Click continue reading to see their press release.
Click here for Timm Herdt's take on the new group.
( Warning: Timm is spelled with two M's. If you send him an email and spell his name wrong he will sign you up for spam.)
A friend of mine puts together websites for Democratic candidates if you want a website put up quickly send me an email.
Does anyone know the email address or background information for Michael Thomas Judge? He is listed as a candidate for the Simi Valley City Council.
I had an entry up to ask Rob Collins questions. I took it down to delete off topic comments. I expect to put it back up later this week. Thanks to those asking questions about the Simi Valley school board election.
It looks like CVUSD Board Member Mike Dunn's wife is running for school board. Will they be added to the list of political power couples locally?
I also saw a candidate listed for Moorpark school board with the last name Van Dam. I assume that she is related to council member Mark Van Dam but I will check into it. Here is Mark Van Dam from a few years back:
In her continuing speaker series Mary Pallant and CLU's Political Science Dept. are hosting a screening and then a discussion with the producer/director of a film about the integrity of our elections, including a case study of Ohio during the 2004 presidential election.
Click on continue reading to see more details.
In other news what have you seen from the Marta Jorgenson campaign recently?
( Raymond Cruz Simi Valley School Board candidate)
I heard that former school board candidate and current Ventura County Republican Central Committee Ray Cruz picked up papers to run again.
If elected should he resign from the central committee? I haven't thought it through all the way yet but I was curious about your input.
Ray Cruz has a long resume of helping out various causes in town. If I recall correctly he is in the financial services industry and active in his church. He also teaches a Bible Class. I only mention his church life because he has brought it in his past campaign.
UPDATE: Two people I respect went after me because I mentioned that Raymond Cruz is active in his church and that he has taught classes on the Bible .
1. I know Raymond Cruz is very much pleased to share his role in his church with the wider public.
2. In his past campaign he citied his church involvement.
3. He listed himself as an educator. His education background includes teaching people about financial services and teaching at his church. If he was running as an educator it makes sense to mention how he is involved.
4. He has brought up religious issues as part of his platform and not just creationism. About creationism he said: "We should teach creationism and give that an equal balance with evolution." Click here to read the article.
But now with all that being said the other parts of his contribution to our community should be shared more. When he starts putting out a detailed list I will post it. But off the top of my head and with an assist from Google he is also heavily involved with Rotary, The Cultural Arts Center, and the Vino Jazz Festival.
I know I am missing much more about his involvement but I will update it again as the campaign unfolds.
After all the years you have know me and my beliefs, including my religious faith, I think you should apologize for trying to make it look like I was going after him for being a Christian. That is just as unfair and uncalled for as if I actually did.
The Simi Valley Acorn has an update about the Hannah-Beth Jackson supporters who filed a complaint against Assemblymember Audra Strickland's Chief of Staff for the trouble that happened outside of the fundraiser for Tony Strickland that Mitt Romney spoke about.
The story also mentions that Audra Strickland's suspension of her Chief of Staff was not immediate after when she announced it last month but instead started this month.
I think the most accurate quote in the article ( the portion about it being a slow process) was from Jack Phillips:
"The wheels of justice are going," Phillips said. "It's a slow process, but hopefully we'll have some justice done."
The process is often very deliberate and slow. I feel that the longer it takes the more confidence we should have that the police have conducted a thoughtful investigation to arrive at the truth.
But I am divided.
I also want the case to be dealt with expeditiously so that the campaign can focus on campaign finance, the state budget, the environment, education funding and other critical issues.
I am not excusing his behavior. I agree with Assemblymember Strickland that he showed poor judgment. I expect Audra Strickland to stay loyal to a long time friend, employee, and supporter. That is why I am glad she took some responsibility in admitting he displayed poor judgment. He should have been standing with the main group of people there to support Tony Strickland by the hotel, not down the street.
Nor am I saying this is not a serious issue.
Of about 100 protesters total almost all of them were peaceful. It would have been much easier if both groups stayed apart from each other and the Republican group didn't try to claim the whole sidewalk. In the future, would it be that hard to call each other? If a politician claims they will work with people across the aisle to pass major legislation how hard would it be to make a call and work it out before hand?
Thank you to everyone that came out to support their cause and stayed respectful.
I am curious if any member of the press asked the Strickland camp if the accusations about calling people Unamerican and other names is true. There was wild name calling going all around from both sides once the shoving had happened.
For all sides it would be best not to make them wait for months before announcing the results. I am sure the people that asked the police to investigate and Assemblymember Audra Strickland's Chief of Staff all want it dealt with as quickly as can be done. This whole "fracas" ( my favorite word to describe it from Star reporter Teresa Rochester) is hanging over the heads of many people waiting to see what will happen. For all of their sakes I want it resolved soon.
