Statement of CA Democratic Chairman on the Passing of Longtime Democratic Activist Gerald "Jerry" Hill

California Democrats lost a great activist and an even greater person when Jerry Hill passed away in San Rafael last week. As President of the California Democratic Council in the late 1960s, Jerry spoke out against the War in Vietnam and instantly became one of the leaders of the anti-war movement at the time. He was instrumental in the effort to draft Senator Eugene McCarthy into running for the presidency in 1968 and sadly, was present when Senator Robert Kennedy was assassinated in Los Angeles later that year.

Jerry and his wife Kathleen were married for more than 42 years and taught American government and politics together at Sonoma State University. Our condolences go out to his wife Kathleen and all of their family.

Moderate Party: Good Things Take Time

Dear Friend:

It's been a while since we last connected.  I know.  There's no excuse other than me being such a perfectionist that I wanted to complete everything that's currently in the works prior to sending another update.  We're not quite there yet, but here's our progress thus far:

We Underwent A Thorough Rebranding Process

In addition to a new logo and website, we've fine-tuned our message.  In short, the Moderate Party brand is about restoring trust in government by changing the political culture.  Read more about our brand strategy.

We Identified a Broad Policy Agenda

I launched this effort largely because I've seen so many good ideas that enjoy the support of both Democrats and Republicans outside of the Capitol go nowhere inside of the Capitol.  To prove it, we aggregated these policy ideas from more than 70 different publications.  Check out our Solutions page to learn more about our agenda.

Our Facebook Engagement Is On The Rise

Probably the most exciting news is our Facebook growth.  No, I'm not talking about quantity - this is about quality.  We could have many more users "Like" our page, but that's primarily a function of our willingness to purchase ads.  More importantly, we're building a community of engaged Californians who are frustrated with political gridlock and support the California Moderate Party as a viable alternative.  Like our Facebook page and share it with yourfriends.

There's a lot more in the works.  Like I said, I wish it was all finished by the time you got this email - and preferably two months ago, but that's just the reality being a startup organization.  If this is something you really want to see happen, please consider making a small contribution to help us maintain our momentum.

Feel free to respond to this email or give me a call at (916) 835-9607 if you have any questions or feedback.  Talk to you soon.

Sincerely,

Ash Roughani

Founder, California Moderate Party

P.S. I briefly explained this week on Fox&Hounds how we're going to find our leaders.  Hint: it involves a defection strategy.  More on that in the coming weeks.

Waste Watch -- Unions Reject Deal to Save Tax Payers Millions

San Diego Union-Tribune watchdog journalists have uncovered a deal that was rejected by the San Diego Unified School District's two biggest Unions that could have saved taxpayers a stunning $10 Million.  That deal involved the district's spiraling healthcare costs.

 

The deal to allow an outside firm to help manage healthcare costs was rejected in the summer of 2010, and now more than eighteen months later, that same school district is proposing the elimination of more than 1,600 teaching jobs, 300 non-teaching jobs, and allowing class sizes to balloon up to 40 pupils per classroom.

 

"In today's economy, when schools are suffering, we cannot afford to be turning down deals that would save taxpayers millions of dollars," said Chairman Del Beccaro. "Common sense dictates that we must begin considering putting competitive contracts out for bid. Our students, parents, and taxpayers deserve better."

 

To read more about the Union's decision, click here.

Denham: Creating Jobs in California

Dear Friend,

 

Last night I had the rare opportunity to meet with Governor Brown and the California Congressional Delegation.  While there were topics where we did not see eye to eye, we agreed there are many job-creating policies we can collaborate on for the betterment of California.

 

I was sure to ask Governor Brown about the American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012, H.R. 7.  There are specific provisions that have spurred conflict within our delegation, but we all know we must improve the freeways, roads and bridges in California.  This piece of legislation is the largest transportation reform bill introduced since the Interstate Highway System was created in 1956, and it is bound to stir up areas of disagreement.  However, the American Energy  & Infrastructure Jobs Act would not only improve our nation's aging transportation infrastructure, it would increase California’s funding levels by 23% from last year, and increase the state's flexibility in determining its most critical transportation needs.  

 

We must put an end to the double-digit unemployment rate in the Valley. H.R. 7 would support the creation of more than one million private-sector jobs and cut the bureaucratic red tape in the infrastructure project approval process.

 

Specific provisions in every bill will spur debate among our delegation; but tonight, we had an opportunity to discuss ideas to create jobs in California and make our state competitive again.

 

Sincerely,

 

JEFF DENHAM

United States Representative

State transportation cuts unfair to rural students

By Kristin Olsen

 

Two young kids. One attending a school in Escalon and one attending a school in San Francisco. Aren't their lives of equal value? Don't they both deserve the same opportunities for education? Apparently not because the education trigger cuts pulled by Gov. Brown last month result in taking $132 from the Escalon student but only $36 from the student in San Francisco.

 

Last month, California became the first state to completely eliminate transportation funding for schools. Funding for many programs has had to be reduced or eliminated over the last few years in order to deal with California's budget crisis, but this cut to home-to-school transportation unfairly targets students in rural areas.

Rural students rely heavily on home-to-school transportation; most of their families are unable to provide transportation themselves due to the far distance they live from school, conflicting work schedules, or lack of access to transit options… (Read on)

 

Source: Modesto Bee

CRP Chairman Del Beccaro’s Statement on the California Democratic Party Convention

SACRAMENTO, CA – California Republican Party Chairman Tom Del Beccaro released the following statement Friday regarding the California Democratic Party Convention in San Diego:

 

"This weekend the Democrats are busy predicting the number of politicians in their party who will find new jobs. Noticeably absent is a discussion about how the millions of unemployed Californians will find jobs in an economy weighed down by tax increases and regulations."

Introducing Frank Bigelow, Assembly Candidate

Dear Friends,

 

Every year the Sacramento politicians promise to tell us the truth and to make the tough decisions to end California’s economic crisis. But the latest state budget only proves that they can’t keep their word – they passed a state budget papered over with phony financial projections and kicked California’s problems down the road yet again.

 

I’ve grown tired of the empty promises and the failure to get the job done. So I’ve decided to throw my hat in the ring to serve as our community’s voice in the State Assembly.

 

Growing up on our family ranch in eastern Madera County, I was raised to appreciate the sacrifice of those who built our great state. I continue to work my family cattle ranch, serve as a volunteer fire fighter, and sit on the Madera Board of Supervisors because I’m committed to preserve our way of life.

 

In the coming weeks, we’ll be expanding this website to help you learn more about my campaign and the issues I stand for. Be sure to check back here for constant updates.

 

Thank you again for stopping by!

 

Frank Bigelow

Source: FrankBigelow.com