Along about this time before each election our phone begins to ring. Having been thrice nominated for the state legislature and having been privileged to share my ballot picks in this column for several decades, many ask for my suggestions.
First, the measures:
n Proposition 81, a school bond measure. Regular readers of this column are aware of my position that there is never any justification for further government debt. The only way to get rid of wasteful spending is to starve it out. You will never be asked to approve debt for “freeloading bureaucrats,” or “union boss percs.” Rather, you’ll be shown broken down buildings and you’ll be told, “It is for the children.” Vote NO and continue to demand better education, or move your kids out of the system!
n Proposition 82, state run preschool for 4-year olds. Voluntary to begin with. Social Security was “voluntary” to begin with. Wake up parents! If the state gets your 4-year olds, will they train the kids to serve the value system of your family, or the value system of the state? The American culture is built upon independence and self reliance. A nanny-government wants citizens to be dependent on government. Vote NO.
n Regarding the partisan races: Since 1962, I have been involved in politics through the Republican Party. It would be inappropriate for me to suggest how those in other parties should vote.
n Republicans and “Decline To State” citizens, if they wish, may vote in the Republican primary on June 6. Only a few of the races are contested, but they are important choices.
n California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is running for re-election. I believe California voters missed a once in a lifetime opportunity when they defeated his four initiatives last fall. It illustrated how we have permitted massive union funding to blur our reason. Since then, the governor has made what I believe are many foolish choices. The alternative is a Democrat governor dedicated to greater socialism in the state. Vote FOR Arnold.
n Lieutenant Governor candidate, Senator Tom McClintock, is easily the most articulate legislator in the state. A strong vote FOR McClintock.
n Tony Strickland and Abel Maldonado are running for the controller’s nomination. This is an important choice. Strickland has been a principled conservative vote during his terms as legislator. Maldonado has been all over the board. I think this is a no-brainer. The establishment power brokers are behind Maldonado. Vote FOR Tony Strickland
n State Treasurer candidate, Claude Parrish has been endorsed by the California Republican Assembly over Keith Richman. Such endorsements are hard to come by. Vote FOR Parrish.
n The 11th Congressional District takes in most of Morgan Hill. I am proud to be represented by Congress-man Richard Pombo. He has been targeted by the national Democrat Party. Don’t be misled by the negative ads. His carpetbagging opponent, Pete McCloskey, began his career many years ago by opposing another quality candidate, Shirley Temple Black.
The Gilroy/Morgan Hill Republican Assembly interviewed the candidates for County Central Committee. They endorsed Mark Zappa, Marilyn Markham, Shelley Weger, Denise McElhiney, Dottie Stewart.
Non-partisan races:
n California Super-intendent of Public Instruction candidate Diane Lenning is my pick.
n In the race for Santa Clara County District Attor-ney there are four candidates. Unless you have ever been drawn into the legal system, you often fail to realize the significance of this office and that of judge. We are fortunate to have an outstanding candidate for DA in Judge Dolores Carr. It is my pleasure to know this lady and her retired Marine husband.
n South Valley Water District 1 is another significant race. Terry Mahurin is the man for the job. Because voters don’t pay much attention, this bureaucracy has run amuck. Muhurin has spent years pouring over financial reports and digging behind the scenes. He knows why our water costs have gone off the charts and wants to rock that boat! He will NOT be a go along to get along member of that board!
Ben Gilmore is a Morgan Hill businessman. The Board of Contributors is comprised of local writers whose views appear in the newspaper on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
