My Ballot Selections

The State Department drags their feet with information regarding the killing of an American Ambassador and three other Americans in Benghaze. The IRS will not fully comply, with a Congressional request for information, on targeting political enemies of the current administration. The veteran’s administration was keeping two sets of books, which may have led to the death of over 20 American veterans. The Bureau of Land Management responds with armed men when a cattle rancher refuses to pay his grazing fees. Apparently the ATF sent a large cache of weapons across the border into Mexico, resulting in several deaths, including an American. The ATF refuses to talk about the operation. It is not much of a stretch to point out the U.S. Government no longer believes they are responsible to the citizens paying the bills, and now believe they are above citizen oversight. On the state level the Governor is trying to build a bullet train the majority of Californians don’t want. We have a state carbon tax, despite increasing evidence man made global warming is a hoax. Businesses and jobs are fleeing California in favor of more business friendly climate.

You knew all of this, so why point it out? As I reviewed my ballot selections, I realized all of this was allowed to happen by our current elected representatives. So which of these officials should be returned to office? Is it fair to judge past performance when voting?

The Governor’s race is the main campaign. In his first terms, years ago, Jerry Brown signed the bill allowing government employees to unionize. In signing this one bill, Jerry instituted a process which guaranteed higher taxes. In his second term, The “Gov” signed the global warming, carbon tax bill. He is the fourth worst Governor in our State’s history. The worst was his dad, the second is Jerry’s first term, the third is Arnold and the fourth is Jerry’s current term. The Establishment Republican Party responds by pushing Neel Kashkari who is best known for running TARP. Kashkari was also involved in the sub-prime mortgage mess. Wow, what a choice! Vote for Tim Donnelly. We know he supports the Second Amendment and he is business friendly. Tim will shake up Sacramento and could return California to what it was before Jerry Brown.

The other major contest in our area is the 45th Congressional District. I had high hopes of we could move away from the detached representation we've had in this district for years. There were some highly qualified people who decided this race was not for them. I will vote Republican and hope we can revisit this race in two years. The 45th is comprised of many successful, articulate and creative people. We must do a better job of attracting new candidates, and not continue to serve as an easy district for long term politicians avoiding a return to private industry.

There is another race attracting my interest. Four years ago I met Jeff Ferguson and his family at a charity event. Jeff was running for judge. In the 2012 election there was not an opening, and Jeff choose not to run against a sitting judge. Over the last years I see Jeff and his family at most charity events I attend. Besides being a strong family man, an experienced Deputy District Attorney and a charitable person, Jeff Ferguson has been pursuing his dream. I like the idea of having a judge who is active in the community, has a good sense of charity and has experience dealing with the difficult cases handled by the District Attorney’s office. I’m voting for Jeff Ferguson because he knows what he wants, has worked hard for the chance to realize a dream, and is the kind of judge I trust. Jeff Ferguson is a citizen who has offered to serve.

The Orange County Board of Education has Tom Pollitt running. Tom has worked behind the scenes promoting political awareness for different groups. I find Tom to be serious, does his homework and doesn't speak until he has the facts. Tom would be an asset on the board.

The Board of Supervisors has good candidates. I like Shawn Nelson and Robert Ming.

I am trying to get excited about the race for the 73rd Assembly District. If we are serious about changing California’s political climate, we need serious candidates with a serious message and the ability to excite people into action. Anna Bryson is heavily funded by Trust Fund Millionaire Charles Munger Jr. which eliminates her from my list. Jesse Petrilla’s explanation, of why he shot a gun at a car full of people, didn't ring true to this ex-cop’s experience. Jesse is young, hardworking and could be good down the road. Jesse is not yet ready for the Assembly, but we should not write off this young man. I don’t know Paul Glaab. Bill Brough will get my vote.

We need voters. Please take the time to drive to your polling place and vote for the candidates you feel will make this a better state. Those who refuse to vote are like passengers in a plane, paying attention but with no control. Take control and vote for our future regardless of your political party.