Peters Calls for ‘No Budget, No Pay’

“If Congress can’t balance the budget, they don’t get a paycheck.”

 San Diego – In a new 30-second television advertisement launched today, congressional candidate Scott Peters says he supports the concept of ‘No Budget, No Pay’ as a way to hold representatives accountable for doing their jobs, which includes working together to pass a federal budget.

“Congress’s inability to reach agreement on a federal budget caused America’s credit rating to be downgraded for the first time in our history. It led us to this fiscal cliff that threatens jobs, our economy and even national security,” said Peters.

“Yet Congressman Bilbray counts the draconian cuts forced by sequestration as a hallmark example of  bipartisan work,” he added. “I think it’s a disaster; I say members of Congress shouldn’t get paid if they don’t do their jobs.”

In the ad, Peters says, “It’s time Congress worked for us. I say – no budget, no pay.  If Congress doesn’t do their job and balance the budget – they don’t get a paycheck.” 

The process known as sequestration resulted from the inability of Congress to compromise and reach agreement on a federal spending plan. The draconian across-the-board cuts, supported by Brian Bilbray, could mean the loss of 30,000 defense-related jobs in San Diego County alone, as well as the loss of billions of dollars of investment in science and research. These together could cripple San Diego’s economy.

“Congress is broken. To change it, we need to change the people we send there, and we need to hold our representatives accountable,” he said.

Peters is running to unseat entrenched incumbent and former lobbyist Brian Bilbray. Bilbray is a millionaire who collects a $174,000 per year salary and two taxpayer-funded pensions.

For more information, about Scott Peters’ campaign to change Congress, go to www.scottpeters.com.

###

Former NBA Superstar, Sportscaster Bill Walton Endorses Peters for Congress!

SD Businessman, Philanthropist Says Congress Needs a Problem Solver Like Peters

San Diego – Former pro basketballstar and NBA sports commentator Bill Walton endorsed Scott Peters for Congress in front of dozens of volunteers at the Peters headquarters this morning. Walton, a San Diego native, is currently the Executive Chairman of Connect SD Sport Innovators. He was in 2009 named one the top 50 sportscasters of all time and is also nationally recognized for his philanthropy. He has received the NBA Retired Players Humanitarian Award and just yesterday completed a 620-mile cycling journey down the California coast to benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

“Congress is mired in gridlock because too many of our elected leaders are more concerned with party politics instead of with finding solutions,” said Walton. “I’ve known Scott and his work for years and I know him to be a different kind of leader. He’s a great man with an extraordinary abundance of integrity and credibility. He’ll put the people of San Diego first,” he added.

Walton, an independent, is one of the leaders of the Movement to the Middle that formed in the spring of this year after Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher left the Republican Party to become an independent. Fletcher is also backing Peters over Bilbray.

“Bill was a world-class athlete, and he’s an extraordinary San Diegan who has used his celebrity to do great things for our community,” said Peters. “He has a huge heart to match his stature and personality and he’s put these traits to good use toward helping others. I’m honored to have his support.”

Walton made the endorsement in inspiring, heartfelt remarks in front of a group of about 35 volunteers who were headed out to walk precincts for Peters, lead by San Diego City Councilman Todd Gloria, who has also endorsed Peters candidacy.

Peters is running in California’s newly drawn 52nd Congressional District to unseat 12-year incumbent Brian Bilbray. For more information about Scott’s campaign to change Congress, go to www.scottpeters.com.

One of the Most Admired, Accomplished Leaders in SD to Endorse Scott This Morning!

Local Celebrity, and former World-Class Athlete, Urges San Diegans to Back Peters for Congress

When:         
TODAY, Saturday, October 20, 2012, 10:30 a.m.

What:          
An accomplished San Diegan, and beloved local celebrity, will announce his endorsement of Scott Peters for Congress! The announcement will be made in front of a crowd of dozens of volunteers who will head out to walk precincts immediately following the announcement.

This very important endorsement will demonstrate more across-the-board appeal and support Peters has in his campaign to unseat long-term incumbent Brian Bilbray – bipartisan support from across the spectrum Bilbray can’t claim.  Tomorrow’s announcement will be a tremendous boost to the Peters campaign.

Where:        
Peters for Congress Campaign Headquarters
4715 Viewridge Ave., Suite 150
San Diego, CA 92123

Contact:      
MaryAnne Pintar, 619-252-9923, maryanne@scottpeters.com

IVN: Op-Ed:Should US Attorney Laura Duffy Resign over Conflict?

The Hatch Act is the Federal law prohibiting Federal employees from participating in elections. The “release” of the “private” email is a pretty transparent tactic to protect Duffy from charges that she has violated at least the spirit, if not the letter, of the Act.

But, the revelation that she also gave money to DeMaio is a smoking cannon. Laura Duffy is not just a federal employee; she is the U.S. Attorney. The issue isn’t that she violated the Hatch Act. The mayor’s race is technically nonpartisan and therefore exempt from the Hatch Act, but California now has nonpartisan Open Primaries. Meaning that, technically, the Hatch Act no longer applies to any California elections except that for President.
 
Yet, the U.S. Attorney’s office has, as recently as this summer, enforced the Hatch Act against an Orange County Social Services Agency employee who administered federal funds and had sought to run for office in Southern California. He was forced to withdraw, even after his name was placed on the ballot.

There is room for argument concerning rank and file federal employees and the question about how far away from the “electioneering” line they should stay. But, the U.S. Attorney has to enforce these laws. In this case, Duffy has not only crossed the line of appropriate behavior by participating in the election. She has added an element of sleaze to the story by participating in what appears to be an orchestrated leak of a “private” email clearly designed to benefit the candidate she has supported financially.

Read the full article here.

10News - Complicated trail of campaign contributions shows complex relationships

From 10News:

For example, public campaign filings show San Diegans for Reform in opposition to Bob Filner received nearly 70 percent of its donations – $276,000 since June – from the Lincoln Club of San Diego.

The Lincoln Club's biggest donor in the last two months was the Manchester Financial Group headed by developer and U-T San Diego owner Doug Manchester.

Records also show a $65,000 donation in May to Carl DeMaio for Mayor 2012 from the Republican Party of San Diego. That happens to be the same amount donated to the party by Manchester in March.

Much of this is now possible because of the Supreme Court's 2010 decision.

Read the article here.

Four More Community Newspapers in 52nd Endorse Peters for Congress

La Jolla Light, Rancho Bernardo Journal, Poway News Chieftain,
Carmel Valley News All Back Peters Over Bilbray 

San Diego – Four more newspapers in the 52nd Congressional District have endorsed Scott Peters for Congress over 12-year incumbent Brian Bilbray, the Peters campaign announced today. The endorsement from Main Street Media, which publishes several community papers throughout San Diego County, called Peters a consensus builder with new ideas who will deliver results for San Diego. Peters is running to unseat Bilbray in California’s newly drawn 52nd Congressional District.

The Main Street Media newspapers that endorsed Peters this week include: the La Jolla Light, the Carmel Valley News, the Rancho Bernardo 4S Ranch News Journal and the Poway News Chieftain, which also distributes within Scripps Ranch.  Their endorsement is particularly significant because these communities are among the highest voter turnout areas within the new 52nd Congressional District.

Their endorsements, which ran on their editorial pages, said, “Though Bilbray has served in the House for 12 years, his career lacks luster…a consensus builder willing to ‘cross the aisle’ with new ideas and no party agenda is needed. Scott Peters promises to be that kind of representative and we believe him.”

“Readers trust their community newspapers a great deal because they know and cover the issues that impact their daily lives and are closest to home, ” said Peters. “I’ve had the honor of representing many of these communities as a City Councilman and City Council President. They know I share their values and that I’ll get things done for them.”

Peters was also endorsed this month by the San Diego Jewish Journal. The Tierra Times and San Diego CityBeat have also endorsed Peters over Bilbray; both endorsed Peters in the primary.

For more information about the Scott Peters for Congress campaign, go to www.scottpeters.com.

