonnell, who is running for governor in Virginia. As a 34-year-old graduate student, McDonnell wrote a thesis in which he espoused an ultra-conservative government agenda [http://www.bobmcdonnellblueprint.com/] targeting working women, contraception for married couples – even child care. McDonnell worked to put his plan into action once elected to the Virginia legislature.
Despite the fact that McDonnell’s views fall far outside the mainstream in California and the nation, Whitman agreed to raise money for this far-right candidate. After her fundraiser attracted attention, Whitman canceled her trip.
“Every day, Meg Whitman shows California voters that she is not ready for prime time,” said California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton. “Bob McDonnell advocates far-right positions that, if implemented, would hurt all women, including Meg Whitman. If Whitman supports someone like Bob McDonnell enough to raise money for him, voters deserve to know: Does Whitman support McDonnell’s antiquated ideas? Is she as out of touch as he is?
“As the election draws near, the people of California need to know who Meg Whitman is and where she really stands,” Burton said. “Will the real Meg Whitman please stand up?"
###
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sen. Christine Kehoe to Serve as Honorary Chair for New Leaders Council in San Diego
California State Senator Christine Kehoe has agreed to serve as the Honorary Chair for recently-formed chapter of the New Leaders Council in The mission of the New Leaders Council (“NLC”) is to train and support the next generation of progressive political entrepreneurs - those who are leading industries, setting trends, and building institutions that support robust civic and political life in a global 
NLC accomplishes this mission primarily through the NLC Institute; the nation's premiere political entrepreneurship training program that builds local teams of outstanding young professionals in twelve cities across the nation. NLC Fellows engage in an intensive ten days of training over a five-month period to learn cutting-edge entrepreneurship, leadership, and political management skills from over 150 industry-leading volunteer faculty. Upon graduation, Fellows are paired with career mentors, join a national alumni network, and agree to fundraise to support the next class of Fellows.
Senator Kehoe has been a long time promoter of leadership development in the
The NLC formed a chapter in
NLC believes in recruiting emerging leaders from outside of the traditional power structures, engaging them on both local and national levels, and equipping them to be civic leaders - not only for elective office, but also in their communities and workplaces.
The result of NLC is a growing corps of diverse and highly-skilled new progressive leaders who rise to the top of their fields, working together across sectors and in their local cities to build, expand, and improve the progressive infrastructure necessary for strong democracy, social justice, and equal opportunity.
To apply to the NLC Fellowship program click here.
To nominate someone to become a Fellow for the NLC program, click here.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Labor Council Endorsements
Labor Council endorses Howard Wayne in City Council race and Jim Duffy for Sheriff. Rep. Susan Davis, Sen. Barbara Boxer and Assembly Candidate Toni Atkins also endorsed
SAN DIEGO – (September 24, 2009) – The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council announced today its endorsements of San Diego City Council District 6 candidate Howard Wayne and Sheriff candidate Jim Duffy for the 2010 election.
Wayne, a Deputy Attorney General who specializes in consumer protection cases, has a strong track record on protecting workers, improving access to health care, and preserving the environment. As a former California state assemblyman, Wayne earned a 95 percent lifetime voting record with the California Labor Federation and authored first-in-the-nation laws that provided breast cancer treatment to uninsured women and bacterial testing of coastal waters.
“Perhaps no one in San Diego has been a stronger advocate for working families and public health issues than Howard Wayne,” said Lorena Gonzalez, Secretary-Treasurer/CEO of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council. “We’re hoping that his experience, leadership abilities and intelligence are put to use at a city government that very much needs them.”
Local union members also endorsed Duffy in the hotly contested race for San Diego County Sheriff. A former President of the Deputy Sheriffs Association of San Diego County, Duffy understands the needs of the public servants who keep our county safe for all San Diegans.
“Jim Duffy has demonstrated a true commitment to public safety and the men and women who provide it here in San Diego County,” Gonzalez said. “It’s refreshing to vote for a candidate who truly understands the needs of the personnel whose charge it is to keep taxpayers safe.”
The Labor Council also announced the endorsements of the reelection campaigns for Senator Barbara Boxer of California and Rep. Susan Davis in the 53rd District Congressional race. Former San Diego City Councilwoman Toni Atkins was also endorsed in the election for the 76th Assembly District.
