We've Got Issues

Fix the CA Budget Now

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:31:00 +0000

Join the group here:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=82504560885

BUDGET CRISIS

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:48:00 +0000

Last night the Alameda County Dem Party voted unanimously to approve the following statement:

Californians deserve real solutions to the budget deficit. Responding to our economic crisis with an all-cuts budget will only make the state's problems worse. Deep cuts to vital programs undermine our economic recovery and President Obama’s investment in economic stimulus, disproportionately harm the most vulnerable Californians, and go against our core values.

More than 70 percent of voters sat out the May 19 special election because it is the Governor and Legislature’s job to fix the budget. Polls show the defeat of the initiatives was neither an endorsement of an all-cuts approach nor a rejection of raising revenues.

Under Governor Schwarzenegger, California has seen $12.5 billion in tax cuts. Drastic spending cuts will irrevocably change the state we love. Californians support and deserve a state that provides for the common good and the needs of our residents, and we have the resources to make that possible. Cuts are not the only option!

Our state needs courageous leadership. We will support those who stand against an all-cuts budget, speak out for fair ways of raising revenue, and work to deliver a budget that invests in our future and protects all the people of our state. True leaders get their strength from the people they represent. We pledge to be that strength, and mobilize to support a sensible budget solution.

WELL...

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 06:00:00 +0000

I do notice that its been a moth since my last thread. I'll do better this month...Mark

A REPOST FROM THE NEWSLETTER

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:57:00 +0000

Well, it has been pretty busy lately, for me at least. Work, politics and my music all demand a lot of time, and I still have to remember to live my life, spend time with friends, and even clean my apartment. UGH! On the work front, well, that is a never-ending slog through the mud. While music is always enjoyable for me, there is the other side of it with planning & scheduling rehearsals & shows, schlepping equipment and set up & tear down time. It is usually worth it in the end though. Politics I will address at the end of this column.

I think I’m forgetting something? Hmmm? Oh yes, volunteerism. Didn’t our new president ask us to get involved on a regular basis in our communities? And then Barbara went and got us involved at Chipman School. I jumped right in at first, but then all of the planning meetings started conflicting with other things and I could not make them all. I really am more of a “hands-on do the thing” guy than a planning guy, to tell the truth. So last Saturday I was excited to get to actually do something at the school. I had another event in the morning and promised to be at the school by 1:30 pm. When I arrived, all of the work was finished and I just stood there with the tools I had brought thinking that I wished there were something left to do. I missed the boat. My point is that volunteerism can be something that you look forward to doing rather than just another entry on a long to do list. See my point? Kudos to those who showed up on Saturday!

Politics: First, I went to the candidate training held by the County Central Committee on Saturday past. Having been to other trainings of this type, I’d say they did a pretty good job of it. They will have another intro-training later in the year and a full blown “let’s learn to be a candidate” training also. I will forever pitch these trainings too you guys. Its good stuff! Really!

Secondly, I’ve been getting involved in a number of legislation tracking and promotion activities at the state level. A number of people from the County Central Committee, 16th AD delegates, club leadership and other activists have rallied behind Sandre Swanson and some of the legislation that he wants to get passed. The state party’s Progressive Caucus has a like effort selecting legislation in a number of key areas. I have volunteered (there’s that word again) to be the 16th AD liaison for this effort. If any of you want to be involved in either of these, or have pet legislation you’d like to see pass, let me know and I will get you involved. That would mean phoning, writing, and/or going to see electeds face to face.

To segue, there was a meeting last Monday night that again brought together a bunch of activists and party leadership. We have formed a new group called “Fix the Budget Now.org”. (There will be a website within days.) Our belief is that the largest problem with our state budget is that we are collecting revenue in an intelligent, effective, and fair way. We have concrete and detailed ideas on how sufficient revenue could be collected. Our aim is to lobby the governor, legislature republicans, and legislature democrats, taking a different angle with each, to convince them to begin to do their job by providing us with a sane, rational, and adult budgeting process. Pie in the sky you might say? This is a serious effort that has already begun.