###

FACT CHECK: Romney Would Raise Taxes on Middle Class Families To Pay For Tax Cuts For The Wealthy

Mitt Romney tonight said he wouldn’t raise taxes on middle class families, but we know that’s not true. As independent, non-partisan analysts have highlighted, to pay for his plan that would give $250,000 tax cuts to multi-millionaires and billionaires, Mitt Romney would have to cut popular tax deductions that middle class families rely on, like the mortgage interest and charitable deductions. Romney has promised to end tax cuts for college and families, raising taxes on 18 million working families. Paying for Romney’s tax cuts means the average middle class family with kids would see their taxes go up by $2,000 a year.

ROMNEY’S TAX PLAN WOULD RAISE TAXES ON THE MIDDLE CLASS TO PAY FOR TAX CUTS FOR THE WEALTHY

Reuters Headline: “Romney Tax Plan Helps Rich, Hurts Middle Class-Study.” [Reuters, 8/1/12]

Boston Globe Headline: “Mitt Romney’s Tax Plan Would Offer Big Cuts To Millionaires, Raise Taxes On Middle Class, Brookings Analysts Say.” [Boston Globe, 8/1/12]

Washington Post Editorial: The Tax Policy Center Found That Under The Romney Plan “Even If Every Loophole For The Top Brackets Were Closed, There Wouldn’t Be Enough Revenue. The Middle Class Would Have To Pay More.” “The Tax Policy Center (TPC), a joint venture of the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution, examined Mr. Romney’s claim and found that, even if every loophole for the top brackets were closed, there wouldn’t be enough revenue. The middle class would have to pay more.” [Editorial, Washington Post, 8/21/12]

If Romney’s Tax Plan Was Paid For, Families With Kids Who Make Less Than $200,000 Would See An Average Tax Increase Of $2,041. [Tax Policy Center, On The Distributional Effects Of Base-Broadening Income Tax Reform, p. 18, 8/1/12]

If Romney’s Tax Plan Was Paid For, The Top 0.1% Would See An Average Tax Cut Of $246,652. [Tax Policy Center, On The Distributional Effects Of Base-Broadening Income Tax Reform, p. 19, 8/1/12]

ROMNEY’S TAX CUTS WOULD REQUIRE DEEP CUTS TO POPULAR TAX BENEFITS

Tax Policy Center: Assuming Romney Pays For His Tax Plan By Cutting Deductions Would Put On The Table Provisions Like Mortgage Interest, Child, And Charitable Contributions. From a Tax Policy Center analysis of Romney’s tax plan: “Given these assumptions, it may be useful to point out which tax expenditures we are assuming are ‘on the table’: employer provided health insurance and fringe benefits; the partial exclusion of social security benefits; above-the-line deductions like moving expenses; education-related benefits and tax credits; the deductions for medical expenses, state and local taxes, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions; child- and dependent-related tax credits like the child care credit, earned income tax credit, and child tax credit; and other items listed in the appendix.” [Tax Policy Center, On The Distributional Effects Of Base-Broadening Income Tax Reform, 8/1/12]

DeMaio calls out for help!

Date: Tue, 16 Oct 2012 18:07:42 -0500

From: Tommy Knepper   Tommy@CarlDeMaio.com
Subject: Supporters Needed at Debates!


DeMaio Volunteers,

A few additional debates we need folks for

Thursday October 18 7-815pm: Kensington-Talmadge Debate

Location: Kensington Community Church - 4773 Marlborough Drive San Diego CA 92116

For this one, either RSVP to me or simply show. Bring you cheering hat!


Tue, October 23, 5:30pm – 6:30pm

USD CEPAL Mayoral Forum on Education

USD Mother Rosalie Hill Hall

If you are interested in this debate you must RSVP to me, so I can have your ticket and parking pass distributed. We only have 10 slots so email me quickly!

There will be a reception following this event with adult beverages and networking opportunities.

###

Gas Prices Soar As Brian Bilbray Stands with Gas & Oil Industry

San Diego – Today the Scott Peters for Congress campaign called on Congressman Brian Bilbray to give voters the real facts about his cozy relationship with the oil and gas industry. The Congressman is holding a news conference today to ‘talk the talk’ about rising gas prices. But when it comes to ‘walking the walk’, Mr. Bilbray has repeatedly turned his back on the middle class and stood up for profitable oil companies.

“Congressman Bilbray has taken $230,000 dollars from the oil and gas industry; in return he’s supported huge subsidies and tax breaks for these corporations which have never been more profitable,” said Peters campaign Communications Director MaryAnne Pintar.

“While rising gas prices put the squeeze on family budgets, Mr. Bilbray hasn’t done a thing to provide relief at the pump,” she added.  “He’s been too busy protecting billions in taxpayer subsidies for oil companies while protecting the Wall Street speculators who drive up the price of gas.”

Instead of acting to reduce gas prices, Mr. Bilbray has acted in his own self-interest, voting repeatedly with Tea Party leaders to protect the bottom lines of Big Oil companies that are posting record profits.  He even voted against cracking down on Wall Street speculators that manipulate the market and drive up gas prices for California families.

“His campaign message is ‘re-elect me. I have 12 years of seniority and know how to work the system.’ What he’s really saying is he knows how to make the system work for him, not for the voters,” said Pintar.

BACKGROUND
 
Gasoline Prices in California Set Record. “The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in California reached $4.671…The price jump, the Energy Department said, left California motorists paying an average of 84.4 cents a gallon more than they were at this time last year.” [LA Times, 10/10/12]

Congressman Bilbray Took Over $200,000 from Oil and Gas Industry. Bilbray has taken $235,218 from the oil and gas industry while in Congress. [opensecrets.org, accessed 10/15/12]
 
Congressman Bilbray Voted to Protect Tax Breaks for Big Oil. On April 15, 2011, Bilbray voted to protect special interest tax breaks, such as tax breaks for big oil companies. “the Ryan plan secures no deficit-reduction contribution at all from closing special interest tax breaks, such as breaks for big oil companies.” [H Con. Res. 34, Vote #277, 4/15/11; Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, 4/20/11]
 
Congressman Bilbray Voted to Make it Easier for Speculators to Manipulate Oil Prices. House Republicans voted against increasing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission budget by $11.8 million for enforcement against oil and gas speculators. [HR 2112, Vote #458, 6/16/11; Congressional Record, H4312, 6/16/11]
 
Congressman Bilbray Voted for a Budget that Pads Big Oil’s Pockets with Senseless Subsidies. In April 2011, Congressman Bilbray voted for the FY12 Republican budget, which secured no deficit-reduction contribution at all from closing special interest tax breaks, such as tax breaks for big oil companies. [H Con Res 34, Vote #277, 4/15/11; Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, 4/20/11]
 
Congressman Bilbray Voted for 19 Percent Cut to Clean Energy Programs. Bilbray voted for the Ryan budget which included cuts to clean energy programs. “Clean energy programs would be cut by 19 percent over the next decade, derailing efforts to put a million electric vehicles on the road by 2015, retrofit residential homes to save energy and consumers money, and make the commercial building sector 20 percent more efficient by 2022.” [Office of Management and Budget, 3/21/12; H Con Res 112, Vote #151, 3/29/12]

Congressman Bilbray Voted Against Increasing Funding for Renewable Energy and Taking Away Funding for Fossil Fuel Research. In 2011, Bilbray voted against an amendment to increase funding for renewable energy and take funding away from fossil fuel research. Bilbray voted against an amendment that would increase funding for energy-efficiency and renewable-energy programs by $24 million and reduce funding for fossil-fuel energy research and development by $50 million. [Amendment, HR 2354, Vote #544, 7/12/11]
 
Bilbray Voted to Cut Funding for Renewable Energy Programs. In 2007, Bilbray voted in favor of an amendment to the fiscal year 2008 Energy and Water appropriations bill that would reduce funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs by $102 million. [HR 2641, Vote #509, 6/19/07]

###

Republican Business Leader/Philanthropist Mel Katz Endorses Peters

Katz is the 4th former SD Regional Chamber Chair to Back Peters Over Bilbray

San Diego – The Scott Peters for Congress campaign today announced the endorsement of yet another prominent Republican business leader: Mel Katz. Katz is a highly regarded civic leader and philanthropist and the fourth former Chair of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce to back Peters in the race for the newly drawn 52ndCongressional District.

Katz said he is endorsing Peters over Republican incumbent Brian Bilbray because of Peters’ proven ability to lead and move San Diego forward.

“As San Diego City Council President and Port Commissioner, Scott Peters has a record of accomplishment, growing our economy by breaking through tough gridlock on important civic projects that have generated tens of millions of dollars for the region’s economy and created thousands of good-paying jobs,” stated Katz.