Anyone that feels they owe someone an apology should do it. Maybe if Tony Strickland's campaign apologized and chipped in towards the medical bills for the man that was hurt they could all move forward. It is amazing what a heart felt apology can do in this world. But if people are truly wronged it is unreasonable to expect them to forgive and move forward if you keep denying responsibility.
It would be really cool if Hannah-Beth Jackson and Tony Strickland called each other to work it out on behalf of their supporters. I know the chances are slim, but they have to be better than balancing the state budget without massive tax increases or massive spending cuts, yes? When I see either of them again I won't ask what was talked about but I will ask if they picked up the phone.
Feel free to call me naive.
But if the Strickland campaign feels they did nothing wrong I guess the justice system will grind its heavy and slow gears before issuing an opinion.
Anyone agree with me? Should they call each other?
Here is the story in The Star today in PDF format ( It is not a Rick Roll). If you see it online please post the URL.
( Democratic nominees for State Assembly Ferial Masry and Carole Lutness)
On another entry the Democratic nominee, Carole Lutness, to take on Cameron Smyth ( R- Santa Clarita) in the 38th State Assembly district agreed to take questions from readers. Read through her website and then leave some questions or comments for her.
Carole, I have a few questions for you:
1. Do you have a Myspace or Facebook account? If you do please post the links to them.
2. Do you have any plans to work with the Hannah-Beth Jackson campaign in the precincts that overlap between you two?
3. I saw your pictures with Dennis Kucinich. Do you support his move to start the impeachment process against the Bush Administration?
4. Who is more conservative, Tony Strickland or Cameron Smyth?
5. How do you think Cameron Smyth did when he was on the Santa Clarita City Council?
6. When is the next time you plan to attend or hold an event in Simi Valley?
7. Who did you support in the Democratic primaries?
8. What do you think of the overall level of taxation in California?
9. What do you think about the role of faith in politics?
10. Do you support Same Sex Marriage?
11. During the debate over our Constitution would you have been a Federalist or Anti-Federalist. ( Okay, fine, I am out of questions. )
Carole, answer the questions when you get a chance that I posted and more importantly that my readers will post. There isn't a need to rush so if you don't do it everyday, don't worry about it. You don't need to register to post comments.
( The above video is from her campaign explaining more about why she is running.)
( When you read about this story remember that out of more than a hundred people only a few got in each other's faces. Most of it was peaceful and respectful from both sides.)
I went back and forth trying to write a decent headline. What would you suggest that is accurate?
If you are new to the story click here, here, here and here to get a background on it.
A news alert went out that some of the people that say Audra Strickland's Chief of Staff pushed them will be filing charges at the Sheriff's station today.
I will update this later when I know what happened. If you are going with the group please take a video or picture to send in.
Has Assemblywoman Audra Strickland said if he is back on the job yet? I know she has been busy talking about the proposed prison hospital in Camarillo. By my count the month suspension is over.
( A local Barack Obama supporter with local Barack Obama organizer Sandy Emberland. He said he bought the shirt at Urban Outfitters I think.)
I attended an organizational meeting of Barack Obama supporters tonight at the UFCW Union Hall in Camarillo. By my count there was about one hundred supporters there from across the 24th congressional district and beyond.
The focus of the meeting was to train volunteers to register voters and to organize voter registration events. If you are interested in getting involved you can leave your name and email address here as a comment or you can go to the campaign's website and search for local events to help with.
The Ventura County Fair is coming up and the Barack Obama supporters have many plans to make it exciting for this year. They are looking for a few more volunteers to work in the booth if you are interested.
The amount and intensity of volunteers this long before the election is inspiring. The only local John McCain news I have to share is that there is a high priced fundraiser in Los Angeles in late August. If you see anything from local John McCain supporters let me know.
I have heard that Republicans are out there registering voters. Has anyone seen this recently? If you do send in photos to post.
Thanks to the great volunteers who organized this event. I am looking forward to reports from the fair.
Sandy, will you email me some photos of the registration events your group is running?
To encourage young people to get involved in local politics I am challenging all of the campaigns to admit people 21 and under to their fundraisers for free if they bring another young person with them.
All campaigns say they are open to young people. But not every young person just wants to work phone banks or walk precincts without going to the higher profile events.
I will post the answers from the state senate candidates first.
The 19th senate district extends all the way from Santa Barbra County into Los Angeles County. Anyone want to use google maps and tell me the total drive time across the district?
This weekend State Assembly Member Cameron Smyth will be walking with Tony Strickland around Santa Clarita meeting voters. Maybe Pedro Nava and Hannah-Beth Jackson will be teaming up soon?
Click on continue reading to see the latest announcement from the Tony Strickland campaign.
