iePolitics: The “Appearance” of Conflict

For those of you who are impressed with those in public office or elsewhere who have all these degrees hanging from their walls, and we must include their many years of experience that they often tell us about, think about this.

What University did they attend and what was their grade average for the almighty “common sense”, they are suppose to have learned about?  Ah I forgot for a moment that is something that cannot be taught. Seems you either have it or you don’t.

Scary thought when District Attorney’s, Law Enforcement personnel, and Judges simply have no common sense it already adds to problems with politicians who generally have none what so ever. Some exceptions, but few.

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iePolitics: Count Down to D-Day, Day 10

Well, we hear Adam Aleman is back in panic mode, begging for his friends to corroborate his testimony.  Unfortunately, he told so many wild tales about his “friends,” causing them to be arrested, that not too many are feeling sorry for his plight and I know of none who plan to lie for him.  I’m sure he’s wondering if the orange jumpsuit will clash with those rosy red cheeks.  Continue reading

iePolitics: Blog Support

We need to band together as supporters of Sharon and her cause and find a way to donate to her on a monthly basis until she is back on her feet financially. Please message me on facebook

 (www.facebook.com/ARealFriendWillLendAHelpingHand)

or email me (friendsofsharongilbert@gmail.com) and let me know what you can commit to sending on a monthly basis. If not on a monthly basis, then please consider at least a one-time donation to help her with the basics for living (i.e. food and shelter).

Sharon has activated a Paypal account, so now you can donate directly to her. Log in to Paypal and go to the tab “Send Money” then click on the tab “Personal” and check the radio button for “Gift” enter Sharon’s email address: sharon@iepolitics.com and the amount you are able to donate …- then send!

Thank you SO much for your support!

iePolitics: More Blog Stuff

I’m trying to keep the blog going.  It will be up for at least a few more days while I try to work out some details.  It has been impossible to write the articles I want to write without a phone to make calls to verify information.  So I’ve put the articles on the Sheriff’s Department, Lake Havasu, San Manuel, and ARMC on hold for the most part.  But I really want to get them posted.

Hits are still very high and I appreciate all of the support.  We’re trying . . . but no promises.

InlandPolitics: Were Supervisors being misled on Colonies litigation?

Information regarding the Colonies litigation is trickling out and what is being said is not surprising at all.

While state and county prosecutors work to obtain access to privileged legal discussions and materials in an effort to prove their corruption case, InlandPolitics has developed a few fragments of what is being described as a tense litigation process.

While the revelations covered in this story have been briefly touched on over the past several months, a little more clarity is appearing. Continue reading

iePolitics: More Fifth Floor Entitlements–Smoking in the Boys Room

Well it seems my favorite chief of staff, Mark Kirk, likes to bend, or in this case break, even more rules.  As well all know, smoking is not prohibited within 20 feet of a county building.

Although the Fifth Floor of the County Government Center is one of the few buildings with a nice balcony complete with furniture and plants, it is NOT 20 feet from the building so therefore smoking is banned.  However, that apparently only counts if you are a regular county employees.  The law does not apply to the Chief of Staff to the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors.

It seems that on nice days, Kirk like to use the balcony as his outside office where he can take his laptop and light up a cigar.  It must be nice.

iePolitics: FPPC Complaints Filed

FPPC complaints have been filed against San Bernardino County Supervisors Josie Gonzales and Paul Biane as well as former County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer.  The complaints all allege that these three individuals, along with countless other politicians and department managers, have been the recipients of free medical services at the county’s hospital, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC), and have failed to report the gifts on their Statements of Economic Interests (Form 700).

VIPs, as they are known at the county-run hospital, routinely have medical treatment arranged for them free of charge at the ARMC at taxpayer expense.  Often, in order to hide the free treatment, no computer records or medical charts are created.  VIPs, if being treated in the emergency room, are moved ahead of even critically ill patients. Continue reading

iePolitics: FIRED!

Jim Lindley, former, and I love using that term “former,” director of Public Health is out the door.  That’s right, FIRED! and I can’t think of a more deserving Public Health Employee.

Since Lindley’s appointment to Public Health, department employees have been in an uproar over his lack of qualifications.  He, along with former County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer, revamped the department and what employees claim was to be a merger with Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC).  Employees are breathing a sigh of relief that he is gone.  I know they hope to get back to the business of public health and away from empire building.

Peter Wulfman, division manager for Solid Waste Management, has also been terminated.  It has been suggested he undermined many projects.