“Our country faces many challenges. San Diegans needs a leader who will put aside partisanship bickering to deliver results,” said Katz. “I have worked with Scott for years and have watched him tackle the tough issues. While we are members of different parties, he has always come to the table with a willingness to work together.”

As co-owner and executive officer of Manpower of San Diego, the top Manpower franchise in the nation, Katz is a prominent business leader in San Diego. An advocate for child literacy and education, Katz has been a leading force on important civic projects like San Diego’s new main library.

Katz is currently a second-term trustee on the University of California San Diego Foundation board and serves on three committees in this capacity: Stewardship, Development and Audit. He is a former Chairman of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, the San Diego Library Commission, the San Diego Convention Center Corporation and the San Diego Workforce Partnership.

Katz endorsement adds to Peters’ growing list of bipartisan supporters including Independent State Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, Republican Malin Burnham, and three other former Chamber of Commerce Chairs.

“Mel is a tireless advocate and philanthropist for San Diego; we’re lucky to have him and I’m honored to have earned his endorsement,” said Peters.

For more information about Scott Peters and his campaign to fix Congress, go to www.scottpeters.com.

###

Lemon Grove Firefighters Endorse Gastil & Vasquez

Lemon Grove:  The Lemon Grove Firefighters, Local 2728 endorsed Council Member George Gastil and City Council candidate Racquel Vasquez to fill the two open seats in the City of Lemon Grove this November.

Gastil is seeking his second term on the City Council, while Vasquez, who currently serves as a City of Lemon Grove Planning Commissioner, is seeking her first.

“The Lemon Grove Fighters recognize Councilmember George Gastil’s commitment to ensuring safety in Lemon Grove,” said Brian Hayward, Union President Local 2728. “Together with Racquel Vasquez, both will help keep our city safe.”

The Lemon Grove Firefighters Association represents the firefighters that work in the City of Lemon Grove.

“I’m happy to be receiving the firefighter’s endorsement,” said Gastil. “During my first term on the City Council I have made a point of keeping public safety as our top priority.  Lemon Grove has joined with El Cajon and La Mesa to combine our fire and rescue services, and this has improved our service while also lowering costs.” he added.

“Firefighting is in an important part of ensuring that our neighborhoods remain safe,” said Vasquez.
“George and I are committed to working together to move our city forward.”

###

George Gastil · Racquel Vasquez


for Lemon Grove City Council 2012


www.GeorgeGastil.com  |  www.ElectRacquel.com

Labor Council Recommendations

Mail ballots are already starting to arrive and Election Day is right around the corner. Before you vote, make sure you check the list of Labor Council endorsements throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties!



Now it's our turn to support working families by voting for the candidates and issues that will support more jobs, better jobs and better lives for our region’s workforce.



Federal:
President - Barack Obama
Congressional District 49 - Jerry Tetalman
Congressional District 50 - No Endorsement
Congressional District 51 - Juan Vargas
Congressional District 52 - Scott Peters
Congressional District 53 - Susan Davis

State of California Ballot Measures:
Proposition 30 - Yes
Proposition 31 - No
Proposition 32 - No
Proposition 33 - No
Proposition 34 - Yes
Proposition 35 - Yes
Proposition 36 - Yes
Proposition 37 - Yes
Proposition 38 - No
Proposition 39 - Yes
Proposition 40 - Yes

State of California Legislature:
Senate District 39 - Marty Block
Assembly District 56 - Manuel Perez
Assembly District 71 - Patrick Hurley
Assembly District 75 - Matthew Herold
Assembly District 76 - No Endorsement
Assembly District 77 - No Endorsement
Assembly District 78 - Toni Atkins
Assembly District 79 – Shirley Weber
Assembly District 80 - Ben Hueso

Counties:
San Diego County Board of Supervisors District 3 - Dave Roberts

Cities:
San Diego Mayor - Bob Filner
San Diego City Council, District 1 - No Endorsement
Chula Vista City Council, Seat 3 - Pamela Bensoussan
Chula Vista City Council, Seat 4 - Mary Salas
El Cajon City Council - Ben Kalasho
Escondido City Council - Olga Diaz
Imperial Beach City Council - Bobby Patton
La Mesa City Council - Patrick Dean
Lemon Grove City Council - George Gastil and Racquel Vasquez
National City City Council - Alejandra Sotelo-Solis
Oceanside Mayor - Jim Wood
Oceanside City Council - Esther Sanchez
Vista City Council - Cody Campbell

School Boards:
Cajon Valley Union School District Board - Ken Jensen and Suzanne Mullins
Calexico Unified School District Board - Ben Horton and Antonio Valenzuela
Cardiff School District Board - Rick Cassar
Central Union High School District Board - Peter Rodriguez
Chula Vista Elementary School District Board, Seat 4 - Glendora Tremper
Coronado Unified School District Board - Scott Barr
Escondido Union School Board, Area 1 - Jose Fragozo
Escondido Union School Board, Area 3 - Virginia Lopez
Grossmont Union High School District Board - Zach Miller
La Mesa-Spring Valley School District Board - Jay Steiger
Poway Unified School Board - Kimberley Beatty
San Diego Unified School District, Seat A - John Lee Evans
San Diego Unified School District, Seat D - Richard Barrera
San Diego Unified School District, Seat E - Marne Foster
San Ysidro School District Board - Antonio Martinez
South Bay Union School District Board - Cheryl Quinones
Sweetwater Union High School Board, District 4 - Bertha Lopez
Vista Unified School District Board - Richard Alderson

College Boards:
MiraCosta College District Board - Jacqueline Simon
Palomar Community College District Board - John Halcon, Nancy Ann Hensch, and Roberto Rodriguez
San Diego Community College, District B - Bernie Rhinerson
Southwestern College Board, Seat 1 - William Stewart
Southwestern College Board, Seat 3 - Humberto Peraza

Judicial:
Superior Court Judge, Seat 25 - No Endorsement

Special Districts:
Helix Water District, Division 3 - Lori Kern
Imperial Irrigation District Board, Division 2 - John Pierre Menvielle
Imperial Irrigation District Board, Division 4 - Stella Mendoza
Imperial Irrigation District Board, Division 5 - Norma Sierra Galindo
Lakeside Fire Protection District - Ron Adams and Jim Bingham
Otay Water District Board, Seat 2 - Mitch Thompson
Palomar Pomerado Healthcare District Board - Jeff Griffith
South Bay Irrigation District, Seat 3 - Jose Preciado
South Bay Irrigation District, Seat 5 - Ernesto Zamudio
Tri-City Healthcare District Board - Charlene Anderson, George Coulter and Rosemarie Reno

Local Ballot Measures:
City of Carlsbad Proposition A - No
City of Chula Vista Proposition B - Yes
Cajon Valley Union School District Proposition C - Yes
Dehesa School District Proposition D - Yes
Counties:
Chula Vista Elementary School District Proposition E - Yes
City of Coronado Proposition F - Yes
Mountain Empire School District Proposition G - Yes
City of Del Mar Proposition H - Yes
City of Del Mar Proposition J - Yes
City of Encinitas Proposition K - Yes
City of Encinitas Proposition L - No
City of Encinitas Proposition M - Yes
City of Escondido Proposition N - No
City of Escondido Proposition P - No
City of Lemon Grove Proposition Q - No
Ramona Unified School District Proposition R - Yes
City of Imperial Beach Proposition S - Yes
City of Lemon Grove Proposition T - Yes
City of Santee Proposition U - Yes
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Proposition V - Yes
City of Solana Beach Proposition W - Yes
South Bay Union School District Proposition Y - Yes
San Diego Unified School District Proposition Z - Yes
San Dieguito Union High School District Proposition AA - Yes
Bonsall Union School District Proposition BB - No Position
Del Mar Union School District Proposition CC - Yes
MiraCosta Community College District Proposition EE - Yes
Brawley Elementary School District Proposition S - Yes
Coachella Valley Unified School District Proposition X - Yes

EHC: Vote For a Mayor Who Supports Our Families

Filner Pledges Support To Improve Neighborhoods

DeMaio Affirms Support For Polluting Businesses

At a KPBS debate last week, Bob Filner stood with the residents of Barrio Logan by supporting an update to the Community Plan that will separate polluting businesses from schools and homes.