I am not biased in favor of Tony Strickland. If you told their campaign that they would likely start laughing. Off the record of course. I post statements and events from campaigns as they come in.
If your campaign has an event they want people to know about please send it to me.
It is apparent that Cameron Smyth is a team player for the Republicans but so much for his image as a moderate. Tony Strickland is a tough campaigner but I think everyone pretty much agrees he is very conservative. He doesn't support same sex marriage or civil unions. That seems pretty conservative for California or even this district.
But I guess Smyth did work for infamous State Senator Pete Knight years ago. Of all the Republican State Assembly Members Smyth is my favorite ( please don't quiz me, I admit I don't know many) because of his support for green proposals, but that Pete Knight background leaves me suspicious.
What would you ask either of these candidates if they came to your door?
Have you seen any other politicians out campaigning door to door recently?
I received an email earlier alerting me to a new website put up with the provocative title "Democrats for Tony Strickland". I checked the registry information and a few other sources to find out more but they did a professional job at hiding their information. I sent them an email to let them know I don't reveal sources except if they violate basic rules like using rated X language and being really foul even after being warned. I wouldn't reveal your identity for political reasons.
I asked for a link on their site back to my blog. But I ask people that all the time. If you ever call me and really need a post put up right away it helps if your campaign links to me. Okay fine, I would do it anyways for asking but I appreciate the links.
To the person that sent me the email: Will you reveal yourself after the campaign? Let me know.
Anyways, what do you think? A real site put together by a Democrat? Was it done by a Tony Strickland operative? If you are a Democrat or DTS do you agree with what it says?
Any word on when Hannah-Beth Jackson's campaign will announce a "Republicans for Hannah-Beth Jackson" group?
The Tony Strickland Campaign sent out an email letting people know their candidate was recently on CNBC to talk about his alternative energy. Click here to see the video.
I am impressed with the level of skill the Strickland campaign runs. It seems like they have something to try to get media attention every week or influence insider opinion about the campaign.
If you see a story I might have missed please email it to me. I don't mean to slight Hannah-Beth Jackson if there are news stories in the Santa Barbara region of the district.
Click on continue reading to see the announcement from the campaign.
Before you click on the video do you know the Bob The Builder theme song? Very funny video. I heard the Bob The Builder theme song the other day and I went to youtube and discovered that many people already made the connection into a video.)
Local Barack Obama supporters are putting together a great organization. I was surprised I didn't see more Democratic leaders at the event but I the UFCW hall was full of supporters. There will be Barack Obama signs, stickers, and magnetic bumper stickers at this meeting. Here is a video from the last meeting:
Here is the meeting information from the local Barack Obama campaign volunteers:
Obama Monthly Meetup for the 24th Congressional District - Wednesday, July 23, 7 - 9 PM, UFCW Orchid Room in Camarillo
On June 17 we had a terrific meeting in Camarillo with about 190 supporters attending. We covered the basics on what to expect moving forward; hosting events; developing city groups; phonebanking; canvassing and traveling to other states.
On July 23 we have scheduled the second monthly meetup. This event will be co-hosted by Deborah Dent, CD 24 Obama for America Coordinator and Roni Flowers, Obama for America Volunteer. This will be an opportunity for Obama supporters and city group members to meet together, welcome new volunteers, participate in a brief Q & A and receive information on the campaign's general election plans for California . Also, Roni Flowers will conduct a workshop on voter registration.
The first official step in running for office is picking up the paperwork from city hall or the county clerk's office. Paul picked up his paperwork and has until August to turn it in. If you know someone running tell them to email me and I will start posting information about their biography and platform.
I spoke with Paul Moomjean about why he is running for Mayor by phone and he agreed to answer questions from my readers. So, ask away!
Paul will have limited access to the internet over the next 10 days or so but he said he will answer questions from time to time.
Remember, you do not need to register to leave comments and you do not need to use your full or proper name. I delete comments from time to time that violate the comments policy. As always send me an email to delete a comment.
So what questions do you have for Paul?
Click on continue reading for three basic questions that I asked him and to see a bonus video.
( The test reads: West Regional Office West Regional Headquarters Henderson, NV 89074 Office number is 702-425-8845 Email California staff at california@johnmccain.com )
The Hannah-Beth Jackson campaign is opening an East County office. Click on continue reading for details. That is going to be great for East County Democrats. I went to Tony Strickland's site to see their different offices ( I know they were hiring staff in SB but maybe they are working from a party HQ?) but they only have a Thousand Oaks address. That is pretty far from the other end of the district. But I guess that is closer than John McCain's nearest campaign office.
The John McCain Campaign has a California office. In Nevada!
Seems they outsource the work from California. I went to the McCain campaign and when I clicked on California it directed me to their nearest office. I guess this is what they are talking about when people complain that jobs are leaving California.
