Do you bother to vote for people you don't know? Do you wonder why some offices are on the ballot? Who are these people and why should I vote for them?
High value races (Governor, cabinet officers, Mayors) get lots of press and spend gazillions on media.
What about the folks running for Judge, or Water District, or BART or AC Transit Board, or Community College Boards? Do you know them? Are they effective? Do they do their jobs or just go along to get along?
In the next two weeks, we will send you our thoughts about these races. If you agree, please chime in. If you disagree, we welcome the political debate.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Letter to Senator Feinstein asking for a NO vote on Dodd Bill
April 6,2010
Senator Dianne Feinstein
United States Senate
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C.20510
SUBJECT: OPPOSITION TO THREE KEY PROVISIONS IN SENATOR DODD'S RESTORING AMERICAN FlNANCIAL STABILITY ACT THAT WILL ELIMINATE MOST BUSINESS ANGEL FUNDING
Dear Senator Feinstein,
On behalf of the Keiretsu Forum, a global network of 850+ business angel investors
headquartered in Lafayette, CA, I am writing to state our opposition to three provisions in the Dodd legislation. By way of background, I started the Keiretsu Forum in California in early 2000 during the dot.com bust as a way for individual business angel investors in norther California to study early stage companies seeking angel funding (amounts from $500K-$3M).
During the past decade, Keiretsu Forum has grown to 19 chapters worldwide with
members on three continents. We are the largest and fastest growing private business
angel network in the world. We have eight chapters in California, four in the Pacific
Northwest, one in New York City, Paris, London, Barcelona, Madrid, Beijing and
Singapore.
Our members have invested $250M in 245 companies that would not have found
financial support in either the Venture Capital (VC) or debt markets. Across the US,
business angels provide the same amount of funding to emerging companies as do VC
firms but at the ratio of 27:1. In short, business angels fund the majority of small
companies seeking to expand into larger markets. These are the emerging businesses that provide almost all the new, high-value jobs in California and nationally.
All Keiretsu Forum members are "accredited" under the current SEC requirements (at
least $1M in net worth, annual family income of $300K or individual income of $250K).
Senator Dodd's bill would more than double those financial requirements. We believe
two-thirds of America's current business angel investors will disappear overnight if the legislation passes as written. Their disappearance will eliminate a key financial source of job creation at a time when new jobs are vital to re-invigorate the American economy.
The key provisions of the Dodd bill that affect business angel investing are:
o Sec 412 (page 380) Adjusting the Accredited Investor Standard for Inflation
o Sec 413 (page 381) GAO A Study and Report on Accredited investors . Sec 926 (pages 816{19) Authority of State Regulators Over Regulation D
Offerings.
I encourage you to contact Senator Dodd and advise him that those three sections of his legislation must be changed to reflect the current SEC regulations or angel funding will all but disappear in the US.
On behalf of the Keiretsu Forum, I urge you to vote no on Senator Dodd's bill until the provisions above are removed.
Thank you very much for your help in this matter.
Sincerely,
(signed)
Randall B. Williams
Founder/CEO
Cc: Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
Senator Chris Dodd (D{T)
Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL)
Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-IN'Y)
Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Califomia Attorney General Edmund G. Brown, Jr.
Senator Dianne Feinstein
United States Senate
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C.20510
SUBJECT: OPPOSITION TO THREE KEY PROVISIONS IN SENATOR DODD'S RESTORING AMERICAN FlNANCIAL STABILITY ACT THAT WILL ELIMINATE MOST BUSINESS ANGEL FUNDING
Dear Senator Feinstein,
On behalf of the Keiretsu Forum, a global network of 850+ business angel investors
headquartered in Lafayette, CA, I am writing to state our opposition to three provisions in the Dodd legislation. By way of background, I started the Keiretsu Forum in California in early 2000 during the dot.com bust as a way for individual business angel investors in norther California to study early stage companies seeking angel funding (amounts from $500K-$3M).
During the past decade, Keiretsu Forum has grown to 19 chapters worldwide with
members on three continents. We are the largest and fastest growing private business
angel network in the world. We have eight chapters in California, four in the Pacific
Northwest, one in New York City, Paris, London, Barcelona, Madrid, Beijing and
Singapore.