The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO, includes 127 affiliated unions representing more than 189,000 workers in the region. Labor Council-endorsed candidates and initiative positions were victorious in all seven of the organization’s priority races in 2008. For more information, visit www.unionyes.org.
SAN DIEGO – (September 24, 2009) – The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council announced today its endorsements of San Diego City Council District 6 candidate Howard Wayne and Sheriff candidate Jim Duffy for the 2010 election.
Wayne, a Deputy Attorney General who specializes in consumer protection cases, has a strong track record on protecting workers, improving access to health care, and preserving the environment. As a former California state assemblyman, Wayne earned a 95 percent lifetime voting record with the California Labor Federation and authored first-in-the-nation laws that provided breast cancer treatment to uninsured women and bacterial testing of coastal waters.
“Perhaps no one in San Diego has been a stronger advocate for working families and public health issues than Howard Wayne,” said Lorena Gonzalez, Secretary-Treasurer/CEO of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council. “We’re hoping that his experience, leadership abilities and intelligence are put to use at a city government that very much needs them.”
Local union members also endorsed Duffy in the hotly contested race for San Diego County Sheriff. A former President of the Deputy Sheriffs Association of San Diego County, Duffy understands the needs of the public servants who keep our county safe for all San Diegans.
“Jim Duffy has demonstrated a true commitment to public safety and the men and women who provide it here in San Diego County,” Gonzalez said. “It’s refreshing to vote for a candidate who truly understands the needs of the personnel whose charge it is to keep taxpayers safe.”
The Labor Council also announced the endorsements of the reelection campaigns for Senator Barbara Boxer of California and Rep. Susan Davis in the 53rd District Congressional race. Former San Diego City Councilwoman Toni Atkins was also endorsed in the election for the 76th Assembly District.
The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO, includes 127 affiliated unions representing more than 189,000 workers in the region. Labor Council-endorsed candidates and initiative positions were victorious in all seven of the organization’s priority races in 2008. For more information, visit www.unionyes.org.
Monday, September 21, 2009
The Future of the Democratic Party in San Diego.
The primary challenge facing Democrats in San Diego is to present a credible alternative to conservative leadership.
San Diego is a newly Democratic community. For decades, conservatives have dominated local politics, and Democrats were left to fight over a limited number of districts to play only the loyal opposition. Now Democrats are the plurality of voters in the County, and are increasing their plurality of registered voters in the City. Despite these gains, Democrats have been unable to capture even one seat on the County Board of Supervisors, and it has been over 20 years since voters elected a Democratic mayor.
Numerical superiority alone has not been sufficient to overcome entrenched conservative dominance. Democrats need to present themselves as capable of leading San Diego, in order to leverage our advantages into real electoral wins.
For many years, most elected Democrats in San Diego followed one of two basic models. The first type of Democrat was a feisty contrarian, whose message is primarily a criticism of those in power. The alternative to that contrarian model are Democrats elected as vanilla, uncontroversial compromisers, who pledged to work with the conservative interests that already dominate San Diego.
Neither model presents a uniquely progressive or Democratic vision. The contrarian is a naysayer that critiques the status quo without presenting feasible alternatives. The compromiser more or less accepts the status quo, and pledges to work within its existing framework.
While the contrarian may object to conservative policies, they fail to articulate a persuasive Democratic alternative. The compromiser may support realistic policies, but their views are not meaningfully different from the policies advanced by conservative officeholders.
The future of the Democratic Party in San Diego requires candidates and office-holders to present uniquely Democratic ideas that are credible alternatives to the conservative status quo. We can’t just complain about conservative policies, or promise to compromise with the conservative office-holders. Neither strategy informs voters what a Democratic local government would actually do for them. We have to present a vision of what Democratic local governance would look like. And we have to ask voters to elect Democrats to carry out that vision.
In short, we have to lead.
If Democrats are unhappy about a Mayor’s charter review process, we can’t limit our response to complaining about it. Instead we have to present an alternative review system, and either use the legislative powers of the City Council, or a referendum to enact it. If proposed budgets call for cuts that are antithetical to progressive values, Democrats must show how those cuts can realistically be avoided. If the Democrats only complain about the initiatives of others, then we are not leading, but only reacting.