This same group will continue on to making efforts to reform our elections processes, the 2/3’s requirement, the way we use bonds in the state, the initiative process, etc. We have already reached out to electeds and party leadership at all levels. I hope that each of you will decide to take part in these efforts. Just ask and I’ll tell how.

Lastly, I’ll be in Maryland at an old Navy buddy’s wedding next week, so I’ll see you all in July. Go Democrats!!!

President Obama's Weekly Address

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Sun, 03 May 2009 18:57:00 +0000

Click the title to watch...

Activists, Reformers Now Control State Party

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:36:00 +0000

by Paul Hogarth‚ Apr. 27‚ 2009

Before the California Democratic Convention ended yesterday, delegates bucked the Party leadership on the May 19th ballot measures – by securing a “no endorsement” on Propositions 1A, 1D and 1E. State legislators and Party operatives pushed “yes” on all six measures, but enough of the grassroots who stayed for the tail end of the session refused to go along. I’ve been attending these Conventions for 12 years, and it’s clear now that activists and “reform” types run the Party – a stark contrast to how it once was. That’s because Howard Dean and Barack Obama brought in a new wave of rank-and-file members, and now we see the impact. College students have replaced the “professional” types that once dominated the Young Democrats caucus. Reformer Hillary Crosby won the race for State Party Controller, and even John Burton’s election as Party Chair is a good thing for the activist wing. Politicians must adapt to this change, and it’s clear some of them – like John Garamendi – still don’t get it. In the race for Governor, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom was not well received at the Convention by delegates from his hometown – as he painted a rosy picture of how things are in the City. And while Chris Daly ran as a “reformer” in the race for Regional Director, other factors contributed his defeat.

Click the title for the whole article...

When Women Run, Women Win!

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:29:00 +0000

CANDIDATES AND FUTURE CANDIDATES!

If you are running for office, considering a run in the future, or just want to know more about the process, this training is for you!

What: NWPC training: So you want to run for office?!

Where: College of Marin, Olney Hall

When: Saturday, May 9, 2009 9:30-3

Who: Experienced campaigners from the NWPC Coaching and Mentoring program, elected officials, campaign professionals and more

Join us for a comprehensive look at what it takes to be a candidate.

Agenda:

9:30: registration, coffee and mingling

10:30-12: From Supe to Sewer: A panel of elected officials talk about their experiences running, their best and worst moments, and more!

12-1: It’s Your Turn: Lunch with introductions (1 min. each) and a presentation by Emerge California, Democratic women’s training program

1-2:30: Fundraising, Phoning and the Fun of the Race: Learn from veteran campaigners and professional consultants how the race is run and won

2:30-3 Wrap up with guest speaker

Only $20 per person All welcome!

To pre-register send your check to:

NWPC Marin
PO Box 113
Kentfield, CA 94904

Please bring a sack lunch

Email Dotty for more information or to rsvp
coastlaw @earthlink .net

When Women Run, Women Win!

Draft John Garamendi For The 3rd CD

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:50:00 +0000

Tell John Garamendi that you want him to run for Congress in the 3rd Congressional district against Dan Lungren in 2010.

http://www.draftgaramendi.com/

Political Training

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:45:00 +0000

This is local:

CAMPUS CAMP WELLSTONE: DEANZA COLLEGE CAMPUS CAMP WELLSTONE
May 15-16, Oakland, CA

Campus Camp Wellstone is a 1.5 day training program held on college and university campuses around the country. Our program is non-partisan, and welcomes both seasoned activists and those who are completely new to progressive activism.

We focus on very concrete skills, like the nitty-gritty of campaign planning, coalition building, and message development. We also teach students how to successfully recruit and retain volunteers and develop new leadership.

Campus Camp Wellstone is both serious and exciting-serious because you'll walk away with skills and tools for real-world campaigns, and exciting because it's participatory, vibrant, and led by young trainers. Our trainers are leaders in community organizing, labor, and non-profit organizations.

http://www.wellstone.org/training-calendar/campus-camp-wellstone-deanza-college

These are not exactly local, but they are good programs:

Democracy For America is organizing a 2-day Campaign Training in Redding, CA on June 27-28. Let us know if you can make it!