Have you heard any McCain news coming from Ventura County. I asked Ventura County McCain supporter Neal Andrews to write something up about their current efforts that I expect to post in the next week.
( Thanks to Bill O'Reilly for demonstrating why calling people Nazis isn't the way to win a debate.)
Have you heard of Godwin's Law? Here is the definition:
"As a Usenet discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one."
Anyways, if you see a comment that goes over the top, is too personal, or uses foul language please email me. If you start arguing with them about it the task of deleting statements without other statements not making sense becomes difficult.
Thanks for reading. Please point out Godwin's Law in your conversations. The Nazi's don't want you to do it.
( Here is a youtube video of Bill Fulton talking about the Ventura County library system.)
Ventura City Council Member Bill Fulton has updated his blog. I guess that proves it isn't just an election tool for him. Bill, what has the response been like so far from Ventura citizens? Do many of them talk to you about it? I liked your entry about the length of meetings.
What local elected officials would you like to see a personal blog from? If there is an overwhelming response I will propose it to The Star and the elected official that it be done.
Start nominating elected officials you would like to read more from!
I nominate:
Moorpark City Council Member Keith Millhouse
County Supervisor Peter Foy
Simi Valley City Council Member Glen Becerra
I would also like to see some park board, water board, and school board officials bring more light into what they do.
( Maybe this video explains some of the reasons for the differences between the candidates. Not much reinforces the perception of being old like not knowing how to use a computer!)
If you google the following names check out the number of results you get:
Barack Obama:
56,600,000
George Bush :
45,100,000
This election seems to be about Barack Obama and not John McCain. Because of the extended primary, his becoming the first African-American nominee of a major party, and his connection to young voters it is obvious he is well positioned to draw excitement to his campaign.
But how did he top George W. Bush ( or for that matter both George Bush's combined) who has been president or a candidate for president for almost 8 years? Is there really more being written about Barack Obama in the last couple of years then it was about Bush in total?
The 1992 election was about George Bush Sr. and the economy. In the 1996 election Bill Clinton was the topic of discussion, not Bob Dole. The 2000 election was in part a referendum on Bill Clinton. In 2004 the campaign was about George W. Bush but then shifted to being about John Kerry.
This election, for both sides, has become about Barack Obama. When I listen to KFI or watch television it seems that Barack Obama is more often being talked about. Even John McCain is resorting to trying to get some attention from Barack Obama instead of generating his own. He advertisements are all over the internet in odd places like next to Obama Girl or on website promoting racially charged lies about Barack Obama. If you google Barack Obama you even get paid ads by John McCain.
With John McCain's inability to attract excitement on his own it isn't surprising he wanted to be with Barack Obama at town hall meetings!
The Myspace results are easier to explain. Among young people Barack Obama is way ahead.
What do you think about how the candidates are using the internet?
( Here is a video of the mysterious Timm Herdt to help spot him in public. Remember, his name has two M's in it. If you spell it wrong you should expect to experience his full wrath unleashed.)
Star Reporter Timm Herdt has an article up about the early money race between Hannah-Beth Jackson and Tony Strickland.
So far, as expected Tony Strickland is way ahead.
The Hannah-Beth Jackson campaign has many promises from the state party to help her out. But will they put the money in early enough to inspire confidence in local Democrats? If they wait too long they might take away some of the momentum she has going.
The state party is hiring many people to register Democrats locally as I have posted about a few times.
What do you think? Besides this blog and other blogs do you see either campaign out there working?
The text reads: Proudly Serving
California's Thirty Seventh Assembly District
Camarillo, Fillmore, Los Angeles, Moorpark, Ojai, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Chatsworth
Here is a map of the district:
( Click for larger size map.)
I am just curious? Where in the district is that awesome beach?
( These signs are in a private yard in East Simi Valley and were up as of July 14th.)
As a public service after an election I post pictures of signs up even though the polls closed weeks ago. In the past it has provided a little bit of comic relief and encouraged people to pick up their signs.
If you see your campaign's sign listed here you can give permission for others to pick it up if it is in a public location. If it is in a supporter's yard give them a call and tell them the election is over.
If you see a sign that remains up, take a picture and send it to me. Include the date and approximate location.
The judges race is over. There is no run off. Bennett won the race. Time to take down the sign. As far as the Rep. Gallegly sign goes he is on the ballot in November so that makes more sense.
Any signs sticking around too long in your neighborhood? Please send them in for me to post.
Assembly Member Cameron Smyth has had his recent bill limiting the power of HOA's to stop people from installing solar panels from being installed signed by the governor. For a conservative Republican he is quickly building up a name as a legitimate environmentalist.
Do you think he is planning on running for higher office?
Click here for a snippet from the opposition to the bill.
Click on continue reading to see the press release.