Democrats in San Diego need not moderate themselves in order to demonstrate a capacity for local leadership. While pragmatism is important, successful Democrats can and should fiercely advocate for the cause of workers, for project labor agreements and environmental concerns. Voters support Democrats on these issues.
In the current City Council, the person who best follows this modern Democratic approach is Todd Gloria. Gloria doesn’t just sit on the sidelines. He puts forward realistic policies that are useful alternatives to the conservative status quo. For example, Gloria has advocated for ending the subsidy renters are forced to pay when the city doesn’t charge homeowners for trash pickup. He placed more Community Relations Officers in his district, to efficiently leverage city resources and stop crimes before they start.
San Diego is fortunate to have someone like Gloria on the Council. But he’s only one person, and we need our other Democrats to follow his example. The Labor Council is taking some important steps by allowing candidates to take a “Labor 101” course on the practical and moral underpinnings policy that supports working people. San Diegans are setting up a local chapter of the New Leaders Council (www.newleaderscouncil.org), to build skills and relationships for young progressive political entrepreneurs.
Democrats need to articulate how their policy preferences will actually operate when applied. If we are going to ask voters to give us the reigns of government, we have to present and fight for a positive view of progressive local government.
Colin Parent is an attorney and the Political Director for the San Diego County Young Democrats.
[Cross-posted on NBC San Diego.]
San Diego is a newly Democratic community. For decades, conservatives have dominated local politics, and Democrats were left to fight over a limited number of districts to play only the loyal opposition. Now Democrats are the plurality of voters in the County, and are increasing their plurality of registered voters in the City. Despite these gains, Democrats have been unable to capture even one seat on the County Board of Supervisors, and it has been over 20 years since voters elected a Democratic mayor. Numerical superiority alone has not been sufficient to overcome entrenched conservative dominance. Democrats need to present themselves as capable of leading San Diego, in order to leverage our advantages into real electoral wins.
For many years, most elected Democrats in San Diego followed one of two basic models. The first type of Democrat was a feisty contrarian, whose message is primarily a criticism of those in power. The alternative to that contrarian model are Democrats elected as vanilla, uncontroversial compromisers, who pledged to work with the conservative interests that already dominate San Diego.
Neither model presents a uniquely progressive or Democratic vision. The contrarian is a naysayer that critiques the status quo without presenting feasible alternatives. The compromiser more or less accepts the status quo, and pledges to work within its existing framework.
While the contrarian may object to conservative policies, they fail to articulate a persuasive Democratic alternative. The compromiser may support realistic policies, but their views are not meaningfully different from the policies advanced by conservative officeholders.
The future of the Democratic Party in San Diego requires candidates and office-holders to present uniquely Democratic ideas that are credible alternatives to the conservative status quo. We can’t just complain about conservative policies, or promise to compromise with the conservative office-holders. Neither strategy informs voters what a Democratic local government would actually do for them. We have to present a vision of what Democratic local governance would look like. And we have to ask voters to elect Democrats to carry out that vision.
In short, we have to lead.
If Democrats are unhappy about a Mayor’s charter review process, we can’t limit our response to complaining about it. Instead we have to present an alternative review system, and either use the legislative powers of the City Council, or a referendum to enact it. If proposed budgets call for cuts that are antithetical to progressive values, Democrats must show how those cuts can realistically be avoided. If the Democrats only complain about the initiatives of others, then we are not leading, but only reacting.
Democrats in San Diego need not moderate themselves in order to demonstrate a capacity for local leadership. While pragmatism is important, successful Democrats can and should fiercely advocate for the cause of workers, for project labor agreements and environmental concerns. Voters support Democrats on these issues.
In the current City Council, the person who best follows this modern Democratic approach is Todd Gloria. Gloria doesn’t just sit on the sidelines. He puts forward realistic policies that are useful alternatives to the conservative status quo. For example, Gloria has advocated for ending the subsidy renters are forced to pay when the city doesn’t charge homeowners for trash pickup. He placed more Community Relations Officers in his district, to efficiently leverage city resources and stop crimes before they start.