Our members have invested $250M in 245 companies that would not have found
financial support in either the Venture Capital (VC) or debt markets. Across the US,
business angels provide the same amount of funding to emerging companies as do VC
firms but at the ratio of 27:1. In short, business angels fund the majority of small
companies seeking to expand into larger markets. These are the emerging businesses that provide almost all the new, high-value jobs in California and nationally.
All Keiretsu Forum members are "accredited" under the current SEC requirements (at
least $1M in net worth, annual family income of $300K or individual income of $250K).
Senator Dodd's bill would more than double those financial requirements. We believe
two-thirds of America's current business angel investors will disappear overnight if the legislation passes as written. Their disappearance will eliminate a key financial source of job creation at a time when new jobs are vital to re-invigorate the American economy.
The key provisions of the Dodd bill that affect business angel investing are:
o Sec 412 (page 380) Adjusting the Accredited Investor Standard for Inflation
o Sec 413 (page 381) GAO A Study and Report on Accredited investors . Sec 926 (pages 816{19) Authority of State Regulators Over Regulation D
Offerings.
I encourage you to contact Senator Dodd and advise him that those three sections of his legislation must be changed to reflect the current SEC regulations or angel funding will all but disappear in the US.
On behalf of the Keiretsu Forum, I urge you to vote no on Senator Dodd's bill until the provisions above are removed.
Thank you very much for your help in this matter.
Sincerely,
(signed)
Randall B. Williams
Founder/CEO
Cc: Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
Senator Chris Dodd (D{T)
Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL)
Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-IN'Y)
Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Califomia Attorney General Edmund G. Brown, Jr.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Piedmont Elections--Vote Tuesday March 4
From an email dated 3/3/08 from Piedmont Councilman Abe Friedman, and reprinted with his permission.
Subject: Piedmont Election - Tuesday March 4 is election day in Piedmont. We are electing members of the City Council, School Board and approving two measures (one to renew our city parcel tax to support critical city services and one to change our election date so its consolidated with the new date for our state primary to save money and voter's time by not having 2 elections). Here is a summary of how Jen and I have decided to vote with some explanation below--I hope you'll join us:
City Council -FOR Dean Barbieri & Margaret Fujioka
School Board - Not contested FOR all three who are still in the race (Nancy McHugh is no longer running even though she's on the ballot)
Measures - FOR both Measures C&D
Jen and I strongly believe that Dean Barbieri should be re-elected to the Piedmont City Council on Tuesday. Dean and I have worked very hard and very closely over the past four years for Piedmont. Our city has never been in better fiscal condition than it is today. We have fully funded our reserves to the maximum amount allowed by law, we have also saved money in accounts for equipment replacement to fund things like new police cars and fire engines when they come due. We've also set aside funds for capital improvements that we know are coming down the line, like improvements to our swim facilities and civic center and improved and perhaps even new ball fields. We've done this at the same time as we have fully staffed our police and fire departments, kept city services at an all time high and without levying even $1 in city parcel tax this year for the first time in approximately 30 years (despite voter authorization to levy up to $1.4 Million this year). While crime has gone up in neighboring communities, it has gone DOWN in Piedmont thanks to a fully staffed and very well managed police department. Our parks and streets are well maintained. We have invested in making Piedmont a wonderful place to live as we move into the our second century as a city. Dean is a key part of making this possible and doing so in a way that keeps taxes low, budgets trimmed and service quality high. I sincerely hope his good service will be recognized by the voters and they give him a chance to continue that work over the next four years.
Jen and I will also be voting to send Margaret Fujioka to the council for her first term. Margaret has a long track record of distinguished service in Piedmont. As a Deputy City Attorney for Oakland she also has fantastic professional experience in dealing with municipal issues and city planning. Margaret is committed to our town. She is a wonderful person and someone that we think will bring independence, good judgement and dedication to the Council.
Just to be clear, there are plenty of issues on which Jen & I might disagree with either or both of these candidates. There is no one issue or group of issues that leads us to vote for them. The best thing for our city is a council made up of independent thinkers who challenge one another and ultimately come up with the best decisions because each brought a somewhat different perspective to the table. We are voting for Margaret and Dean because we know their dedication to the City and we've seen them both in action in their volunteer roles in town. They have integrity, they are civil, they are talented and they are willing to look for solutions and bring people together to make decisions that are good for all of Piedmont. This sort of collegiality is essential for an effective council and an effective council is essential to continue the good progress we've seen in town these past several years.