Ventura County Star reporter Anna Bakalis has a fascinating story about a Homeowners Association ( HOA ) in Simi Valley that is set on banning playing outside, bike riding, complaining to vocally about the board, and more. It would be funny if it wasn't really happening. You have to read the story.
Have you ever lived in a HOA ? I lived in one that was exceptionally well run. If you are looking to buy a condo in Simi Valley I highly recommend Coventry Court.
But what most of us remember is the problems with HOA's. It strikes me as odd that an area that prides itself on minimal government keeps building more and more mini-governments.
I understand that they can protect property values but is the trade off worth it? It reminds me of this quote from Ben Franklin:
"Those willing to give up a little liberty for a little security deserve neither security nor liberty."
I am going to share some funny stories about HOA's and then it is your turn. What has been your experience with HOA's? Do the many benefits outweigh the potential problems? Do we only remember when they go awry?
Here are some fond memories:
1. Our flag pole was too tall. We took it down.
2. No parking in your own driveway. But parking on the street totally fine, even though it was a bit dangerous as it was a corner people came around quickly.
3. Board members are not required to abide by the same rules as everyone else.
Do you have some crazy stories? Feel free to include or omit the name of the HOA.
Can you see how any of their actions in the story are justified or explainable?
The budget will be the topic of discussion when Hannah-Beth Jackson addresses the Democratic Women's Council of the Conejo Valley's meeting a week from this Saturday.
What are your most important budget priorities?
Here are some of my ideas in no particular order:
1. Train local police officers to work w/ ICE on arresting violent criminal illegal aliens so that they stop costing is so much money after they are released. let's arrest them before they commit another crime.
2. Get rid of some of the appointed state boards that don't seem needed at all.
3. Remove some of the incentives from the mentality of use it or lose it. Currently, if funds are marked for a category if the government agency doesn't spend it all they must give it back. This doesn't provide incentives not to use it.
I took that idea from a speech Tony Strickland gave. Seems like something worth looking into.
4. Tax people leaving California. You can stay as long as you want on vacation or living here but if you leave we tax you.
5. Tax those yachts. Democrats keep talking about it like taxing some boats is really going to fix the state budget. Please tax the yachts so I don't have to listen to taxing yachts anymore and we can move on to the other billions of dollars in funding problems.
( The Courage Campaign's ad going after Republicans on the Yacht tax)
( This Michael Tenenbaum sign was photographed July 10th on Cochran Avenue in Simi Valley on the north side of the street between Target and Sycamore. Michael, can I take it down for you? Credit for picture not given.)
As a public service after an election I post pictures of signs up even though the polls closed weeks ago. In the past it has provided a little bit of comic relief and encouraged people to pick up their signs.
If you see your campaign's sign listed here you can give permission for others to pick it up if it is in a public location. If it is in a supporter's yard give them a call and tell them the election is over.
If you see a sign that remains up, take a picture and send it to me. Include the date and approximate location.
Let the games begin. I have a few others to share including some Gallegly signs and a sign for the judges race. What about your part of the district? Any signs hanging around too long?
In a bit of strange news my blog and I were the subject of a Channel 3 News Piece. They didn't even interview me.
( If anyone has a video of O'hara speaking , send me a link please. Until then, here is MSNBC on Fox News calling a hand gesture that many do a "terrorist fist jab". Watch it in case your neighborhood kids are doing it in front of you!)
The Simi Valley Democrats will be tabling at the Farmer's Market. If you are interested in helping click on continue reading for details.
They also have a new guest speaker at their July meeting about running local campaigns. Finally, the new political consultant in town has been revealed.
Here is their announcement:
SVM DEM CLUB JULY PROGRAM
July 16 7PM Community Room SV Public Library
we are going to give everyone an opportunity to learn more about the subject of what it takes to run for office. We have several local seats up for grabs this year so we figure timing is everything.
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Marc O'Hara who will give us a brief introduction to Simi Valley and Ventura County voter demographics as well as a primer on volunteering, staffing, and campaigning for office. The primer will include targeting, message development, and producing high-impact direct mail.
Mr. O'Hara, a fifth generation Californian, is the founder of Precision Politics, a firm that has conducted more than 100 successful campaigns and public affairs initiatives in 23 states across America.
Mr. O'Hara's frequent political commentary has aired on CNN's InsidePolitics, the BBC, NPR and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. He is a 10-time Pollie Award winner - the Oscar of politics - for creative excellence in political advertising.
If a donor wants to help Mike Dunn's PAC why give money to the Republican Party and not to his PAC directly? Mike Dunn has already said the money given to the party is to help his causes and candidates.
I think we need more transparency in school board funding across the county. What is the status of watching over the campaign finances in school board races. Is it posted somewhere?
Who agrees with me, that regardless if it is from unions or other sources, we should be able to view campaign donations online?
