by Gene Wunderlich
It’s that crazy season again – election time in the U S of A. And once again we are blessed with a surfeit of candidates ready, willing and possibly able to address the issues that confront us. From our local school boards and city councils to our county, state and national governance, we have incumbents telling us what a wonderful job they’ve done on our behalf and why they deserve another shot as stewards of our future. At the same time we have challengers lined up with what they claim are better ideas, or the same old ideas in a nicer package, or, in some cases, no idea at all why they’re running.
In California we’ll also grapple with numerous propositions on our ballot – at least 11 statewide propositions plus a few local issues. These include two opportunities to raise our own taxes, another to raise taxes on some businesses and a variety of other causes, some of which simply garnered enough signatures from uninformed people to qualify for your consideration.
As a result of redistricting and term limits, our region will be represented by two new Assembly Members in Sacramento next year. It’s no longer sufficient to just base your vote on either the Republican or Democratic candidate because due to the state’s new open primary system, we have two Republicans facing off for one of those seats. The fact that they will continue to represent the minority party in our state legislature ensures that the free spending policies of the majority will continue in full effect until we collectively tap out as a state.
Redistricting also moves us into two new federal Congressional districts this year. This is beneficial to our region as we have moved into the focus of new legislators rather than being taken for granted by the former. The growth of our region during the past decade gives us more visibility and a greater voice in pursuing legislation favorable to our area. All these choices means just one thing – it is more important than ever that you make informed decisions on the ballot propositions, on your local City Councilors, County Supervisors, State Assemblymembers, Federal Congressmen and, of course, the next President of our United States.
In this issue, The Valley Business Journal presents statements of intention by many of our local candidates as well as recommended positions on state ballot propositions provided by the Southwest California Legislative Council.
We hope you take the time to get to know these candidates and what they stand for before you vote. You’ll hear people say this is the most important election of our lifetime. That may be true or somewhat hyperbolic, because in fact EVERY election is critical. But the consequences of this election and the policies resulting thereof, will shape our communities, our region and our nation for the foreseeable future.
Between now and election day, take every opportunity, whether by print, via television or in person, to become better acquainted with these candidates. Ask them the tough questions you have about your family, your job and your future. If they don’t have answers, don’t entrust them with your vote.
You will note that statements are not available from all candidates. You may assume those candidates were either too busy to respond or have no position to declare on the issues facing our region.