On the school board front, the election is not contested but there are great candidates running, all of whom deserve your vote.
As for the measures, we are voting YES on both. While we didn't need to levy a tax this year, we have always done so in the past, though sometimes just modest amounts. The Council has always kept faith with the voters and not levied the tax or the full tax when it hasn't been needed. But we should not underestimate how critical that tax can be in a town that has very little sales tax revenue to ensure we provide the same high level of services we do today. If it is not necessary, the Council won't levy it, but we should have the authority to do so to preserve the quality of life in Piedmont.
Finally, I'm attaching below the editorial from last week's Piedmonter on these topics, if you want an independent assessment of the situation.
However you vote, I hope you'll make your voices heard on March 4. With a national election underway, it is tempting to assume that the small issues we face in Piedmont pale in comparison. In many ways they do, but the quality of life in Piedmont starts at home. We need to be sure to take care of our town for our generation and generations to come.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/piedmonter/ci_8404987?source=email
EDITORIAL Barbieri, Fujioka deserve your vote
The Piedmonter endorses: Contra Costa Times Article Launched: 02/29/2008 03:25:11 AM PST
Councilmember Dean Barbieri and Margaret Fujioka for City Council. . A "yes" vote on Measures C and D: Piedmont is truly one of the Bay Area's jewel cities. The city government runs smoothly without scandal, and with sound financial footing - without deficits, staff or service cuts or the threat of bankruptcy plaguing cities like Vallejo. Its crime rate is low - and 2007 statistics show that incidents are falling. Response time of police and fire services is a stellar three minutes. And its infrastructure is sound.
In addition, its public schools consistently rank among the state's finest - Piedmont High School was ranked in the top 100 U.S. high schools in U.S. News and World Report magazine. And there are all the traditions in Piedmont - ranging from the Fourth of July Parade to the Harvest Festival to the Christmas Tree Lighting to the Piedmont High annual bird calling contest - that only enhance the city's small-town appeal. We haven't even begun to mention the numerous school organizations, the thriving Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts troops, and the many sports teams in town.
Taking into consideration so many positives, why then has the Piedmont City Council race become so contentious? There are three candidates seeking election to the council, all with impressive credentials: Dean Barbieri, the incumbent, is seeking his second four-year term. Barbieri, a lifelong East Bay resident and 27-year resident of Piedmont, points to his accomplishments as part of the council as a reason to re-elect him. His candidacy is supported by, among others, 11 former Piedmont mayors and two current council members - Vice Mayor Abe Friedman and Councilmember John Chiang, who is serving as Barbieri's campaign manager.
Margaret Fujioka, an 11-year resident of Piedmont, is the current chair of the city's Capital Improvement Projects Committee and a member of the city's Centennial Committee. She is a former vice president of enrichment of the Wildwood Parents Club board, and a current member of the Piedmont Asian American Club. With the departure of Mayor Nancy McEnroe, Fujioka would become the only woman member on the council and the second Asian-American, joining Chiang. Fujioka is endorsed by 11 former Piedmont mayors and by Friedman and Chiang.
Ryan Gilbert, who grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, has practiced law in South Africa, the United Kingdom and California. He came to the United States in 1998, and has lived in Piedmont for the past two years. He is running on a platform of financial responsibility, bolstering the city's green policies, preservation and enhancing services for youth and seniors. Gilbert has the support of McEnroe. Gilbert has come under criticism for injecting a dose of big-city politics to Piedmont, such as hiring a campaign consultant and spending thousands of dollars more of his own money to an unprecedented level in City Council races. If Gilbert wants to spend his own money to raise his profile in the council race, then so be it. If he wants to walk the streets of Piedmont, handing out 3,000 energy efficient lightbulbs, then more power to him. He does bring a dose of energy, enthusiasm and a can-do spirit. And some of his ideas are good such as his call to expand after-school programs and sports and recreation facilities, and his push for a "Piedmont to BART" shuttle. However, we're concerned about his inexperience in Piedmont civic involvement and the fact this is his first foray in Piedmont politics - full bore into a City Council race.We'd like to encourage Gilbert to bring his energy and ideas and become involved as a Piedmont resident with a city commission or a committee first -- City Clerk Ann Swift announced there were several openings on a variety of panels -- and then consider a run for the council.