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/31999-dfa-campaign-training-in-redding

Localize This! Action Camp
Join us July 13-18
on Vashon Island
Cost: $200-500 sliding scale
Open to ages 18 and up
Pre-registration and deposit required

http://backbonecampaign.org/page.cfm?id=151#

Ongoing:

DFA Night School: Citizen Lobbying
Event Date: May 26, 2009
Event Time: 8:30 PM EDT
on-line

U.S. Sen. Specter changing to run as a Democrat

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:14:00 +0000

click the title for the story...

Once Al Franken is seated as the junior Senator from Minnesota, Senator Spector will make the Democrats filibuster proof!!!

TOP TWENTY REASONS WHY PROPOSITION 1A IS A BAD IDEA

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:11:00 +0000

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is for 1A

Tying the Legislature’s hands behind its back is the wrong way to do a budget - We’ve learned that with Props 13 and 98.

In times of recession, the need for State services increases.

Californians only receive 4 years of new taxes in exchange for a permanent spending cap. Permanent cap, temporary revenues = BAD DEAL.

Allows short-term legislators to defer a real budget solution until they are gone

Proposes to fix a symptom rather than the underlying problem

True budget reform must address the structural deficit – 1A does not do this.

Constitutionally removes essential flexibility to deal with the State’s fiscal needs – prevents the Legislature and Governor from setting priorities essential to a particular time.

In financially difficult years will hold State spending at a level that is too low to guarantee adequate services and in good years restricts State from increasing revenues

Undermines our system of checks and balances by allowing the Governor to unilaterally make mid-year cuts without consulting the Legislature

Hastily drafted, behind closed doors, in secret, in the dead of night, without a single hearing or independent analysis

Dictates a shift in spending that can’t be changed, regardless of future needs

Could require cuts to public education, health care, public safety and others in good times

Will not do what it promises and instead will lead to deep cuts in service

The League of Women Voters urges a NO vote

Most observers expect painful degradation of service

Mandates a permanent spending cap

Prohibits legislators from taking full advantage of additional revenues when California comes out of the recession

Shifts responsibility for future budget decisions away from the legislature and onto invisible state employees

Does not fix fundamental budget problem - California is one of only three states requiring a two-thirds legislative majority to pass a budget. Republicans continually hijack the process!

--from Kathy Neal, Dan Wood, and Mario Juarez

On April 26, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:40:00 +0000

The California Democratic Party Central Committee voted endorsements on the May 19 Special Election:

Prop. 1A--Neutral

Prop. 1B--Endorse

Prop. 1C--Endorse

Prop. 1D--Neutral

Prop. 1E--Neutral

Prop. 1F--Endorse

Just Say No!

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:25:00 +0000

Hi folks --

I just got back from a wonderful weekend at the California Democratic Convention, where I was a delegate. This was my fifth convention; this time I went as an appointee of our representative in the State Assembly, Sandré Swanson. (So even though I didn't make it in that election back in January, I still got to go -- whew!)

You can read my "report" about the convention on my local-political blog but the reason for this email is because I wanted to share with you my perspective about the upcoming May 19 special election. You probably have already received your information and ballots, and probably some mailings as well about Propositions 1A -- especially 1A -- as well as 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F.

My super-condensed recommendation: JUST SAY NO. *Please* vote, definitely, but I'd be just as happy if you voted NO on every one -- well, especially 1A.

But you probably want a bit more detail and perspective and nuance, especially because you are going to be seeing and reading impassioned arguments on both sides of the issue over the days and weeks to come.