His opponent, on the other hand, expressed concern about the update, highlighting his support of polluting businesses in our neighborhoods.

This is why EHJC endorses Bob Filner for mayor.

After 30 years of discriminatory land use and harmful mixed-use zoning, we must elect a mayor who stands with the residents of Barrio Logan. Bob Filner supports both waterfront industrial jobs AND clean air for Barrio Logan residents. 

Vote on November 6, join us at our October 15 event, and volunteer to help us elect a mayor who knows our communities and listens to us. Together we can take back our city.

Thank you,

Diane Takvorian
Executive Director

What Can You Do?

 1.    Register to Vote and vote on Nov 6
 2.    Vote YES on Prop 39
 3.    Vote for Bob Filner for Mayor of San Diego
 4.    Visit EHJC.org for our 2012 Voter Guide and volunteer to rock the vote  

Weber: Support for Our Local Biofuels Industry Will Prevent Pain at the Pump and Create Good Local Jobs

LEMON GROVE - As gas prices stay high across California after spiking 35 cents a gallon just last week in San Diego – Dr. Shirley Weber is calling for more support for our local biofuels industry to address the problem over the long-term. Weber, a candidate for state Assembly, called for an increase in state investment in local biofuels companies earlier this year – and she renewed her call today.

“Hard-working San Diegans will likely see the highest prices of their lifetime this week, according to the Oil Price Information Service,” Weber said. “The status quo is no longer good enough. Not for our families and not for our communities. I am committed to eradicating this preventable pain at the pump. I believe in investing in our local biofuel industry and the companies working to make us energy independent. California’s government owes it to the citizens of this state to make these investments now and for the future – so this doesn’t happen again. Because if we don’t, it will.”

Weber laid out three action items to support local industry while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

1. San Diego is home to groundbreaking research on biofuels, especially those developed from algae. It’s time to accelerate the production being done here so that we are in control our own energy future. Accelerated biofuel production would not only ease pain at the pump, it would put hundreds of San Diegans back to work in good-paying jobs in a growing sector.


2. We must continue to smartly support emerging technologies – like alternative fuel vehicles – that will not only improve our environment but will make these spikes in gas prices a thing of the past. Not every one of these alternatives makes financial sense and we need to be careful about our investments. But wise and steady work in this area can help stabilize the energy markets and put more people to work.


3. Preparation is key. As energy consumers we often find ourselves at the mercy of a broken pipeline hundreds of miles away, a seasonal refinery switch in Northern California, or a hostile regime a half a world away. Being prepared isn’t expensive and it isn’t a waste of time – especially for a problem we knew we’d face yet again. Our agencies need to better coordinate so that we are prepared to face these problems and not sit idly by while prices soar.


Earlier this year, Dr. Weber started an online petition citizens can sign to support increasing our production of biofuel and reducing our dependence on oil.


About Dr. Shirley Weber

Born to sharecroppers in Hope, Arkansas, Shirley Weber has lived in California since the age of three. Educated in our state’s public schools, she received her BA, MA and PhD from UCLA by the time she was 26. A respected community advocate known for her work on closing the academic achievement gap, Dr. Weber is the former President of the San Diego School Board. She currently serves as the mayor’s appointee and Chair of the Citizens’ Equal Opportunity Commission, where she has created jobs by tripling the number of small businesses contracting with the city of San Diego. Dr. Weber is also a professor at SDSU, and has lived in the 79th Assembly District for over 30 years. 
To learn more, visit http://www.drweber4assembly.com.

Forget Big Bird; Here Comes Grover!

Lobbyist, Tea Party Hero Rides in to Rescue Bilbray’s Teetering Campaign

San Diego -- The Scott Peters for Congress campaign today warned voters in the new 52nd Congressional District of a new character seeking to influence their votes in this hotly contested race.

“Forget Big Bird, here comes Grover,” said Peters Communications Director MaryAnne Pintar. “But it’s not Big Bird’s fuzzy blue friend from Sesame Street; it’s Grover Norquist and he’s coming to San Diego to thank his friend Congressman Bilbray for signing his pledge to never end subsidies for their mutual friends in the oil industry, and to never compromise in order to balance the budget.”

Even Jeb Bush -- not exactly an icon of liberalism -- criticized Republicans for signing the Norquist Pledge as an example of how extreme Brian Bilbray and his party have become.

Grover Norquist is a D.C. lobbyist who heads the extremist Tea Party group Americans for Tax Reform. He just reserved $1.3 million in television ad time to defend the ineffective record of Tea Party Congressman and former lobbyist Brian Bilbray, a millionaire who headlines local Tea Party events about "fiscal conservatism" while taking a $174,000 salary and two taxpayer funded pensions equalling nearly $30,000.

“Brian’s campaign is teetering on the edge so in rides Congressman Bilbray’s guru Grover to the rescue,” said Pintar.  He was even called the “most vulnerable Republican incumbent in California” recently by a highly regarded analyst.

For more information about Scott Peters’ campaign to fix Brian Bilbray’s broken Congress, please go to www.scottpeters.com.

Local Democrats Eager to Cheer Biden, Fact-Check Ryan

Volunteers Phonebanking Before Debate, Canvassing This Weekend

Democratic volunteers and supporters in San Diego are gearing up for tonight's vice-presidential debate, expecting the Vice President to directly address the American people about the Obama-Biden plans to keep strengthening the economy -- and expecting Congressman Paul Ryan to keep deceiving voters about his real positions on Medicare, deficit reduction, and tax cuts for the wealthy.

"In last week's presidential debate, Mitt Romney sounded nothing like the 'severe conservative' he declared himself to be earlier in this campaign," said Jess Durfee, Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party. "The question tonight is whether Paul Ryan will adopt Romney’s dishonest strategy or stand by the extreme positions he’s taken as the 'intellectual leader' of the GOP. Either way, Vice President Biden will express in concrete terms what’s at stake for the middle class."

Dozens of phonebankers will show up at the San Diego Democratic Unity Center before the debate to make calls to mobilize local voters on behalf of Bob Filner for Mayor, Scott Peters for Congress, and other Democratic candidates. Then they'll take their places by the TV screen in the office when the broadcast begins at 6:00 p.m.:

WHEN:
Tonight, October 11 ~ Debate begins at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Democratic Unity Campaign Center, 8322 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite 202, San Diego (92111)

WHO:
Democratic activists, volunteers, and supporters from throughout the county. San Diego County Democratic Party Chair Jess Durfee, also a member of the Democratic National Committee, will address attendees before the debate and will be available for interviews before and after the event.

CARL DEMAIO CHANGES HIS POSITION ON PENSION OBLIGATION BONDS

 

DEMAIO WAS FOR THEM BEFORE HE WAS AGAINST THEM

October 9, 2012

This week, Carl DeMaio attacked Bob Filner for supporting pension obligation bonds to reduce the City’s unfunded pension liability, despite the fact that Filner has repeatedly stated that such bonds are no longer necessary because of nearly $1 billion in reduced pension obligations as a result of a 5-year freeze on pensionable pay which he has committed to implement.

Today, it was revealed that DeMaio himself endorsed the use of pension obligation bonds to reduce the City’s unfunded liability.


In a news conference on Monday, DeMaio denounced pension obligation bonds:

“Taking out another credit card to stretch out payments on the City’s pension debt and racking up hundreds of millions in additional interest is exactly the kind of risky move that got City Hall into the pension mess to begin with.” - Carl DeMaio

Source:  DeMaio news conference, KPBS, October 8, 2012


But in a 2004 Union-Tribune commentary authored by DeMaio, he expressed support for pension obligation bonds as one measure to address the City's unfunded pension liability:

"After creating an independent Pension Reform Committee to provide advice on reforms, city leaders have severely watered down the panel's recommendations…
Combined with the anticipated sale of pension obligation bonds, these reforms would put the pension fund back on firm footing."