The Piedmonter endorses Councilmember Dean Barbieri for re-election and Margaret Fujioka. Both have long, proven track records of civic involvement in Piedmont. Barbieri deserves another term, having presided over a council that has managed finances wisely and maintained a high level of public service, infrastructure and parks. And Fujioka's expertise in municipal law and her knack for leading through consensus building is one big reason we're endorsing her, too.
On Measures C and D, we consider it a no-brainer to endorse both. Measure D asks voters to approve a municipal service tax for no more than $1.5 million a year beginning July 1, 2009. The measure requires a two-thirds majority to pass. It would be in effect through June 30, 2013.
Measure C would move the city's regular election date to February of even numbered years to coincide with the state primary. If the measure passes by a simple majority, the next City Council and school board elections would be held in February 2010.
In passing, we find all the school board candidates well qualified - incumbent school board President June Monach, and newcomers Richard Raushenbush and Martha Jones. Even though the race is uncontested,these candidates do merit your vote.
Subject: Piedmont Election - Tuesday March 4 is election day in Piedmont. We are electing members of the City Council, School Board and approving two measures (one to renew our city parcel tax to support critical city services and one to change our election date so its consolidated with the new date for our state primary to save money and voter's time by not having 2 elections). Here is a summary of how Jen and I have decided to vote with some explanation below--I hope you'll join us:
City Council -FOR Dean Barbieri & Margaret Fujioka
School Board - Not contested FOR all three who are still in the race (Nancy McHugh is no longer running even though she's on the ballot)
Measures - FOR both Measures C&D
Jen and I strongly believe that Dean Barbieri should be re-elected to the Piedmont City Council on Tuesday. Dean and I have worked very hard and very closely over the past four years for Piedmont. Our city has never been in better fiscal condition than it is today. We have fully funded our reserves to the maximum amount allowed by law, we have also saved money in accounts for equipment replacement to fund things like new police cars and fire engines when they come due. We've also set aside funds for capital improvements that we know are coming down the line, like improvements to our swim facilities and civic center and improved and perhaps even new ball fields. We've done this at the same time as we have fully staffed our police and fire departments, kept city services at an all time high and without levying even $1 in city parcel tax this year for the first time in approximately 30 years (despite voter authorization to levy up to $1.4 Million this year). While crime has gone up in neighboring communities, it has gone DOWN in Piedmont thanks to a fully staffed and very well managed police department. Our parks and streets are well maintained. We have invested in making Piedmont a wonderful place to live as we move into the our second century as a city. Dean is a key part of making this possible and doing so in a way that keeps taxes low, budgets trimmed and service quality high. I sincerely hope his good service will be recognized by the voters and they give him a chance to continue that work over the next four years.
Jen and I will also be voting to send Margaret Fujioka to the council for her first term. Margaret has a long track record of distinguished service in Piedmont. As a Deputy City Attorney for Oakland she also has fantastic professional experience in dealing with municipal issues and city planning. Margaret is committed to our town. She is a wonderful person and someone that we think will bring independence, good judgement and dedication to the Council.
Just to be clear, there are plenty of issues on which Jen & I might disagree with either or both of these candidates. There is no one issue or group of issues that leads us to vote for them. The best thing for our city is a council made up of independent thinkers who challenge one another and ultimately come up with the best decisions because each brought a somewhat different perspective to the table. We are voting for Margaret and Dean because we know their dedication to the City and we've seen them both in action in their volunteer roles in town. They have integrity, they are civil, they are talented and they are willing to look for solutions and bring people together to make decisions that are good for all of Piedmont. This sort of collegiality is essential for an effective council and an effective council is essential to continue the good progress we've seen in town these past several years.
On the school board front, the election is not contested but there are great candidates running, all of whom deserve your vote.
As for the measures, we are voting YES on both. While we didn't need to levy a tax this year, we have always done so in the past, though sometimes just modest amounts. The Council has always kept faith with the voters and not levied the tax or the full tax when it hasn't been needed. But we should not underestimate how critical that tax can be in a town that has very little sales tax revenue to ensure we provide the same high level of services we do today. If it is not necessary, the Council won't levy it, but we should have the authority to do so to preserve the quality of life in Piedmont.
Finally, I'm attaching below the editorial from last week's Piedmonter on these topics, if you want an independent assessment of the situation.