San Diego is fortunate to have someone like Gloria on the Council. But he’s only one person, and we need our other Democrats to follow his example. The Labor Council is taking some important steps by allowing candidates to take a “Labor 101” course on the practical and moral underpinnings policy that supports working people. San Diegans are setting up a local chapter of the New Leaders Council (www.newleaderscouncil.org), to build skills and relationships for young progressive political entrepreneurs.
Democrats need to articulate how their policy preferences will actually operate when applied. If we are going to ask voters to give us the reigns of government, we have to present and fight for a positive view of progressive local government.
Colin Parent is an attorney and the Political Director for the San Diego County Young Democrats.
[Cross-posted on NBC San Diego.]
Friday, September 11, 2009
Unity on the Governor’s race
This is from the CDP Chair John Burton:
Not long ago, I wrote you about next year’s governor’s race. The California Democratic Party’s Statewide Officers, Regional Directors and Caucus Chairs and I had concluded that our gubernatorial candidates should not seek the party’s pre-primary endorsement.
The Party sent letters to San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Jerry Brown urging them to avoid dividing the Party – and draining Party resources – during the primary season.
Attorney General Brown and Mayor Newsom have since responded. Both of them have agreed in writing that they will not pursue the Party’s pre-primary endorsement so long as other Democratic gubernatorial candidates play by the same rules.
Of course, the Party will send the same letter to, and make the same request of, any other Democrats who may enter the gubernatorial primary field.
As you doubtless recall, the Party gave its pre-primary endorsement in the 2006 gubernatorial election and spent all its money to help our candidate win the primary. The day after the primary, Republicans began to attack the Democratic nominee, but our coffers were empty and we had no resources to respond in kind.
Next year, our nominee will almost certainly face off with a multimillionaire who is able to self-fund his or her campaign.
We must conserve our money and energy now for next year, when we will elect a Democratic governor. The California Democratic Party is delighted that Mayor Newsom and Attorney General Brown agree with this course of action.
Peace and friendship,
John
Not long ago, I wrote you about next year’s governor’s race. The California Democratic Party’s Statewide Officers, Regional Directors and Caucus Chairs and I had concluded that our gubernatorial candidates should not seek the party’s pre-primary endorsement.
The Party sent letters to San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Jerry Brown urging them to avoid dividing the Party – and draining Party resources – during the primary season.
Attorney General Brown and Mayor Newsom have since responded. Both of them have agreed in writing that they will not pursue the Party’s pre-primary endorsement so long as other Democratic gubernatorial candidates play by the same rules.
Of course, the Party will send the same letter to, and make the same request of, any other Democrats who may enter the gubernatorial primary field.
As you doubtless recall, the Party gave its pre-primary endorsement in the 2006 gubernatorial election and spent all its money to help our candidate win the primary. The day after the primary, Republicans began to attack the Democratic nominee, but our coffers were empty and we had no resources to respond in kind.
Next year, our nominee will almost certainly face off with a multimillionaire who is able to self-fund his or her campaign.
We must conserve our money and energy now for next year, when we will elect a Democratic governor. The California Democratic Party is delighted that Mayor Newsom and Attorney General Brown agree with this course of action.
Peace and friendship,
John
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Statement of California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton on the Passing of Sen. Edward Kennedy
The nation has suffered a great loss with the death of Sen. Ted Kennedy, who was a giant in the history of the U.S. Senate.
Sen. Kennedy was a friend and ally for decades. We shared a passion for broadening health care coverage, protecting the rights of poor and middle-class Americans, expanding civil rights and so much more.
Ted Kennedy was perhaps the most accomplished senator of our time. He created the Family Medical Leave Act and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. He passed countless measures to expand health coverage and improve education. He raised the minimum wage, enabled 18-year-olds to vote and opposed the Vietnam and Iraq wars.
I consulted with Sen. Kennedy in 2003 when I passed SB 2, a bill that would have vastly expanded health care coverage in California were it not for a referendum.
On a personal level, Sen. Kennedy and I shared other common bonds: We were both known as “liberal lions.” And we were both the baby brothers of prominent men.
While Sen. Kennedy’s three older brothers died young in the service of their country, Ted was with us for 77 years. During that time, he worked tirelessly to improve all of our lives.
My prayers are with his wife, Vicki, his children, his sister, Jean, his niece, Maria, his nephew, Bobby, and whole family. Ted Kennedy will be deeply missed.