Simi Valley council woman Barbra Williamson, taking suggestions from me and many of my readers checked into it and it looks like the city of Simi Valley will be putting campaign donations online!
Next, I intend to get local school boards to do the same.
I write this post in about 2 minutes. I will fix it up and update it later.
( Will they be hiring people to travel around dressed as Cigarette Butts? If you go to youtube and watch the video the funny thing is what the other related videos show since the main character is named Butt Man. Don't do it at work if your boss is around!)
The Hannah-Beth Jackson campaign is hiring more local staff to work on their campaign. Click here to go to the Craigslist.org ad that was under the nonprofit section.
To all of the campaigns. I have many readers that are very interested in politics. If you send me a link I will post that you are hiring. Consider it another free ad. It also has the impact of letting local elected officials, their staffs, and local activist which campaigns are serious about winning.
I haven't heard back yet from the Hannah-Beth Jackson campaign about the rumor Tony Strickland is spreading concerning her reported support of the World Champion Boston Celtics over the Los Angeles Lakers but I am posting this anyways for the people that are my loyal readers and are looking for work.
To read more details about the job click on continue reading.
The last few weeks political blogs have been dominated by the talk about FISA , Barack Obama's supporters being upset by his position on FISA/ Telecom Immunity, and the differences between the senate and house versions.
The Barack Obama campaign has a feature where you can sign up, volunteer, carry out tasks, and earn points. If you read Timm Herdt's recent article you will see that it is really innovative. Recently, supporters of Barack Obama's campaign have been using these tools to lobby the senator to support retroactive immunity in the senate version of the bill.
If you click on continue reading there is an email from Mary Pallant ( a Democrat that ran for the nomination of her party this year) discussing her views on the bill that was passed today which included retroactive immunity.
I was talking the other night to a local political operative who told me they were a policy wonk. They impressed me with their wonky talk. But this issue seems to be the wonkiest of all the issues going on.
So, do you care? Have you been following the arguments?
Leave a comment explaining the issue more of what you feel about it. You don't have to use your real name and you don't need to register to leave comments. I don't have any warrants asking for IP addresses, so your identity is safe. I don't share IP addresses with other Star blogs.
Thanks for reading and thanks for leaving comments.
Looks like someone is looking to run for mayor against Paul Miller in Simi Valley. Check back for details.
UPDATE: Here is a Craigslist.org ad for paid positions working on the campaign.
More information to come soon.
UPDATE 2: I have communicated with the candidate and they said they haven't done anything official yet but in a few weeks I can get the exclusive if I don't post their name. Check back in a few weeks. In the meantime, what issues do you think a successful challenger would run on? I think there is a consensus that Paul Miller would be tough to beat. Any suggestions? How many of you would vote for him if you could? Anyone looking for a change at city hall?
Have you seen or heard about the Obama Girl video hosted on youtube? It has been around since June 13, 2007. Funny enough there wasn't many pundits predicting he would have a serious chance at the nomination back then.
Click here to play the version with subtitled lyrics.
Anyways, I know John McCain's ads are placed using key words but it is funny where his ads keep popping up. He really is going negative early in this election. An attack ad placed on a comedy video? Seems like they don't have a sense of humor. It would be like running a negative ad when the other candidate is on SNL or The Daily Show.
Here is another John McCain ad:
Again, I know his campaign is using key words to place ads. But that being said they should be embarrassed to be running an attack ad on a sleazy website devoted to spreading lies. Barack Obama is a committed Christian. Only the most politically ignorant think he is a Muslim. It has been debunked in so many ways already.
McCain understands what it is like to be smeared by political opponents. I have seen all sorts of trash about him including that he betrayed other POW's when he returned home and of course the dirty attacks from Bush supporters in 2000 before the South Carolina primary.
It is time John McCain's campaign gets an intern to check where their web ads are being placed.
If you see any funny online advertising send me a link.
The title lobbyist is up there with trial lawyer, tobacco company, and oil company CEO in popularity but to be fair as a journalist I am asking for your input.
What exactly defines what is a lobbyist?
This isn't about Jim Dantona but would you define his company as a lobbying firm? Look over their website and let me know.
Please don't try to turn this into a discussion about Jim Dantona. I am just asking for help with basic definitions for an unrelated story. I will delete off topic comments.
Did anyone notice the Barack Obama ad on my blog? I was surprised to see it. I don't deal with advertising and I haven't asked The Star staff how online ads are placed. I do know that many ads are placed by a larger company, like google, and they are placed based off of key words on a blog.
I was very flattered that my blog attracted enough attention to get an ad from a presidential campaign. Both of the campaigns seem to be advertising all over the internet.
The ad uses a widget that displays current news stories from the campaign. Funny enough I have ran this widget for free!