However you vote, I hope you'll make your voices heard on March 4. With a national election underway, it is tempting to assume that the small issues we face in Piedmont pale in comparison. In many ways they do, but the quality of life in Piedmont starts at home. We need to be sure to take care of our town for our generation and generations to come.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/piedmonter/ci_8404987?source=email
EDITORIAL Barbieri, Fujioka deserve your vote
The Piedmonter endorses: Contra Costa Times Article Launched: 02/29/2008 03:25:11 AM PST
Councilmember Dean Barbieri and Margaret Fujioka for City Council. . A "yes" vote on Measures C and D: Piedmont is truly one of the Bay Area's jewel cities. The city government runs smoothly without scandal, and with sound financial footing - without deficits, staff or service cuts or the threat of bankruptcy plaguing cities like Vallejo. Its crime rate is low - and 2007 statistics show that incidents are falling. Response time of police and fire services is a stellar three minutes. And its infrastructure is sound.
In addition, its public schools consistently rank among the state's finest - Piedmont High School was ranked in the top 100 U.S. high schools in U.S. News and World Report magazine. And there are all the traditions in Piedmont - ranging from the Fourth of July Parade to the Harvest Festival to the Christmas Tree Lighting to the Piedmont High annual bird calling contest - that only enhance the city's small-town appeal. We haven't even begun to mention the numerous school organizations, the thriving Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts troops, and the many sports teams in town.
Taking into consideration so many positives, why then has the Piedmont City Council race become so contentious? There are three candidates seeking election to the council, all with impressive credentials: Dean Barbieri, the incumbent, is seeking his second four-year term. Barbieri, a lifelong East Bay resident and 27-year resident of Piedmont, points to his accomplishments as part of the council as a reason to re-elect him. His candidacy is supported by, among others, 11 former Piedmont mayors and two current council members - Vice Mayor Abe Friedman and Councilmember John Chiang, who is serving as Barbieri's campaign manager.
Margaret Fujioka, an 11-year resident of Piedmont, is the current chair of the city's Capital Improvement Projects Committee and a member of the city's Centennial Committee. She is a former vice president of enrichment of the Wildwood Parents Club board, and a current member of the Piedmont Asian American Club. With the departure of Mayor Nancy McEnroe, Fujioka would become the only woman member on the council and the second Asian-American, joining Chiang. Fujioka is endorsed by 11 former Piedmont mayors and by Friedman and Chiang.
Ryan Gilbert, who grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, has practiced law in South Africa, the United Kingdom and California. He came to the United States in 1998, and has lived in Piedmont for the past two years. He is running on a platform of financial responsibility, bolstering the city's green policies, preservation and enhancing services for youth and seniors. Gilbert has the support of McEnroe. Gilbert has come under criticism for injecting a dose of big-city politics to Piedmont, such as hiring a campaign consultant and spending thousands of dollars more of his own money to an unprecedented level in City Council races. If Gilbert wants to spend his own money to raise his profile in the council race, then so be it. If he wants to walk the streets of Piedmont, handing out 3,000 energy efficient lightbulbs, then more power to him. He does bring a dose of energy, enthusiasm and a can-do spirit. And some of his ideas are good such as his call to expand after-school programs and sports and recreation facilities, and his push for a "Piedmont to BART" shuttle. However, we're concerned about his inexperience in Piedmont civic involvement and the fact this is his first foray in Piedmont politics - full bore into a City Council race.We'd like to encourage Gilbert to bring his energy and ideas and become involved as a Piedmont resident with a city commission or a committee first -- City Clerk Ann Swift announced there were several openings on a variety of panels -- and then consider a run for the council.
The Piedmonter endorses Councilmember Dean Barbieri for re-election and Margaret Fujioka. Both have long, proven track records of civic involvement in Piedmont. Barbieri deserves another term, having presided over a council that has managed finances wisely and maintained a high level of public service, infrastructure and parks. And Fujioka's expertise in municipal law and her knack for leading through consensus building is one big reason we're endorsing her, too.
On Measures C and D, we consider it a no-brainer to endorse both. Measure D asks voters to approve a municipal service tax for no more than $1.5 million a year beginning July 1, 2009. The measure requires a two-thirds majority to pass. It would be in effect through June 30, 2013.