Source:  San Diego Union-Tribune, August 13, 2004


In a 2004 report from DeMaio's Performance Instititute (funded by U-T San Diego publisher Doug Manchester), DeMaio offered a blanket endorsement of the reforms proposed by the City's Pension Reform Committee, which included issuance of $600 million in pension obligation bonds to address the City's unfunded pension liabilities:

"The City's Pension Reform Committee has been meeting and deliberating over a series of reforms to the Pension System. Based on the minutes and votes from the meetings of the Committee, the San Diego Citizens' Budget Plan offers a blanket endorsement of their reforms - likely to be presented before the City Council on June 29, 2004…

“…The Pension Reform Committee will likely propose that the City use Pension Obligation Bonds (POBs) to address the current liability in the Pension Fund. The current proposal is to issue a  $200 million POB this year, and instruct the City Manager to find an additional $200 million in FY 2006 and $200 million in FY 2007."  (pg. 21)

Source:  San Diego Citizens' Budget Plan, The Performance Institute, 2004


“This is just one example of the overwhelming hypocrisy and dishonesty with which DeMaio approaches this election,” said Filner.  "DeMaio himself supported these bonds when he was fronting for Doug Manchester, but now he’s attacking me for previously supporting them.  Apparently, DeMaio has no shame and no memory.”

###

Nat’l Committee to Protect Social Security/Medicare Backs Peters Over Bilbray

 

San Diego -- The National Committee to Protect Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), one of the most trusted, independent and effective advocates for these programs in the country, has endorsed Scott Peters for Congress, the Peters campaign announced today.

NCPSSM President and Chief Executive Officer Max Richtman said they are endorsing Peters over Bilbray because they trust Peters to protect Medicare and Social Security, while Bilbray has voted repeatedly to cut these critical programs which protect many of America’s seniors from living in poverty.

In a letter to Peters, Richtman said the organization “enthusiastically endorses your candidacy,” because, “our nation needs your leadership, vision and determination to fight for working families and older Americans.”

“I will absolutely fight to protect and preserve Medicare and Social Security today and into the future,” Peters said. “These are benefits seniors have earned over a lifetime of hard work. My opponent has voted to allow Social Security to be risked in the stock market, and to cut Medicare 10 times throughout his career. Our seniors deserve someone who will stand up for them.”

Most recently, Bilbray voted twice for the Ryan budget, which essentially ends Medicare. In fact, the American Association of Retired People said this about the plan in a letter to Congress: “this proposal simply shifts these high and growing costs onto Medicare beneficiaries, and it then shifts even higher costs of increased uninsured care onto everyone else…the proposal is likely to simply increase costs for beneficiaries while removing Medicare’s promise of secure health coverage -- a guarantee that future seniors have contributed to through a lifetime of hard work.” [AARP Letter, 3/21/12]

Peters is running to unseat 12-year-incumbent Brian Bilbray in the newly drawn 52nd Congressional District.  The hotly contested race is drawing national attention; most recently, National Journal called Bilbray “the most vulnerable incumbent” in California.

For more information, go to www.scottpeters.com.

###

BACKGROUND:

2011: AARP: Ryan’s Plan (That Brian Bilbray voted for twice) Would Increase Health Care Costs for Older Americans. AARP CEO Addison Barry Rand wrote to Members of Congress on House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s Fiscal Year 2013 budget resolution. In the letter, Rand wrote: “this proposal simply shifts these high and growing costs onto Medicare beneficiaries, and it then shifts even higher costs of increased uninsured care onto everyone else. […] By creating a ‘premium support’ system for future Medicare beneficiaries, the proposal is likely to simply increase costs for beneficiaries while removing Medicare’s promise of secure health coverage -- a guarantee that future seniors have contributed to through a lifetime of hard work.” [AARP Letter, 3/21/12]

2011: Ryan Budget Would Affect Those 55 and Over by Increasing Their Prescription Drug Costs. In 2011, it was reported that the Ryan Plan would affect seniors 55 and older by increasing their costs for prescription drugs. “The policies in the House GOP budget, if enacted, would begin affecting millions of seniors almost immediately by increasing their costs for prescription drugs and probably long-term care.” [National Journal, 6/6/11]
 
2011: Bilbray Voted for the House Republican Budget Which Would Cost Seniors More Than $6,000. In 2011,Bilbray voted for the Republican plan to “significantly increase the out-of-pocket costs of health care for Medicare beneficiaries. In fact, out‐of‐pocket health care costs will more than double under the Republican plan. Based on estimates from the non‐partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the typical 65-year-old’s out-of-pocket health care costs will increase from $6,154 to $12,513 in 2022—or an extra $6,359.” [Congressional Joint Economic Committee, 5/20/11; H. Con. Res. 34, Vote #277, 4/15/11; Wall Street Journal, 4/4/11]

2012: Brian Bilbray Voted for House Republican Budget That Would Give People Making Over $1 Million Per Year a $394,000 Tax Cut.“New analysis by the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center (TPC) finds that people earning more than $1 million a year would receive $265,000 apiece in new tax cuts, on average, on top of the $129,000 they would receive from the Ryan budget’s extension of President Bush’s tax cuts.” [Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, 3/27/12; see also Tax Policy Center, Table T12-0078 and T10-0132; H Con Res 112, Vote #151, 3/29/12]

2012: Congressman Bilbray Voted to Slash Medicare, Give Tax Breaks for Millionaires, Encourage Companies to Ship Jobs Overseas. On March 29, 2012, Congressman Bilbray supported a budget that would end Medicare’s guaranteed benefit, protects $40 billion in tax breaks for big oil, provides people earning more than $1 million a year with an average tax cut of $394,000, and provides incentives for corporations to shift profits and jobs overseas. [H Con Res 112, Vote #151, 3/29/12; New York Times Editorial, 3/20/12; Center for American Progress, 3/20/12; Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, 4/12/12; Tax Policy Center, Table T12-0078 and T10-0132; Citizens for Tax Justice,3/22/12]

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Weber Outraises England By More than 5 to 1 – Again

Weber continues fundraising success in the race for the 79th Assembly seat, outraising Republican Mary England by more than 5 to 1 for the second quarter in a row

LEMON GROVE – Assembly candidate and first-place finisher in June’s primary election Shirley Weber outraised her opponent, Republican Mary England, in the most recent filing period by a margin of more than five to one. For the period ending September 30, Weber raised $147,089 while England brought in just $27,149. This ratio mirrors Weber and England’s performance in the prior fundraising quarter.

“I want to thank my friends and supporters, and all of the people in the 79th district who voted with their pocketbooks for common-sense leadership in Sacramento,” said Weber. “We will run this race like we are five points behind from now until Election Day.”

Weber has focused her campaign on creating high-wage jobs in the district, balancing the state budget and improving public education. Her campaign has been endorsed by Rep. Bob Filner, State Senator Chris Kehoe, Assemblymembers Ben Hueso and Toni Atkins, the California Small Business Association, California Highway Patrol, San Diego Firefighters, the California Teachers’ Association, Republican Mayor of La Mesa Art Madrid, and many more.

Overall, Weber has raised $345,902 to England’s $75,593. And in the crucial cash-on-hand metric, Weber heads into October with $104,716 in the bank, compared to England’s $19,654.

About Dr. Shirley Weber
Born to sharecroppers in Hope, Arkansas, Shirley Weber has lived in California since the age of three. Educated in our state’s public schools, she received her BA, MA and PhD from UCLA by the time she was 26. A respected community advocate known for her work on closing the academic achievement gap, Dr. Weber is the former President of the San Diego School Board. She currently serves as the mayor’s appointee and Chair of the Citizens’ Equal Opportunity Commission, where she has created jobs by tripling the number of small businesses contracting with the city of San Diego. Dr. Weber is also a professor at SDSU, and has lived in the 79th Assembly District for over 30 years.


To learn more, visit http://www.drweber4assembly.com.

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Taxpayer Advocate Lani Lutar Endorses Scott Peters for Congress

“Scott helped set the City’s pension system on the right path.” ~ Lutar

San Diego – The Scott Peters for Congress campaign today announced the endorsement of another highly-regarded independent: taxpayer advocate Lani Lutar. Lutar is the latest in a string of high-profile community leaders to endorse Peters over 12-year-incumbent Brian Bilbray, further demonstrating Peters’ ability to appeal to voters across the political spectrum.

“Scott helped steer our city through a very difficult decade and helped set San Diego on a path toward fiscal stability and pension reform,” said Lutar. “As a taxpayer advocate who has scrutinized numerous public investments and been involved in pension reform throughout the region, I know Scott played a pivotal role in righting the ship and creating jobs. He’s been an honest public servant, an effective leader, and he’ll be a terrific advocate for our region in Washington,” she said.