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iePolitics: A Perfect Example of Their “Entitlement” Attitude

Robert, before you critizise me, Mark has had 1.5 months to respond to this issue and never has.  So, I can assume he does not care or it is true.  Take your choice.  Here is an email I received:

The post up tonight regarding the SD reminds me that I am hearing a story repeated over and over again regarding your friend Mark Kirk. The story goes that 3 different times someone from FAC mgmt has been called out to the High dessert while on call, in county car to retrieve the keys that Mr. Kirk locked in his car while at his girlfriend’s house. The story goes that the 1st time the employee documented the incident as he is required to do on any such call thinking nothing about it. Problem is the next morning same employee was verbally reprimanded for documenting it since it was an incident regarding a BOS member chief of staff. The employee argued but was of course shot down. The next 2 calls were not documented. Don’t know if it is true or not but the source has no reason to lie and has no idea that I know you. Just thought you would like to know that this story is out there since you have gone to bat for this guy and his integrity over and over again.

True, only to find out that the Mark I thought I knew is not the real Mark.

iePolitics: A New Hit

Well, we have finally made it.  Although I have had a hit or two from the White House in the past, earlier today we had a hit from the “Executive Office of the President.”  Granted, it may not have been the president himself, but we are getting closer.

So, now the only hit I have never seen on the blog is California’s governor.  Hmm . . . What’s up with that Arnold?

Pat Gilbreath: Gilbreath Calls for “Citizen Legislature”

Proposal Would Reduce Legislative Pay, Lengthen of Legislative Session

REDLANDS [03.29.10] – Mayor Pat Gilbreath (R-Redlands), candidate for the Republican nomination in the 63rd State Assembly District, called for a return to a part-time, “Citizen’s Legislature” today. Her endorsement of “The Citizen Legislature Act,” a measure sponsored by the Citizens for California Reform, aimed at rolling back the 1966 reforms to the California Constitution which created the current, full-time legislature.” Continue reading

iePolitics: A Thought Neil Derry

A thought Mr. Derry for you and the rest of the Board of Supervisors.

With your stance on eithics and transperancy you and your fellow BOS members might wish to consider this.

There have been many stories here and in the papers in recent month about cost cutting measures budget shortfalls and on and on.

The CAO just announced that 500 managers would forgo pay raises etc. Continue reading

BLOG ASSISTANCE

May be you can tell us what we can do to possible assist you during your hard times. If someone had an extra computer that they could let you use for awhile. Or may be a collection could be taken to assist you with the monthly blog fee.

The blog puts out a lot of information monthly. It is a shame that it would be taken down just before elections. Leaving it up would give all of the canidates the oppurunity to address the issues that face them.

Let your readers know and may be something could be worked out.

iePolitics: The Blog

It has become impossible for me to maintain this blog having only 1.5 hours at the Library six days a week.  Most of the time I need that internet time for other things I need to accomplish.

I have decided to take down iePolitics.com for now.  This will not be permanent but will be until my life straightens out a bit.  It will remain up with new postings as my blogpen sees fit until March 31.  After that, it may go as long as April 23 when GoDaddy will shut it down for non-payment or I may shut it down earlier.

Sheriff’s Internal Affairs Part 2

 

In part 2 we will discuss personnel files and issues related to that subject.  Remember what I said, “THINK” about these issues.

This is from the Goverment Code that pertains to the “Peace Officer’s Bill of Rights”. Pretty simple language actually, and the code must be interpreted by the Courts for it’s “plain language meaning”, and “legislative intent”.

Remember that there are folks out there that fought hard to get these laws on the books for you.  Continue reading

iePolitics: Count Down to D-Day, Day 5

Back in the day, many of us were impressed with the whiz kid who served as editor of Red County San Bernardino.  His insight into the local political scene was intelligence and his writing skills were excellent.  Unfortunately, we have since learned that it was not Adam Aleman whose brilliance was showcased on the once-popular blog, but rather that of an experienced ghostwriter and we now know that he used that same subordinate to ghostwrite his homework for him on county time.  Hmm . . . time card fraud Adam?  But I digress. Continue reading

iePolitics: The Yucaipa Mirror Newspaper

I understand that a reporter from the Yucaipa Mirror named Noelle Kiely is  rather upset with some of my reportings on these blogs, fair enough. I am sure there are more than a few. The hazards shall we say of speaking out about illegal acts.