Measure C would move the city's regular election date to February of even numbered years to coincide with the state primary. If the measure passes by a simple majority, the next City Council and school board elections would be held in February 2010.
In passing, we find all the school board candidates well qualified - incumbent school board President June Monach, and newcomers Richard Raushenbush and Martha Jones. Even though the race is uncontested,these candidates do merit your vote.
Vote tomorrow in Piedmont
Tomorrow is Super Tuesday 2 in Texas, Ohio, and in Piedmont. In Piedmont, voters will vote for City Council, School Board and to move the March election in 2009 to February. Please see the following articles about information on the Piedmont races:
Friday, January 4, 2008
OFFICIAL VOTER INFORMATION
Remember to Vote!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Polls are open from 7:00am to 8:00pm
January 7
First day to apply to vote-by-mail ballot by mail.
January 22
Last day to register to vote.
January 29
Last day that county elections officials will accept any voter's application for a vote-by-mail ballot.
Febuary 5
Last day to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot in person at the office of the county elections official.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Polls are open from 7:00am to 8:00pm
January 7
First day to apply to vote-by-mail ballot by mail.
January 22
Last day to register to vote.
January 29
Last day that county elections officials will accept any voter's application for a vote-by-mail ballot.
Febuary 5
Last day to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot in person at the office of the county elections official.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
YouTube submissions wanted
If you have something to say about voting in CA, send us your YouTube and we'll post it. We want to see local candidates, your thoughts about local issues, and cat talk about politicans.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Staying alert while voting or at least long enough to get all the way to the bottom of the ballot
Top of the ticket races of major parties receive the most media attention during election season. Long ballots with complicated issues (often written in double-speak) strain voter's patience while voting. In frustration/confusion/disgust many voters pick out and vote for/against familiar names and issues and then stop voting before they get to the end of the ballot. We understand that frustration.
This site provides information about bottom of the ticket issues and candidates, and saves you from calling your friends the night before an election to ask who to vote for (school board, judges, special districts). Stay tuned.
This site provides information about bottom of the ticket issues and candidates, and saves you from calling your friends the night before an election to ask who to vote for (school board, judges, special districts). Stay tuned.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Help us learn more about candidates where you live
The November 6, 2007 election is over, and the results are being counted. During the past two weeks, we uploaded information for you about the issues and people on the ballot in 2 counties.
We are now preparing for the February primary elections in California. Send along information about people in your city or county who are running for the seats at the bottom of the ticket, that is, the races other than President, Governor, state constitutional officers, Senators and Assembly members. We reserve the right to edit the comments, but will read all that you send and post all that fall within the standards of good taste and that add something to the discussion. Our goal is not to elect one individual, but rather to share information about all the folks at the bottom of the ticket.
Has someone been serving on an elected board for many years? How is he/she doing? Attending meetings, fiscally prudent, cooperative temperament? Is the person running being paid back politically for not running for a different seat? Is he/she using the seat to move into higher elected office? We want to know what is going on in your area with the less known political seats. So, please send us your comments and concerns. We welcome your input for all of California, but particularly the counties and cities in northern CA.
Finally, it seems to us that all candidates must be able to articulate why they are running. So we are looking for articles with speeches, other blog sites, and printed materials about people in races for special districts and boards. In the next few weeks we will also encourage electronic input, so watch this blog for more news about that.
We are now preparing for the February primary elections in California. Send along information about people in your city or county who are running for the seats at the bottom of the ticket, that is, the races other than President, Governor, state constitutional officers, Senators and Assembly members. We reserve the right to edit the comments, but will read all that you send and post all that fall within the standards of good taste and that add something to the discussion. Our goal is not to elect one individual, but rather to share information about all the folks at the bottom of the ticket.
Has someone been serving on an elected board for many years? How is he/she doing? Attending meetings, fiscally prudent, cooperative temperament? Is the person running being paid back politically for not running for a different seat? Is he/she using the seat to move into higher elected office? We want to know what is going on in your area with the less known political seats. So, please send us your comments and concerns. We welcome your input for all of California, but particularly the counties and cities in northern CA.
Finally, it seems to us that all candidates must be able to articulate why they are running. So we are looking for articles with speeches, other blog sites, and printed materials about people in races for special districts and boards. In the next few weeks we will also encourage electronic input, so watch this blog for more news about that.
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