Here it is again:
Side note: How many of you play poker? I am thinking of hosting a Dennert blog readers online tournament. The only thing wagered would be pride. No money is at stake.
C'mon liberals. You know you want to beat Flamo at something.
In the comments on other entries people are debating if the 4th of July is a liberal or conservative holiday.
I don't feel like debating that myself but it caused me to reflect on what freedom means.
I know most of us have heard so many cliche sayings around the holidays that I often hesitate to say anything thinking that I don't have much to add that hasn't been said.
But tonight as I watched the fireworks with family I felt like I should say something about what living in America means to me to a little loved one.
In America you are free to love the person of your dreams. Race, class, gender, and religion do not legally restrict people nor do people need to live in constant fear because of their love. Our government is empowered to protect our rights.
Countless generations of people have lived their whole life without this freedom. Sure, you might have been with the same person if you were restricted from loving another but it is hard to say with absolute certainty where the heart may have brought freedom to love.
With all of the freedom our nation offers us I am in love with the person that was made for me. That is a blessing.
In the natural rights all of us are born with love is included.
Happy Independence Day.
Thank you to all of those that protect our freedoms.
( The video is back from the archives but I figured with the election announcements it is timely again.)
There are two seats up for election this November on the Simi Valley City Council. The incumbents include Barbra Williamson and Steve Sojka.
Barbra Williamson just emailed me her press release announcing she is going to run again. To read through the entire statement click on continue reading.
That is a great thing about blogs. I am not limited by space. When you see the news in the paper in a few days it will take a couple of quotes and that is about it.
In the past Barbra Williamson has come on here and taken questions from readers. Thank you for doing that Barbra.
No word yet on if Steve Sojka will run again. I will keep you posted. Have you heard anything?
So, what do you think the top issues in this campaign will be if there is a real contest.
The top issue I think will be the proposed expansion of the landfill.
I hesitate to tell the people of Fillmore what to do with their own town especially when I don't know all the facts about the proposed homes and their potential impact on the current homes. If you have a strong opinion on the Fillmore development issue please share it. Otherwise, I won't be another outsider telling the people of Fillmore what is best for them. I don't have a political agenda to impose on them without regard of the facts there.
But the initiative does bring up larger philosophical issues.
How should the growth of a town be governed?
I assume that most people want a mixture of free market economics and either direct or indirect democracy making the choices.
The real question is between the two decision making tools which way do you lean?
( Have you ever seen a strange person speak at a city council meeting? I bet it doesn't beat this guy! What is the oddest thing you have ever seen at a council meeting?)
It seems that as a city grows free market economics gives way to more democratic controls. The problems that a large city faces seems to convince people that their problems could be addressed by more government control. This includes congestion ricing, zoning, urban growth boundaries, setting up neighborhoods based off of government priorities or choices, and efforts to increase the tax base.
Recently, in Simi Valley our city council moved to limit the ability of new self storage businesses to open. The idea being that self storage businesses don't provide enough jobs.
As cities grow do they become more likely to support democratic control over growth and zoning choices?
Do market orientated towns grow into smart growth strongholds?
What does Fillmore need more homes for anyways? I thought they made their money off of selling fireworks. It is a pilgrimage site for the pyros amongst us. Today, like almost every July 3rd, I bet the traffic from Simi Valley to Fillmore is up by at least two fold.
If you leave a comment about purchasing fireworks there your IP address is safe with me. I do not share IP address with other Star blogs. Admit it. You really enjoy Filmore this time of year and it isn't for the Dept. of Fish and Game fish hatchery. Before people start complaining I know the money goes towards many charities. But I have a serious question. Do they fireworks go on sale this Saturday?
( A youtube video of Charles Weis speaking about the Ventura County Educators' Hall of fame.)
Looks like the process to replace outgoing Superintendent of county schools Charles Weis might take some time. Here are my quick thoughts on the replacing him, the county board of education, and the recent articles about Charles Weis.
1. It is true that most incumbents win election or reelection when they choose to run again. That means that if the person who replaces Charles Weis plans to run after this term ends in 2010 they will have a significant advantage and will likely win.
Being that Charles Weis was appointed and then ran again do you agree with me it is a problem when there are very little open seat elections?
If you have been paying attention to county politics long enough when was the last competitive election for county superintendent? When was the last open seat election?
Of course, many people appointed to an open seat go on to serve the public in great ways. I am not denying that they have good intentions and frequently great outcomes.
But in a democracy people should choose their leaders.
What could be done to fix this problem?
2. None of the articles I saw have the details of Charles Weis's new compensation package. That is sure to upset my reader Andy Levinson. Maybe it is because his new employer is out of this area and makes it less news worthy?