Noelle feel free to email Sharon with your business phone number and I will call you and will be happy to talk with you about anything you want. Hopefully you will have plenty of documentation to counter anything that I have said on these blogs. Continue reading

iePolitics: Sheriff’s Internal Affairs, Part 1

I hope to add a little insight on what goes on behind the scenes in the Sheriff’s Department Internal Affairs Division, both for our civilian readers and those un-informed employees, and sorry to say some misinformed ones also.  For those employees who have not been there, I hope you never do, but if that time comes, READ this and think. 

A little history first. Here after Internal Affairs will be referred to as IA.

I should state that everything in this article is my personal opinion based on past experience in dealing with IA investigators, SEBA reps, lawyers and many hours reading case law as it pertains to these issues, and of course speaking with many employees regarding their adventures with those in IA. Some of us can be self taught about the evils of IA and the Union. Continue reading

iePolitics: Updates

I’ve only got five minutes left on the Library computer, so this is going to be a mishmash of information.

  • If you are trying to get a hold of me I can accept incoming calls and plain text (no blackberry messenger) only.  I cannot check voice mail and return calls or text messages.
  • I am in the process of filing FPPC complaints for 700 violations on two to five of the board members and CAO.  I’ve already discussed this with a few of you.  If you think of additional information, please call me.
  • I hope to have part two of the Legacy of Malfeasance up tomorrow.  We will be addressing the POST scandal, its coverup, and its significance in detail.
  • Other entries in the Legacy series will include the Catalano issue, the mayor of Apple Valley, and the Captain’s Private Stock, among other.  If you ahve additional information on any of these subjects , please call me.

Mike Morrell: Fundraiser Photos

Here are some photos from last week’s fundraiser at the Cable Airport in Upland, California.  Cable Airport is the world’s largest family-owned, public use airport and a great place to hold a fundraiser.  Mike was joined by family, friends and supporters in this very successful event.  For more information about his campaign, please visit:  www.morrellforassembly.com


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iePolitics: Count Down to D-Day, Day 3

Many of us read the Adventure of Pinoccho as a child.  It is about a naughty, pine-wood marionette who gains wisdom through a series of misadventures.  Those misadventures including becoming an ass and his nosing growing with each lie.  Eventually he learns that doing the right thing is more beneficial and he becomes a real human being instead of a puppet for someone else.

Piece of Advice No. 3:  If you start feeling a little wooden and your nose starts growing, ya might want to rethink what you’re claiming . . . I’m just saying.

iePolitics: “The Perfect Law”

As many of us have read over the years the words used by public officials, “I can’t comment on that, it’s a personnel issue”, or “confidential employee matter”.

This law as we know it, is becoming one of the most abused in the public sector.  Our public officials are claiming these laws apply in internal matters, and as we are starting to see, being used to cover up corruption.

 The Unions can and do use it to avoid discussing what they do not want others to know good or bad.  Allow me to explain.  Continue reading

iePolitics: Count Down to D-Day, Day 2

So there are only 20 days left to the circus of the century.  Yesterday one of my favorite people in the whole world (hope you can hear the sarcasm Barb) accused me of trying to intimidate Confidential Informant No. 1, the yellow singing Canary himself, “persona au graten,” none other than Adam Aleman.  Barb, if only you were privy to the conversations between Jim, Bill and me, you would know how we CAN”T WAIT until Adam gets put on the witness stand.

As a matter of fact, we are aware of the possibility of several different bombshells that have the potential of dropping in the next three weeks, and if that does happen, we are a bit worried that the charges against Rex could be dropped and the circus of the century not take place.  It’s going to be standing room only in the courtroom as so many of us want to see how our canary is going to get out of this one.  I know I hope to be there as do some of the defendants’ legal counsel and private investigators.  It’s going to be the best show in town.  So, Barb, if anything, we are encouraging Adam to testify, not discouraging him. Continue reading

iePolitics: Attention Candidates

Due to my lack of internet access, I will no longer be adding your press releases and other information to the blog.  If you want it on the blog and you do not already have a log-in, please email me at sharon@iepolitics.com and I will set up an account for you.  Thank you for your understanding.

Again, I also recommend that you sign up for a Gravatar at http://en.gravatar.com/  It takes less than five minutes and makes your posts look more professional.

Ken Hunter: Candidates for 59th Assembly Speak at Republican Forum

The voters of the 59th Assembly District had their first opportunity to hear from the Republican candidates at a forum hosted by the San Gabriel Valley Lincoln Club in Glendora on March 19.  The candidates attending were Iver Bye of Apple Valley, an attorney; Corey Calaycay, mayor of Claremont; Ken Hunter, independent businessman from Lake Arrowhead; Chris Lancaster employed by San Gabriel Valley Tribune; and Anthony Riley, former staffer for San Bernardino Supervisor Gary Ovitt.  The 59th District is currently represented by Anthony Adams, who was subject of a failed recall attempt for his vote to raise taxes. Continue reading

Maggie Campbell Biography, Candidate for State Assembly AD 36

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to learn more about Maggie Campbell.