Lutar, who currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, said she was very pleased to give Peters her personal endorsement today. The San Diego County Taxpayers Association does not endorse candidates.

Lutar said her endorsement is based, in part, on the pension reform package Peters helped negotiate in 2008. The package of reforms, which will save the City of San Diego $23 million a year, included:

Banning the 30-year practice of pension underfunding; since 2004, the City has made this payment in full;

Requiring employees to pay a higher share of the cost of their benefits, saving the city money and lowering the pension deficit;

Hiring the City’s first Independent Budget Analyst, so the City Council would have its own check on management, with its own information and professional analysis; and

Creating the City’s Independent Audit function so the auditor that audits management is not reporting to management.

Based on these and other reforms, a Securities and Exchange Commission monitor ultimately said that the practices established in San Diego under Peters’ leadership were “a model that others can look to,” and that the SEC would look to “encourage other municipalities to similarly move in the direction San Diego has led.”

And a recent article published in U-T San Diego about other California cities forced into bankruptcy, pointed out that the reforms instituted while Peters was City Council President helped San Diego avoid the same course.

For more information about Scott Peters for Congress, go to www.scottpeters.com.

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S.D. County Tilts Democratic Days Before Voting Begins

Local Volunteers to Gather for Presidential Debate Watch Party After Phonebanking

In what may be the largest month-to-month voter registration shift between San Diego County's political parties since the 2008 election, Democrats jumped nearly 4,000 votes ahead of Republicans countywide in September -- a key sign of momentum for Democratic candidates just before many ballots hit mailboxes next week.



Last month California Secretary of State Debra Bowen launched a website at http://registertovote.ca.gov/ where Californians can sign up to vote online for the first time ever. More than 100,000 people registered on the site during the first week it was introduced in September.



"While some states are making it harder to register and participate in this election, in California it's easier than ever for eligible voters to make their voices heard," said Jess Durfee, Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party. "In San Diego, we're already seeing our counywide majority of voters grow, and we plan to turn that into a countywide majority of votes for Democrats on November 6.

"

The momentum is also building among volunteers, some of whom will be phonebanking in San Diego's Democratic Unity Campaign Center hours before the first debate between this year's presidential nominees on Wednesday night. News media representatives are welcome to the Debate Watch Party:



WHEN: Wednesday, October 3 ~ Debate begins at 6:00 p.m.


WHERE: Democratic Unity Campaign Center, 8322 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite 202, San Diego (92111)


WHO: Democratic activists, volunteers, and supporters from throughout the county. San Diego County Democratic Party Chair Jess Durfee, also a member of the Democratic National Committee, will address attendees before the debate and will be available for interviews prior to the event.

###

New Venue for Debate Watching with Dr. Shirley Weber

Join Dr. Shirley Weber for a Presidential Debate Watch Party tomorrow, October 3rd, 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, at our NEW VENUE: Oggi's Sports Bar and Grill, 2130 Birch Rd. #104, Chula Vista, 91915. To RSVP, contact Hattie Bryson at (619) 735-1839 or by email at hattie.bryson@att.net.

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Top California Officials to Join First Presidential Debate Watch Parties with OFA-CA Volunteers

In Sacramento, Oakland, Santa Monica, Southeast Los Angeles, Cathedral City and San Diego California leaders will join volunteers to discuss what is at stake and watch the first Presidential debates.

SAN DIEGO  – TOMORROW, elected officials from across California including US Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard, Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom, California Democratic Party Vice Chair Alex Rooker and many others will join Organizing for America-California volunteers as they tune in for the first debates hosted in Colorado.

After winning 16 out of 20 debates in the Republican primary, Mitt Romney will once again take the stage on Wednesday night – and this time he’ll be alongside President Obama.  Historically, presidential challengers benefit just by being on the same stage as the incumbent. That’s one of the reasons why five out of the last six presidential challengers were judged to have won the first debate.

California leaders speaking to volunteers at watch parties will highlight how Obama for America-California are using the debates as an organizing opportunity with supporters across the state engaging their friends, family, and communities at watch parties, helping the campaign continue to pursue our grassroots path to victory.  These leaders will discuss what the debates mean for both campaigns and how President Obama will clearly lay out the choice in this election between two vision for our country: one that moves us forward with an economy built from the middle-out or one that moves us backwards with an economy that writes off our middle-class and returns to the same failed top-down economics of the last decade.

WHAT:         San Diego Debate Watch Party
WHO:           Local San Diego volunteers
WHERE:      Organizing for America, San Diego
                      4660 El Cajon Blvd., Suite 206
                      San Diego, CA  92115
WHEN:         TOMORROW, October 3 at 5:30PM PST

###

Millionaire Bilbray Takes $174K Taxpayer-Funded Salary & 2 Pensions, Criticizes Peters for Giving His Pension to Fund Libraries

San Diego – The Scott Peters for Congress campaign today pointed out the plain hypocrisy of Brian Bilbray’s latest false attack on Peters. In a recent attack ad, the Bilbray camp criticizes Peters for receiving a “taxpayer funded pension.” The truth: Peters donates every penny of the city pension he earned as a member of the City Council – and more -- back to the City of San Diego to fund public libraries.

“Scott doesn’t keep a penny of his City pension; he pays taxes on it and then gives it back to the City to fund public libraries,” said Peters Communications Director MaryAnne Pintar.

“Brian Bilbray collects two taxpayer funded pensions, plus a taxpayer-funded salary, and he knows Scott doesn’t keep his pension, yet he criticizes him for it anyway,” she added. “Brian Bilbray has played fast and loose with the truth this entire campaign and thinks no one will notice. We expect better from a 12-year member of Congress.”

Bilbray, who frequently attempts to cast himself as “working class,” and called himself “poor” on a televised debate earlier this year, collects a $174,000 annual salary, plus two taxpayer funded pensions totaling nearly $29,000. In addition, according to Bilbray’s Personal Financial Disclosure Statement and property records, he holds interests in property valued at $4.5 million and other assets worth almost $1 million.

“Mr. Bilbray is a millionaire who wants to end tax breaks for the middle class in order to give tax breaks to millionaires, billionaires and profitable oil companies, yet he has the audacity to criticize Peters for receiving a pension he gives back,” said Pintar.

“Mr. Bilbray has two taxpayer funded pensions and Congressional health care for life. He’s all set. Yet he voted to privatize Social Security and to essentially end Medicare for America’s seniors on a fixed income. Clearly he has the wrong priorities,” she said.

Bilbray has also voted repeatedly to support privatizing Social Security, to end Medicare as we know it, and to charge seniors up to $6,400 a year more for their health care.

Peters is backed in this election by high profile Republicans, Democrats, independents, three former Chairs of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, as well as the region’s and the nation’s leading worker advocates.

To get the facts on the race for the 52nd Congressional District, go to www.truthcrewCA52.tumblr.com.

BACKGROUND:
Bilbray Has Interest in Nearly $5 Million Worth of Property, Salary, Pensions And Assets – Failed to Disclose What His Wife Made in 2011

[Bilbray PFD, filed 5/15/12; Houston Chronicle, 3/4/12; Union Tribune,5/25/12; Houston Chronicle, 3/4/12]

###

DeMaio's Billion-Dollar Tax Increase Draws Fire From Community Leaders

Mayoral Candidate Raises Taxes Without a Vote of the Public or Capping Convention Center Costs to City 

SAN DIEGO – (Monday, October 1, 2012) – After working for over a year, the push by downtown special interests to impose a $1 Billion tax without a public vote was officially approved by Republican mayoral candidate Carl DeMaio today.

The $1 Billion DeMaio tax increase will be imposed without any direct input from voters who rejected similar tax increases twice before. While the public won't see any new public services or education funding as a result of the tax increase, the major changes do benefit a number of powerful political donors who have supported DeMaio's campaign -- downtown business lobbyists, government contractors, real estate developers and hotel owners.

No proceeds of the tax are to be used on schools, public safety or repairing potholes in streets. All of the receipts of the DeMaio tax are to be used on a new downtown convention center expansion that will benefit a handful of corporations. Hotel owners and operators will get to control the money raised from the DeMaio tax. Downtown hotel owners have more say in how the money is spent than hotel owners outside of downtown.

