Let's Take, A Long (Precinct) Walk

When I realized I would need to collect signatures to qualify to sit on the DCC, I was really looking forward to walking my neighborhood and taking the pulse of the street. Well, what an eye opening experience that was.

Before I get into my story, let me just share how helpful the people who work at the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters office are. As a novice to the whole DCC thang, they helped me file my paperwork, let me purchase a neighborhood list to collect signatures and always greeted me with a warm smile and encouragement. I share this because a certain San Joaquin County Republican, running against McNerney, needs to have a talk with his staff. I was shocked at the level of attitude and rudeness this person was throwing at the RoV clerks because her boss had misfiled paperwork. This isn't a partisan issue either. I don't care which part of the aisle you sit on, treat public servants (and people in general) with respect if you plan on working in politics.

More on the flip...

An Uncontested Election Is A Bad Election

The Record states:
With nobody stepping forward to challenge them at the polls, San Joaquin County Supervisors Larry Ruhstaller and Ken Vogel can stay in office for another four years without a fight.

Ruhstaller and Vogel are Republicans running for re-election in non-partisan races. Well, fine...good for them! However, if we want to advance the progressive agenda we are going to have to start running progressive voices locally sooner or later. You can't get upset at Cardoza and/or McNerney for being "moderates" when we aren't capable of growing our movement locally folks. It's as simple as that.

On the plus side, a lot of this can be attributed to voter and activist apathy and Republicans aren't doing any better at fielding half decent candidates themselves. But the voter registration advantage is ours and we shouldn't be resting on our laurels.

For the rest of the article click here.

BTW: Is that a Pombo I see running for a local school board seat? Anyone know if there's any relation to Dick?

Putting It Together

This is a pic of me as I submitted my petition(s) to be a candidate for DCC. I decided to collect signatures from my neighborhood and must say that I am happy I did so. The experience was an eyeopener. Stay tuned for a more detailed blog about those experiences.

Congratulations to Steve Lopez, Barbara Grizzle, Jerry Bailey, Sylvia Low, Rose Roach and Charlotte Stafford for qualifying (along with me---there are five open slots) for Supervisorial District 3. It's an honor to have my name along yours on the upcoming June ballot. Good luck to you all!