3. Do you remember the governor's push to eliminate the county boards across California to save money? Do you think we will see such a push again anytime soon? Do you favor eliminating the county boards?
4. Not many people can explain the policy portfolios of the county board of education. Is this a problem? Voters are often educated during election about the functions of government positions they are voting on. Maybe more competitive elections could help out with this ignorance. There is a move to recruit candidates for this November to run. Do you know anything about it?
5. But for the people that use the county services this board is critical. Do the stake holders think they could be better served by local school districts? What do you think Donna Prenta? You seem to understand the county board better than most of the people that comment here, myself included.
6. Do you think there should be term limits for the county superintendent or the board members? How much exactly do they get paid? How can I check the figures? Citizens would be better served if this information was easy to access online/
7. Two of the current board members are on their party's central committee and a third is a political activist. Do you think the next Superintendent will be free from being involved in partisan politics?
8. You can apply online for the job. Anybody planning on doing it? Have you seen any names being mentioned for the position?
9. I am impressed that even with all of their disagreements between the board and the superintendent they were able to keep their working relationship professional. Grudges are so easy to keep it impresses me when people keep to Reagan's maxim:
"I always throw my golf club in the direction I'm going."
Does it further your interests to stay angry? If not, move on.
10. That's it but I didn't want to stop a list at #9. What are your thoughts on these issues?
I have heard that Peter Foy is serious about not running for reelection to the board of supervisors. In his first election he claimed to be a farmer/business person. It is fun to tease him for that ballot designation but it turned out to be much smarter than the choices candidates for the Democratic nomination in the 24th congressional district made.
Recently, Peter Foy has joined up with a lower tax and smaller government group which doesn't believe government should take steps to fight global warming because it would result in higher taxes or more regulations. It seems the issues he is most interested in are dealt with at higher levels of government. But don't let that make you think he isn't interested in altering local government.
County Supervisor Peter Foy has delivered on a campaign issue to put term limits on the agenda for county supervisors.
According to this Star article it will limit supervisors to three consecutive terms. Someone could then take a term off and then run again.
None of the current supervisors could be forced from office before 2020.
How do you plan to vote on this initiative?
Being that the only competitive elections seem to be when there is an open seat I would think this would create more competitive elections locally. 12 years is a long time to be on a board especially when you consider state legislators get either six years ( state assembly) or 8 years ( state senate). I am at this point inclined to vote in favor of it.
Of course, it is true that long time incumbent supervisor Judy Mikels was defeated but that seems to be the perfect storm of three candidates with access to money and endorsements coming together from across the ideological spectrum to box her into a hard to defend position. Combine that with her unpopular support for local developments and it becomes something I don't expect to see often.
If you support term limits for county supervisor do you also support them for other offices like school boards and city councils?
( A video critical of Sen. Chris Dodd for his favorable home loan that has raised ethics questions. For more reading on this issue click here. A friend thought I wouldn't talk about it as I am too partisan. Well, I finally found a local tie in.)
Looks like Rep. Gallegly refunded a recent contribution from CountryWide CEO Angelo Mizilo but it doesn't say why. Scroll down to the very bottom of the page to see it. I had the wrong link in there earlier. Thanks for pointing it out I have corrected it.
It might be completely meaningless or explainable but if the Democrats were organized you would expect to hear about it more. A campaign, not a blogger, would have discovered it.
Have you heard from his Democratic opponent? If you see an email from her send it my way.
If you see her at an event, send in pictures.
Through the last reporting period Marta Jorgensen spent $1,375. That's correct! She won her primary without spending almost any money and according to the last filed FEC report no contributions from individuals.
She is a zen master at campaigning. Rep. Gallegly better be prepared. She doesn't need to spend money to win. I am trying here. If you have your own spin to add let me know. What would you suggest to Marta Jorgensen to do to overcome Rep. Gallegly's name ID and massive war chest?
Seriously, Elton we know you are heavily favored to win. We know Republicans nation wide are afraid to talk about Iraq. But are you that afraid of Marta Jorgensen?
Is it some DC consultant that chose to leave talking about Iraq off your issues page?
Take a chance. Talk about Iraq on your issues page.
I know you need to run a campaign but representing us is your job. Don't run away from it. If it was an oversight done by some staff members remind them about what is important to voters.
In related news Moorpark city council member Keith Millhouse is considering running for the seat when Rep. Gallegly retires.
There are many names being mentioned as potential candidate but over the weekend I heard a dark horse candidacy mentioned. The Republican primary to replace Rep. Gallegly could be really exciting. What names have you heard or what candidates would you like to see in that primary?
I also heard a rumor that Audra Strickland plans to run for County Supervisor. I assume she is intending to run for Peter Foy's seat since I have heard he isn't running again for that seat. Maybe he is planning to run for congress too?
Have fun sifting through campaign finance reports.
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