First off, who is behind these propositions? It's our state legislators - a democratic majority held hostage by a republican minority to trying to reach 2/3 majority to pass a budget for the state. Year after year, they have a horrible time keeping the state running because, to paraphrase my state Senator (I think it was her), "It's hard to make a deal with somebody who doesn't care about the outcome." These propositions were their Faustian bargain in order to get a budget passed and prevent the state government from shutting down a few months ago. So there is immense pressure by most of the legislators, and Governor Schwarzenegger, to pass this. (I should note that our local representatives, Swanson and Senator Loni Hancock are, bravely, standing in opposition to most other Democrats on this issue.)

The reason these propositions -- especially Proposition 1A, the main one -- are a bad idea is that they are a SHORT-TERM FIX with LONG-TERM DAMAGE to our constitution.

You will probably be getting a lot of pleas to pass these propositions from advocacy groups, especially education groups, saying that we must pass these or terrible things will happen. (I should point out that educators are actually quite split on the issue -- the California Teachers Association (CTA) is for 1A; the California Federation of Teachers and the California Faculty Association are against it.) We are indeed at a precipice but unfortunately with these temporary revenues (starting in two years!) comes a permanent spending cap on state services.

The League of Women Voters says that "this measure would only make things worse." I couldn't agree more. These ballot measures only fix a symptom rather than the fundamental underlying problem. Colorado implemented something like this in 1992 and has suffered greatly because of it.

In the weeks up to the Democratic Convention last week, the state legislators put tremendous pressure on delegates to get the Democratic Party to endorse these measures. Delegates have been deluged with emails, letters and circulars, and personal or robo-phone calls from our party leadership, begging us to endorse their compromise. But it didn't work. The grassroots know better. The party couldn't reach the required number of votes to show a party consensus on Proposition 1A and several others.

I am hoping that with the Republican party (except for Schwarzenegger) in opposition to 1A, and the Democratic Party not taking a position, that this measure and most of the other ones can be defeated, which just means that our representatives in Sacramento will have to continue to fight for a long-term solution. There will still be a lot of money spent on both sides, with most of the Pro-1A funding coming from the aforementioned CTA along with Schwarzenegger's PAC, the billionaire owner of Univision TV, and Chevron, for example. (Hmmm....)

So here is the breakdown on the propositions:

1A - A state spending cap. This is the poison pill that has to go along with 1B. If this passes we are in deep, deep trouble.

1B - Education funding. Looks good but here's the trick - it only goes into effect if Proposition 1A passes. So the Democratic Party came out in support of 1B, but as a symbolic gesture only. Some people are voting "yes" strategically so that if, worst-case, Proposition 1A were to pass, at least we'd get the short-term benefit. I'm inclined to "just say no" to the whole process.

1C - Sells bonds for education backed by lottery revenues. This one did get the nod from the Democratic Party though just barely, which I think is a shame. I agree with one opponent of this who said "balancing the budget on the backs of those who play the lottery is despicable and shameful."

1D, 1E - diverting funding for childhood services and mental health services. This has been described as robbing Peter to pay Paul. The amount of revenue this would save is trivial in any case.

1F - a time-waster initiative that will probably pass because it sounds like a good idea. This blocks pay raises for state officials if the budget is showing a deficit. Sounds like an OK idea on the surface, which is probably why it's doing so well in the polls. I really don't care one way or another if it passes. The Democratic party came out strongly in favor of it despite its many flaws for (as I see it) public relations purposes.

If you are interested in more, check out Calitics, a respected California political blog, which has a really good run-down of these measures, with much more analysis than I can muster.

http://tinyurl.com/calitics-1a

And here are the LWV's positions:
http://ca.lwv.org/action/prop0905/flyer.html

But feel free to reply here or talk to me on the phone if you have any thoughts or questions. I'm by no means the expert on this whole thing, but I talked to a lot of people on both sides of these ballot measures, so maybe I can help you come to a decision for your vote.

And as always, feel free to forward this missive along to your friends and neighbors.

-- Dan

On April 15, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:16:00 +0000

The City of Alameda Democratic Club voted Endorsements for the May 19 Special Election:

NO on Prop. 1A

NO on Prop. 1C

NO on Prop. 1D

NO on Prop. 1E

Neutral on Props. 1B and 1F

Need Information?

