February Elections
On February 5, 2008, California will hold the first of three elections in 2008. For the first time in a number of years, Californians will have a voice in the selection of the presidential nominees. Both parties have contested and tight races and are working hard to win in California.
Democratic Presidential Primary. The Democratic race has boiled down to a contest between Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama, with John Edwards trailing. Ms. Clinton has gone from sure-fire nominee to endangered candidate, to solid front-runner. Her centrist positions have appealed to a wider range of voters. Many voters, however; are concerned that the errors of her husband’s presidency will taint her race. He also has alienated voters with his personal attacks on her opponents.
Mr. Obama has made history as the first Black man to aggressively compete for the presidential race. He has shown America that confident Black people are leaders in this country. His policies have appealed to a wide range of voters and bought new and apolitical voters into the election process. It appears that his political policies may be a little too left of center to attract the majority of the voters. Also many have questioned the substance of his positions and want more policy plan with the rhetoric of hope.
Mr. Edwards has staked his claim on the far left wing of the Democratic Party with decidedly mixed results. He is running a distant third behind the two main contenders. It appears his main option is to maintain his support so he can play key-maker at the convention. For the first time since 1968, the Democrats will meet without a confirmed nominee. The three way fight will continue through the summer.
I support Hilary Clinton, but understand the support for the other candidates. Regardless who wins the nomination, it is vitally important for all Democrats to keep their eye on the November prize: re-winning the White House. Whatever intra-party squabbles exist now should be set aside for the good of the party and country. We need the energy and dedication that this election has generated to continue throughout the campaign. Hopefully, the nominees will stop their personal sniping, focus on the issues facing Americans, and put forth the plan to redirect our country.
Republican Presidential Primary. For the first time since 1964, the Republicans do not have a clear front-runner for President. They have gone through a Democratic-like battle with numerous contenders unable to break away from the pack. They have a series of incomplete choices that carry a hard to swallow section that is part of their package.
The Republicans are literally caught in a tangled web. Should they go with John McCain, who they admire as a fiscal conservative and strong military hero and position; but who is a maverick and will buck Republican orthodox positions?
Or should they go with Mitt Romney who is a devout religious beliefs, strong family values, business competence that Republicans so adore; but they have concerns about his religion and his flip-flop on numerous issues?
Or do they go with Mike Huckabee, a born-again Baptist minister, social policy fit; but is seen as too much of a populous directing his economic policies against the rich, the core of the Republican Party, and is too much of a dreaded, moderate for them to stomach?
Or backrunner Rudy Guilliani having punched himself numerous times in the face with his family, social, political and financial gaffs turning the majority of Republicans, that they simply cannot stomach supporting him; despite his constant drumbeat chant of 9/11, 9/11, 9/11, 9/11, 9/11 ……… ? It appears that it will be either McCain or Romney in a tight race with Huckabee and Guilliani trailing far behind.
It is shameful that religious bigotry has entered this Presidential race. One of the founding principles of this country is religious freedom, the right to express and worship your God without hatred or ridicule. Yet many narrow-minded bigots in this country have attacked several candidates for their religious beliefs. It is disgusting and un-American to do so. We should be able to judge political candidates by the content of their character and policies, not by the stereotypes and ignorant criticism their religious beliefs. Vote and take part in this hotly contested political battle.
Not to be outdone by the national politics, the local elections have hotly disputed contests. There are hot button state propositions and local measures on the ballot. Instead of a low voter turnout, they now have to convince the expected large wave to hit the polls.
Proposition 91, Transportation Funds. This measure is designed to prohibit the transfer of gasoline sales tax from the dedicated transportation funds to the general fund. Right now, in times of fiscal emergency, the state can suspend the earmark and use your gas tax money for general expenses. While the gas tax dedication for transportation and limit on its transfer are necessary, it appears to be too harsh to prohibit any type of transfers, especially when emergency funds are needed. No on 91.
Proposition 92, Community College Funding. This creates independent community college districts and board of governors and changes the formula of calculating educational funds between K-12 and community colleges, separating the calculations. It would also lower the per-unit fee. This would allow community colleges to expand their funding and may impact the funding on local schools. NO on 92.
Proposition 93, Term Limits Change. Currently, state legislators can serve a maximum of six years in the assembly and eight years in the state senate for a total of fourteen years. This measure would allow a legislator to serve a total of twelve years in one house. It also allows current officeholders additional years in office. This is viewed as a loophole around term limits to increase current incumbents’ time in office. No on 93.
Proposition 94 – 97, Indian Gaming Measures. This is the Indian gaming measures to increase the slot machines at the four largest Indian tribes located in Southern California. The propositions are filled with problems, inconsistency and general unfairness to other tribes and California citizens. While Indian gaming should prosper, these measures are unfair and should be defeated. No on 94-97.
Alameda County Measure A & B. This is to allow Children’s Hospital to place a special property tax on the citizens for $350 million to expand Children’s Hospital to a much larger facility. Numerous questions have been raised regarding a private hospital’s ability to place a government tax on the citizens and the massive expansion of the hospital in the neighborhood. This measure was placed on the ballot by Children’s Hospital with very little input from the county or the neighbors surrounding the hospital, which would have a tremendous impact. It does not appear that alternatives have been explored, such as building an expanded hospital at more accessible, alternate sites. Everyone support the great work of Children’s but this appears to be a poorly planned, not well thought out measure and should be defeated. No on Measure A & B.
Measure G, Oakland Schools Parcel Tax. This is to renew the $195 a year parcel tax given to the Oakland schools that expires on July 1, 2009. The fund is primarily used to attract and retain teachers fund classes, materials and courses for the schools. We have to continue this financial support to provide a quality education. With the district under state control and facing a $100 million deficit, it is imperative that these funds be solely directed to maintain quality teachers and programs so that our students directly benefit. The state appointed administrator and the school board should give a detailed report to the citizens of Oakland to ensure that these special tax dollars are used for the intended purpose and the progress made. Yes on Measure G
It is your obligation and duty to vote on February 5. You have a chance to voice your opinion regarding the next president, funding for our schools and many other issues before us. Take the time and vote. Put the words of hope into action. Make sure you show that Oakland cares about its future and will turn out to vote for it. Regardless of your candidate or position, vote on Tuesday February 5, 2008. Many people died to get you the right to vote, in is now your duty to use it.
Clinton Killian is an attorney in downtown Oakland, an Oakland resident, a former Oakland Planning Commissioner and a candidate for Oakland City Council. He can be reached at: (510) 625-8823 or email: clintonkillian@yahoo.com. Website: www.clintonkillian.com