Sen. Kennedy was a friend and ally for decades. We shared a passion for broadening health care coverage, protecting the rights of poor and middle-class Americans, expanding civil rights and so much more.
Ted Kennedy was perhaps the most accomplished senator of our time. He created the Family Medical Leave Act and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. He passed countless measures to expand health coverage and improve education. He raised the minimum wage, enabled 18-year-olds to vote and opposed the Vietnam and Iraq wars.
I consulted with Sen. Kennedy in 2003 when I passed SB 2, a bill that would have vastly expanded health care coverage in California were it not for a referendum.
On a personal level, Sen. Kennedy and I shared other common bonds: We were both known as “liberal lions.” And we were both the baby brothers of prominent men.
While Sen. Kennedy’s three older brothers died young in the service of their country, Ted was with us for 77 years. During that time, he worked tirelessly to improve all of our lives.
My prayers are with his wife, Vicki, his children, his sister, Jean, his niece, Maria, his nephew, Bobby, and whole family. Ted Kennedy will be deeply missed.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Read This
From today’s San Diego News Network:
State investigates alleged San Diego Republican corruption
Given the bang-up job Nehring is doing that the state level this is really no surprise. To see it covered in the press is.
State investigates alleged San Diego Republican corruption
Given the bang-up job Nehring is doing that the state level this is really no surprise. To see it covered in the press is.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Districts 2 and 6 get one each
The SDUT broke this yesterday:
Jim Morrison, 52, of Pacific Beach is joining three other people to challenge the incumbency of Kevin Faulconer for the District 2 seat. A property manager, Morrison is involved with the Pacific Beach planning committee, town council and parking committee. This would be his fourth time running for City Council.
Like all the challengers in the District 2 race, Morrison is a Democrat.
And
Meanwhile, the District 6 race has gained another late entrant, Ryan M. Huckabone.
Huckabone is a sales representative for an electrical supply warehouse. His resume also includes a stint as a Chinese linguist in the Army and participation on the Clairemont Town Council. This is his first foray into city politics. Huckabone is a Republican.
As of this writing, the entry of these two won’t change things significantly. Morrison will join Funicane and Towbridge slinging rocks at Faulconer. With three Democrats in a marginally Democratic district, their division of the vote will make it easier for Kevin.
In District 6, Huckabone’s arrival will make Zapf work for the Republican base support but not too hard. She seems to getting grudging support from the Republican establishment and, with similar levels (meaning low) of name ID in the district, that could give her the nod in June to take on the winner of the Dem party cage match between Wayne and Hadley.
Jim Morrison, 52, of Pacific Beach is joining three other people to challenge the incumbency of Kevin Faulconer for the District 2 seat. A property manager, Morrison is involved with the Pacific Beach planning committee, town council and parking committee. This would be his fourth time running for City Council.
Like all the challengers in the District 2 race, Morrison is a Democrat.
And
Meanwhile, the District 6 race has gained another late entrant, Ryan M. Huckabone.
Huckabone is a sales representative for an electrical supply warehouse. His resume also includes a stint as a Chinese linguist in the Army and participation on the Clairemont Town Council. This is his first foray into city politics. Huckabone is a Republican.
As of this writing, the entry of these two won’t change things significantly. Morrison will join Funicane and Towbridge slinging rocks at Faulconer. With three Democrats in a marginally Democratic district, their division of the vote will make it easier for Kevin.
In District 6, Huckabone’s arrival will make Zapf work for the Republican base support but not too hard. She seems to getting grudging support from the Republican establishment and, with similar levels (meaning low) of name ID in the district, that could give her the nod in June to take on the winner of the Dem party cage match between Wayne and Hadley.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Steve Hadley and Steve Francis
The SDUT last Wednesday reported, under the headline “GOP Steve endorses Democrat Steve”, that Steve Hadley, Donna Frye’s current Chief of Staff and candidate for her seat on the San Diego City Council, has been endorsed by Steve Francis, the Republican former mayoral candidate.
Some initial thoughts:
WTF is Hadley thinking?
I get the bipartisan angle but I don’t see Francis as a positive influence in passing progressive legislation. Francis isn’t exactly loved within GOP circles, except for his money, and would be helpful to Hadley were he running for a city-wide position. Because Francis’s experience is limited to running for mayor, I don’t know what help he could give, other than as a name to list and possible fundraiser, for Hadley.