Community leaders rebuked DeMaio and his tax increase:

Hon. Donna Frye, retired San Diego City Councilmember and open government advocate:
"Supporting a special tax without a public vote is bad public policy and puts the city’s budget at risk. Worse, no one knows if the special tax is even legal. The voters need to be aware of just how fast the self-proclaimed taxpayer watchdog, Carl DeMaio, rolled over for the right master and ignored the public’s right to vote on taxes."

Jim Mahler, President, American Federation of Teachers (San Diego and Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College Guild):
 “San Diego’s students face threats of shorter school years, cuts to vital academic programs, teacher layoffs and unaffordable college tuition. But Carl DeMaio’s tax increase doesn’t help restore education funding. Instead, his vote to raise taxes will  only benefit the downtown special interests that are funding his campaign.”
 
Pat Zaharopoulos, President of the San Diego Middle Class Taxpayers Association*:
"It's just common sense to include basic accountability about how the public's money is spent. Middle class families deserve protections that ensure taxpayers are on the hook for cost overruns. Carl DeMaio didn't stand up for that. He may prefer handing over the public's money to the downtown special interests funding his campaign, but raising taxes to benefit corporate profits is just another attack on San Diego's middle class."

 For more information, contact San Diegans for Bob Filner for Mayor 2012 committee spokesman Evan McLaughlin at (619) 850-2790 or sandiegansforbobfilner@gmail.com.


*organization used for identification purposes only.

San Diegans for Bob Filner for Mayor 2012 is a committee primarily formed to support Congressman Filner in the City of San Diego’s mayor race and does not coordinate with any candidate or candidate-controlled committee. ID # 1348840

###

Presidential Debate Watch Party with Dr. Shirley Weber

Join Dr. Shirley Weber, candidate for the 79th Assembly District, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, October 3rd for a Presidential Debate Watch Party. This event will be held at The Brew House @ Eastlake, 871 Showroom Place # 102, Chula Vista, 91914. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Hattie Bryson at (619) 735-1839.

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NOW Endorses Scott Peters for Congress

“Peters is Steadfast in His Support of Women's Rights, Equality, Protecting Social Security"

San Diego – The National Organization for Women (NOW) Political Action Committee has endorsed Scott Peters for Congress, the campaign announced today. Peters is running to unseat 12-year incumbent Brian Bilbray in the newly drawn 52nd Congressional District.

NOW advocates on a wide range of issues including equal pay, equal rights and access to health care for women. The organization is also actively engaged in opposing efforts to privatize Social Security by putting these funds at risk in the stock market, something Bilbray has supported throughout his career.

NOW is backing Peters because he has a strong record on all of these issues while Bilbray’s record is dismal.

“Particularly this year, when women’s rights have come under attack by extremists like Rush Limbaugh, Todd Akin and Brian Bilbray, we need another voice for women’s rights in Congress,” said Gloria Johnson, President of the San Diego County Chapter of NOW.
 
“Scott Peters is steadfast in his support for equal pay and equal hiring for women and protecting Social Security, Brian Bilbray is not. I urge everyone who cares about women’s rights, equality and economic opportunity to get behind Scott Peters for Congress,” she said.

Founded in 1966, NOW is the largest, most comprehensive advocacy group for for women in the United States, with 500,000 members and hundreds of chapters. Peters is also endorsed by Planned Parenthood, with a 100% rating for his unwavering support for access to reproductive health care.

In glaring contrast, Brian Bilbray has a 9% rating from Planned Parenthood for his votes to limit access to women’s preventive healthcare, contraception and reproductive health services.
In 2011, Bilbray voted to strip funding for Planned Parenthood, a safety net provider of reproductive and preventive healthcare for millions of women. He also supported extremists’ efforts to shut down the federal government over opposition to the program. This year, Bilbray voted to eliminate funding for clinics that provide reproductive and preventive health services to low-income women, including breast and cervical cancer screenings. And, he voted to undermine key principles of the Violence Against Women Act, an 18-year-old law that increased the ability of law enforcement agencies to protect victims of stalking, domestic violence and sexual assault.  He is also a proponent of risking Social Security our seniors have earned in a volatile stock market.
For more information, go to www.scottpeters.com.

###

BACKGROUND:
Bilbray Supported Privatizing Social Security. In April 2006, Bilbray said he “supports Social Security reforms that include investments in the markets.” He continued, “I do believe that any Social Security Reform will have to include methods of investment and personal ownership.” [North County Times, 4/1/06]

 Bilbray Said He was Open to Private Accounts for Social Security. In 2000, Bilbray said he was open to the idea of private accounts in Social Security: “I support looking seriously into the option of allowing workers to save a portion of their payroll taxes in a personal retirement account. This should not be a replacement for the current Social Security program, but a supplement where the current program acts as a safety net. We are approaching a time when the baby boomers will be reaching retirement age and the SS Trust Fund is endangered of becoming insolvent. This option and others need to be explored thoroughly and soon.” [SocialSecurity.org, accessed 2/17/12]

Bilbray Voted Against Protecting Social Security and Medicare Benefits from Privatization. In March 2011, Bilbray voted against a measure that would have prohibited continuing appropriations funds for fiscal year 2011 for being used in developing or implementing a system that cuts Social Security benefits or that privatizes Social Security. The amendment also prohibited funds from being used to develop or implement a system that cuts Medicare benefits, eliminates guaranteed health coverage for seniors or establishes a Medicare voucher plan that limits payments to beneficiaries in order to purchase health care in the private sector. The motion failed, 190-239. [HJR 48, Vote #178, 2/15/11]

Labor Council Applauds Gov. Brown’s Approval of A.B. 1248

SAN DIEGO - San Diego Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Lorena Gonzalez made the following statement in response to Governor Brown signing AB 1248 addressing local public employees’ retirement:

“Every worker deserves the basic right to Social Security. While Social Security alone is not enough for any individual to retire on, it is a safety net that the labor movement is completely committed to protecting for all workers: union and non-union.

The San Diego Labor Council applauds the leadership of Assemblymember Hueso for carrying this bill to ensure a safety net for San Diego’s public workers and the common sense approach taken by Governor Brown in signing it.”

A.B. 1248 was authored by Assemblyman Ben Hueso in response to Carl DeMaio’s attack on the retirement security of city employees who would not receive a defined-benefit pension or Social Security upon retirement under DeMaio’s proposal. The bill ensures that the City of San Diego will include the safety net of Social Security for any employees who are subject to DeMaio’s proposal.

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San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council
The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO represents more than 192,000 union workers in the region and advocates for an economy with more jobs, better jobs and better lives for all workers in the region - union and non-union.

www.unionyes.org

Filner talks civil rights and diversity

A line of civil rights activists stood behind mayoral candidate Bob Filner near Hepner Hall as the former San Diego State professor spoke about ethnic inclusion, homelessness and his history with civil rights. Last Friday morning’s forum, centered on minorities and marginalized groups, included the participation from an ethnically rich and diverse group of Filner’s colleagues, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights activist Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk, first openly gay official elected in the U.S.

Milk said his uncle did not stand only for gay rights, but spoke for immigrants, Latinos, Asians, the elderly and the working class, as well. “He, for the first time, brought communities together,” Milk said about his uncle. “And that is what we need here in San Diego. We don’t need someone who only represents Doug Manchester, our big downtown developer. We need someone who represents everybody.” Filner took the microphone after several others shared their history with the democratic candidate. Most recalled Filner’s intervention with the law as a young demonstrator for civil rights. Filner said when he was 13, he met Martin Luther King Jr., an experience to which he credits his drive for equality.

When he was 18-years-old, Filner was put in jail for protesting against segregation in the South as part of the Freedom Riders movement. Filner said the experience gave him optimism for change. “This city has a majority of ethnic minorities,” Filner said. “Everyone should get to sit on the table, because if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”

Toward the end of his speech, Filner touched on the issue of homelessness in San Diego. According to Home Again, a nonprofit organization determined to end chronic homelessness in San Diego, current evaluations set the number of homeless San Diegans at 8,500. One in four homeless people are young adults of ages 18-30 and one in six are military veterans. Filner said the issue should be confronted not only in an economic manner, but also in a more humanitarian one. He said homeless people in permanent housing is the first step to end the problem and with the help of social service volunteers, the homeless may work on their issues of mental illness and/or alcohol/drug abuse and eventually find a job.

