I interviewed Al Adam last week as part of my ongoing Thursday Night Live series. This week he sent a press release out that he is teaming up with incumbent Claudia Bill-de la Peña to run together for city council.

Al Adam has put together an initiative that would bring term limits to the Thousand Oaks City Council. Running for office with what appears to be a popular ballot initiative might be the formula he needs to bring attention to his issues. Read my interview with him about his ballot initiative and then vote in my poll:

Challengers for city races are usually at a disadvantage but running as a slate and his initiative might just be what he needs to win. Term limits might not be a great policy idea as even Rep. Tom McClintock now says they were a mistake but they remain popular with voters.

In other Thousand Oaks City Council news I like the format in posting campaign finance forms. Go to their website and check it out.

( A video from the Barack Obama campaign going after John McCain for not do father in the senate investigation of the Republican Lobbying Scandal.)

Local teachers will be protesting outside of Assembly Member Audra Strickland's office in Westlake Friday afternoon. They are pushing for action on the state budget. Click on continue reading for details.

Is the point of the protest to really push Audra Strickland to work with Democrats and the governor to pass a budget? I don't see that happening. She has signed a pledge with Grover Norquist and Tom McClintock to not raise taxes. Here is a link to see the press release about her pledge.

Talk about bad timing though. Grover Norquist's business partner and long time friend Jack Abramoff was sentenced to federal prison Thursday. Jack Abramoff was convicted of a whole series of crimes. If you haven't read the story about how he worked with Grover Norquist to hide the source of casino money that was transferred to the Christian Coalition to go after another casino you really should look it up.

John McCain was involved in the investigation and deserves credit.

Why California Republicans would be working with someone that has trashed their nominee for years doesn't make sense if they want to be the majority party in this state. Can a Republican proudly support Grover Norquist ( John McCain is delusional and a liar) and proudly support John McCain at the same time? I don't think that makes sense at all.

Democrats point out that John McCain could have gone farther in the investigation and let key figures go.

If the point of the protest is to help drive up Audra Strickland's negatives and put pressure on other legislators that makes political sense. It is part of a statewide action and I know it will be getting press coverage.

But I don't think she is open to negotiating any deal that involves any tax increases. Her Chief of Staff who was suspended by her office for some period of time ( it isn't exactly clear when the suspension is over) is out campaigning for Tony Strickland. I saw him again waving signs by a freeway off ramp this week. I don't think he is up in Sacramento talking to assembly Democrats and the governor to make a deal on the budget.

Do you think she is going to move at all on the budget?

Is there any part of my analysis you disagree with?

Oh, and before you point out that both parties have corrupt members, I agree. I am embarrassed that Democratic Rep. Jefferson is in office even after he was found with money in his fridge and someone has plead guilty to bribing him.

If you are going to the protest take some pictures and send them in.

Hey, if you are ever hiring campaign workers send me an email and I will post it.

The traffic numbers lately have been huge. Most readers do not comment, but many are interested in getting involved. Especially young people who do not go to meetings often.

Anyways, I saw this ad on Craigslist for a local political job.

Anyone want to fill in the background? If you live in Thousand Oaks how will you be voting on Measure B?

Is it fair to say this is a SOAR like concept adapted to local zoning and development? Do you trust direct democracy or elected officials more? I could try to use more loaded words like " NIMBY style mob rule or career politicians that take money from developers." But that wouldn't be fair.

What is the name of the firm hiring and what connections to Ventura County politics do they have?

On a personal note I am looking to work with someone on drafting local ballot Initiatives. If you have some referrals please send them my way.