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 21:36:00 +0000

League of Women Voters of Alameda — Special Election Pros and Cons, 7 p.m. April 14. The League's Voter Education Team will present the pros and cons of the measures on the May 19 ballot. Retired city financial officer Juelle Ann Boyer will also speak. All welcome. Alameda Free Library, 1550 Oak St. http://www.alameda.ca.lwvnet.org.

The Other Party's Answer to the Budget

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 21:30:00 +0000

From the article: "In the past century, there have been 145 recall attempts on California state officials, said Nicole Winger, spokesperson for California Secretary of State Debra Bowen. Just nine have qualified for a ballot and five have been successful in removing an official."

Assemblyman Adams defends vote after being served recall notice

Mediha Fejzagic DiMartino and Joe Nelson, Staff Writers
Posted: 04/09/2009 07:32:26 PM PDT

Some Union Views On The Special Election

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 21:23:00 +0000

AFSCME mixed on May ballot propositions
By John Howard | 04/09/09 12:00 AM PST

Special Election Funding Takes Shape

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 21:07:00 +0000

Here's an article discussing who is spending what to support or oppose the initiatives.

Teachers are biggest backers of budget measures

John Wildermuth, Chronicle Staff Writer
Saturday, April 11, 2009

President Obama's Weekly Address

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 20:49:00 +0000

Click on the title to watch.

Who's For & Against Prop. 1A, et al

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:48:00 +0000

This is a link to an article at today's SF Gate discussing what groups are lining up for and against Prop. 1A.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/06/MN4R16RSRO.DTL

More Chair Swapping Politics

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 19:14:00 +0000

It seems Ellen Taucher (CD10) has been nominated to be the undersecretary for arms control and nonproliferation. This will open up yet another series of elected offices as various candidates seek to move up one rung.

State GOP hoping to recapture Assembly seat
By Steven Harmon
MediaNews Sacramento Bureau
Posted: 04/03/2009 02:53:17 PM PDT

Special Election News

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 18:55:00 +0000

A good read on the special election, proponents, opponents, and why disparate groups may vote the same way for different reasons.

Schwarzenegger returns to voters with ballot sequel to fix California's budget

By Mike Zapler

Mercury News Sacramento Bureau
Posted: 04/04/2009 04:02:00 PM PDT

Polling shows lukewarm voter support.

Poll: Special election measures a tough sell

Matthew Yi, Chronicle Sacramento Bureau

Thursday, March 26, 2009

President Obama's Weekly Address

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 18:54:00 +0000

Click the title to watch.

Race to Replace Rep. Solis

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 18:49:00 +0000

This is an interesting read on the process to replace Rep. Solis who was drafted by the Obama administration to be Labor Secretary. Judy Chu, vice-chair of the board of equalization and long time democratic activist, seems to be a likely choice to me.

Multiple House Candidates File for California Special Election

By Rachel Kapochunas | April 1, 2009 12:29 PM

CRP To Hold Executive Committee Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (mbriggs13) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 20:05:00 +0000

CRP To Hold Executive Committee Meeting
April 18th, 2009 - Sacramento Convention Center

Posted: Thursday, March 26, 2009

CRP Chairman Ron Nehring Calls Executive Committee Meeting
Extraordinary Session Will Consider Positions On Upcoming Ballot Measures

SACRAMENTO - Citing the importance of the measures appearing on California's May 19th special election ballot, California Republican Party Chairman Ron Nehring today announced he will convene an extraordinary session of the party's Executive Committee on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at the Sacramento Convention Center for the purpose of considering party positions on these and other important propositions.

"Taxes in our state are too high because the lack of fiscal discipline in Sacramento has been too great, and voters will have the opportunity to directly impact that reality on May 19," said Chairman Nehring. "The measures slated for the special election will have profound implications for taxpayers and the economic climate here in California, and the voices of California Republicans need to be heard."

The Executive Committee is a body of as many as 100 California Republican Party leaders representing every region of the state. It is the only body within the party with the authority to take positions on ballot measures outside of a convention.