WTF is Francis thinking?
Francis seems to have been laying low waiting for an opportunity like this. Hadley seems like a nice guy who can help rebuild Francis’s stature among those who have been burned by the partisanship of electeds by showing that even Democrats can work with him.
WTF?
Remember when Donna embraced Carl’s reform effort? Then remember, during the vote for the new council president, how Carl praised Donna before burying her with his vote? I see a similar dynamic at work here. Carl used Donna’s credibility to crack open a post-partisan niche for himself, which is difficult when he is a very partisan warrior. I see the same thing playing itself out in the 6th with Hadley and Francis. Hadley needs recognition and Francis need rehabilitation.
In both cases, the post-partisan image looks great. In both cases, the Democrat has more to lose while the Republican has more to gain. It didn’t work for Donna and I don’t think it will work for Hadley.
Some initial thoughts:
WTF is Hadley thinking?
I get the bipartisan angle but I don’t see Francis as a positive influence in passing progressive legislation. Francis isn’t exactly loved within GOP circles, except for his money, and would be helpful to Hadley were he running for a city-wide position. Because Francis’s experience is limited to running for mayor, I don’t know what help he could give, other than as a name to list and possible fundraiser, for Hadley.
WTF is Francis thinking?
Francis seems to have been laying low waiting for an opportunity like this. Hadley seems like a nice guy who can help rebuild Francis’s stature among those who have been burned by the partisanship of electeds by showing that even Democrats can work with him.
WTF?
Remember when Donna embraced Carl’s reform effort? Then remember, during the vote for the new council president, how Carl praised Donna before burying her with his vote? I see a similar dynamic at work here. Carl used Donna’s credibility to crack open a post-partisan niche for himself, which is difficult when he is a very partisan warrior. I see the same thing playing itself out in the 6th with Hadley and Francis. Hadley needs recognition and Francis need rehabilitation.
In both cases, the post-partisan image looks great. In both cases, the Democrat has more to lose while the Republican has more to gain. It didn’t work for Donna and I don’t think it will work for Hadley.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Kittle is Out
The bow-tied defender of a rampant free market and the San Diego status quo has been laid off from the SDUT.
From Today’s Voice:
Bob Kittle, the editorial page editor at The San Diego Union-Tribune, has been laid off, according to newsroom sources. So has Bernie Jones, the editor of the newspaper's opinion page.
Kittle has been one of the newspaper's most prominent voices and its public face: A conservative and staunch supporter of San Diego business community.
His predictable editorial slant and contorted defenses of business-as-usual will be missed.
From Today’s Voice:
Bob Kittle, the editorial page editor at The San Diego Union-Tribune, has been laid off, according to newsroom sources. So has Bernie Jones, the editor of the newspaper's opinion page.
Kittle has been one of the newspaper's most prominent voices and its public face: A conservative and staunch supporter of San Diego business community.
His predictable editorial slant and contorted defenses of business-as-usual will be missed.
Statement from California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton on Passing of Eunice Kennedy Shriver
With the passing of Eunice Kennedy Shriver today, America has lost a champion for people with developmental disabilities.
The founder of the Special Olympics, Shriver’s work and passion laid the foundation for the greater disability rights movement.
Inspired by love for her sister, Rosemary, Shriver helped eradicate the stigma of developmental disabilities and foster breakthrough in research and education.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s spirit and humanity live on through her loved ones.
My heart goes out to her children, including California First Lady Maria Shriver and Santa Monica City Councilman Bobby Shriver, her siblings, including Sen. Ted Kennedy, and the entire family. Eunice Kennedy Shriver will be deeply missed.
The founder of the Special Olympics, Shriver’s work and passion laid the foundation for the greater disability rights movement.
Inspired by love for her sister, Rosemary, Shriver helped eradicate the stigma of developmental disabilities and foster breakthrough in research and education.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s spirit and humanity live on through her loved ones.
My heart goes out to her children, including California First Lady Maria Shriver and Santa Monica City Councilman Bobby Shriver, her siblings, including Sen. Ted Kennedy, and the entire family. Eunice Kennedy Shriver will be deeply missed.
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