November
2008 | By Gordon
Clanton
The
quality of
life in Del
Mar is
impacted by political
decisions made
beyond our borders.
Space will not
allow discussion
of all items on
this year’s
ballot, but here
are a few comments:
 |
Brian
Bilbray |
US
Represntative:
50th District.
Democrat Nick
Leibham is mounting
a strong challenge
to Republican
incumbent Brian
Bilbray. In 2006,
Bilbray narrowly
defeated Democrat
Francine Busby
to win the seat
vacated by the
disgraced, imprisoned,
Republican Randy “Duke” Cunningham.
Bilbray
moved from
Imperial
Beach to Carlsbad
to be eligible
for this Republican
majority district.
A prominent
spokesman
for cracking
down on illegal
immigration,
he voted against
the financial
rescue plan
and
the GI Bill
of
Rights.
 |
Nick
Leibham |
In
contrast, Leibham,
a former prosecutor,
advocates a
comprehensive
solution to
immigration,
favored the rescue
plan and the
G.I. Bill of
Rights.
He has a strong
organization,
has raised
tons
of money, and
is running
as
a moderate targeting
the district’s
large independent
voter segment,
as well as moderate
Republican women.
The
Democratic
Party
designated
this
contest as
one
of two critical
California
HR
races. MiraCosta
Community
College
District.
This
board has
been
dysfunctional
for a long
time,
very polarized,
divided 4-3
on
most key issues.
Now, accreditation
is at risk.
The
key race is
George
McNeil, a retired
teacher, vs.
majority incumbent
and Board chair
Carolyn Batiste.
Two
minority incumbents,
Jacqueline
Simon
and Gloria
Carranza
are teaming
with
McNeil on a
platform
of returning
the board to
its
primary objective
of effectively
preparing young
people of our
area for higher
education and
for the work
world.
San
Dieguito High
School District
Board. Vote for
two. Incumbents,
Beth Hergesheimer
and Joyce Dallasandro
have been very
effective on
this board.
Prop
1. Your YES
vote finally starts
a long term
project
to create a
high
speed rail
system
in California.
Prop
4. Your YES
vote requires
physicians
to notify
parents
before performing
an abortion
for
a minor. Your
NO vote protects
minors in abusive
homes who would
be forced to
seek illegal
medical
procedures.
Prop
6. Your YES
vote mandates
spending
for law enforcement
at the expense
of other programs
such as school,
health care,
and fire protection.
Prop
8. Your YES
vote overturns
court
legalization
of marriage
between
two consenting
adults,
regardless
of gender. Your
NO vote leaves
marriage decisions
to private
individuals.
Prop
11. Your YES
vote creates
a
complex
process
for drawing
state
legislative
boundaries. Your
NO vote rejects
a process that
is not accountable
to voters.
Gordon
Clanton invites
comments at:
gclanton@mail.sdsu.edu
|