“A large motel in downtown, which houses 400, has become available and yet nobody has tried to use that for homeless,” Filner said. “(Homelessness) costs us more than the $20-million to buy (it).” Filner said the money would come from federal or state finances.

Filner said university campuses should not penalize in-state and local students because there is not enough money coming from the legislature. The remark was in relation to the recent California State University suggestion and decision to increase the out-of-state student population in order for college campuses to raise revenue. Filner said other priorities, such as building more prisons instead of more schools, get in the way of the legislature providing more money to universities.

Milk proposed changes to better the economy of San Diego, such as focusing on the future of the working class and furthering the inclusivity of San Diego’s LGBT community. “If you have somebody whose one parent may be doing janitorial work and one may be doing house work, let’s make sure that their children get some education to move to the next level,” Milk said. “That’s how communities grow economically.”

Milk said San Diego has done one of the best jobs in growing LGBT inclusion with other communities. “We need to make it comfortable where people who are going to the Gaslamp District can go to Hillcrest, and vice versa, where people who are LGBT couples would feel free to hold hands in Hillcrest can do that in the Gaslamp District and not worry about it,” Milk said. Milk said such advancements require societal change through leadership at the top. “Inclusion and the celebration of diversity means economic prosperity,” Milk said. “I’ve traveled the world and seen world-class cities and those that are thriving in this economy are the communities that include everyone.”

http://www.thedailyaztec.com/2012/10/filner-talks-civil-rights-and-diversity/

ATKINS BILL PROTECTING VICTIMS OF SPOUSAL SEXUAL ASSAULT SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

(San Diego) - A bill by Assemblymember Toni Atkins that would prevent those convicted of violent sex crimes against their spouse from forcing their victim to pay spousal support following a divorce was signed into law today by Governor Jerry Brown.  AB 1522 received unanimous support in both houses of the state legislature.

AB 1522 was inspired by the case of Crystal Harris, a San Diego area woman who was ordered by a court to pay her husband’s legal fees, plus monthly spousal support, despite the fact that he was convicted of committing violent sex crimes against her and was ultimately sent to prison.   The bill was sponsored by San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, who brought Harris’ case to Assemblymember Atkins’ attention.

“With the Governor’s signing of AB 1522 a wrong has been righted,” says Atkins.  “Crystal Harris was victimized twice – first by the husband who sexually assaulted her, a crime for which he was ultimately convicted, and then again by a court that forced her to pay him.  With AB 1522 now part of the law, this can no longer happen in California.”

“I want to applaud Crystal Harris for the spirit and tenaciousness she showed in working to change the law to reflect common sense and fairness.  I also want to thank the District Attorney, my colleagues in the legislature, and the Governor for protecting victims of domestic violence.”

Current law already prevents spousal support in cases of the attempted murder or soliciting the murder of a spouse.  AB 1522 would add violent sex felonies to the list of convictions that disqualify a person from obtaining financial benefits from their ex-spouse in a divorce proceeding.

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San Diego’s Longest Serving City Clerk Chuck Abdelnour Endorses Dave Roberts for Supervisor

SAN DIEGO – Chuck Abdelnour, the San Diego City Clerk for 28 years, joins the growing list of regional leaders endorsing Solana Beach Deputy Mayor Dave Roberts to be the next Third District County Supervisor.

“San Diego County needs experienced leaders like Dave Roberts who understand the importance of working with local neighborhoods, community planning groups, and the City of San Diego in a mutually beneficial manner,” retired city clerk Chuck Abdelnour said. “I am pleased to offer Dave Roberts my endorsement as someone who will take the time and effort to listen to City officials and work on issues and concerns that affect both the city and the county.”

The San Diego City Clerk is responsible for the administration of City elections and the administration and maintenance of all official records of the City.

“I am honored to add Chuck Abdelnour’s endorsement to my growing list of supporters,” said Dave Roberts. “I have a proven track record of working collaboratively with the City of San Diego on expanding and maintaining the San Dieguito River Valley Park and improving public safety programs.”

Abdelnour earned his undergraduate degree at San Diego State University and received his law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. He began working with the city of San Diego in 1974 as an assistant director in community relations and was appointed city clerk in 1977. Among his more notable accomplishments: developed live streaming of all City Council and committee meetings; helped move city government into the cyber age; and set forth pioneering legislation to create an all-mail ballot, which has since been adopted in many states saving significant taxpayer dollars.

More than 130 bipartisan leaders and key organizations are supporting Dave Roberts for Supervisor including incumbent Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, former Bush Administration Secretary of Veterans Affairs Lt. General Jim Peake (retired), former White House Physician Rear Admiral (retired) Connie Mariano, U.S. Green Chamber, Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters and the Friends of the San Dieguito River Valley. In addition, four local newspapers including La Prenza and San Diego CityBeat have endorsed his campaign.

For more information, visit his web site at www.DaveRobertsforSupervisor.com.

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Seriously, Brian?

San Diego – In a hugely embarrassing turn of events for Brian Bilbray today, his campaign was caught in a silly attempt to deceive the voters and the media.

After issuing a news release accusing Scott Peters of “ducking” a morning debate on talk radio that was orchestrated by Bilbray, the Peters campaign produced an e-mail exchange between the show’s host and the campaign in which the host acknowledges that neither he nor his staff ever contacted Peters to schedule the debate.  The Bilbray campaign was aware of these facts, yet attempted to lay blame on the Peters campaign regardless.

“This would be laughable, if it weren’t so incredibly wrong,” said Peters’ spokeswoman, MaryAnne Pintar.  “There are so many serious issues to discuss, and Brian Bilbray wants to play games with the truth. No wonder this has been the most unproductive Congress in history.”

The Peters campaign has accepted every debate request that has been made of them. Brian Bilbray, in contrast, has rebuffed nearly every invitation, including Voice of San Diego Politifest, the North County Chamber of Commerce, KPBS Radio, and the Green Experts Academy and The Sustainability Alliance of Southern California.

The full exchange between Pintar and radio talk show host Mike Slater is below:




From: Michael Slater 
Date: Thu, Sep 27, 2012 at 8:34 AM
Subject: Re: Scott Peters?

To: MaryAnne 



Hey MaryAnne, here is the E-mail of our producer Anna:agood@kfmb.com





On Sep 27, 2012, at 7:59 AM, Michael Slater wrote:


MaryAnne,
 I am so sorry. I heard you just talked to Anna.

The Bilbray team came to us to schedule a debate. I asked them to pick a date, and I assumed (absolutely my fault) that they were working with your team for the debate. I'm very sorry for the confusion.
I've attached our producer Anna Myatt to this E-mail. I hope we can schedule a debate as soon as possible!

Thanks MaryAnne. Sorry again for the drama
(I'm sure you don't need any more of it this busy time of year!)
Mike
>
>
>


On Sep 27, 2012, at 6:54 AM, MaryAnne wrote:
>
>>
Mike --
>>
>>
I just saw a tweet from 760 announcing that Scott Peters would be facing off with Brian Bilbray on your show this morning. While I know the Bilbray campaign suggested a debate on your show in a news release a few weeks back, we have never been contacted by you or your producer to schedule this.
>>
>>

Unlike Mr. Bilbray, we have welcomed every opportunity to debate face to face to address issues important to the voters. Mr. Bilbray has ducked several. We would be happy to come on your show as we have in the past at a date and time that works for both of us. However, the courtesy of an invitation would be appreciated.
>>
>>

Scott has another commitment this morning but I look forward to hearing from you with an explanation about this morning's announcement.
>>
>>

Sincerely,
>>
>>
MaryAnne Pintar
>>
Communications Director
>>
Scott Peters for Congress


Additionally, Michael Slater issued the following statement today:

On August 21, the Bilbray campaign approached me to host a debate on the radio between Congressman Bilbray and Scott Peters. I of course agreed to host.

This morning at 7:00, the day and time of the scheduled debate, I received an E-mail from the Peters campaign saying they were never officially invited to debate on the air. I never reached out to the Peters campaign because I assumed the campaigns were coordinating the debate schedules and appearances together. I take full responsibility for not confirming with both campaigns.

I hope we can find a time as soon as possible where the Congressman and Councilman can come on the air for an honest discussion of the issues San Diegans care about the most.

For more information, go to www.scottpeters.com.

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