Maggie Campbell relocated to California from Memphis, Tennessee while serving on active duty in the United States Navy in Aviation in 1985, preceded by years in the ROTC Program and the Drill Team in high school.

  • National Women’s Political Caucus of Antelope Valley, Founder and President
  • Inspiring Values Democrats Club, Founder and 2nd Vice President
  • The American Legion Auxiliary, Past President Unit 490
  • The American Legion Auxiliary Post 311, Member
  • The American Legion, Post 311, Member
  • African American Caucus, Member
  • Action Democrats, Member
  • Licensed Real Estate and Mortgage Broker
  • Inspiring Values Democrats Club Convention Coordinator
  • Author and Motivational Speaker

She began her career in politics as a volunteer for the Democratic Party Presidential race as a teen under the direction of her mother. She volunteered through the years in California on campaigns of: mayors, senators and congressional races. She performed services as a poll worker and participated in student government in high school and college. In later years, she sought the office of City Council Member as a “write-in” candidate in the 2004/2005 election, where she received considerable support from the voters and the surrounding communities.

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iePolitics: Sheriff’s Hoops’ Campaign Forms

Well by now Rod I’m suspect you think you know the reason we’re using this blog to help your opponent.  Although you may think it has to do with January 1, it doesn’t.  It has to do with the fact that your deputies refused to take a burglary report and make an arrest when it was so clearly warranted—you know, unlawful entry into a dwelling to commit theft or any other felony.  I have talked to at least a half dozen attorneys (because, yes, you and the county are being sued) and they are flabbergasted that the Sheriff”s Department would not take a report under such circumstances, thus causing me to lose $20,000 or more in property.  Any other citizen would have received proper service, but I’m special.  You think you have the right to use your position to revenge your friends, such as Mark Uffer and Mike Ramos.  And I do have the right to use my blog to see that you are not elected to a new term.

Now that I’ve looked at your campaign forms, I guess I know why I was given the treatment I was.  I remember the discussion I had with the detective and lieutenant about the blog and one looked at the other and said, “I’m glad I’m not political.”  And the other replied, “I’m glad I’m not either.”  Lo and behold, guess who is on your list of campaign contributors?  Gee, if it isn’t the detective and lieutenant that were supposed to calm the waters.  So, once again you’ve given me “special” treatment, haven’t you? Continue reading

iePolitics: Havasu Lake

I’ve apparently upset some tribal leaders with posts suggesting we are going to be taking a closer look at the goings on in Havasu Lake.  In response to their last comments, I received the following information.  I should note that this informant has been very accurate in the past and has written documentation on most, if not all, of what they claim below.

“TRIBAL” claims that the biggest issue confronting the tribe is jobs, jobs, jobs and their “remote location” is the reason for the debacle at Chemehuevi.  The real reasons behind the failure of the Tribal Government to capitalize on having temporary jurisdiction over an extremely lucrative venue (western shore of water sports capitol): Continue reading

iePolitics: Sheriff Hoops Doesn’t Like Us!

iePolitics has learned that the Sheriff’s Department has blocked iePolitics and InlandPolitics on Sheriff’s Department computers.  I’d be willing to bet that we are not blocked on the computers used by the executive staff.

So what are you afraid of Rod?  Whatcha gotta hide?   We can always tell when we’ve got a politician running scared.  Thanks for the encouragement.

iePolitics: Count Down to D-Day

Twenty-one days and counting until the circus of the century begins.  That’s right.  In only three weeks the Rex Gutierrez trial will begin and we will finally all be treated to the smug, if not truthful, testimony of Confidential Informant No. 1, our favorite yellow singing Canary, “persona au graten” Adam Aleman.

So I thought as we get closer to the big day, I would offer our star witness some advice to make it a little more comfortable for him, especially when he finds out how much research has been done into his testimony and his character. Continue reading

Paul Schrader for Sheriff of San Bernardino County- Paul’s new video regarding quality of life issues in the county.

Paul Schrader has 27 years of law enforcement experience. During his time he has worked on problems that effect local issues and have shown positive crime reduction in areas. Paul shares his vision to assist the Department in lowering crime in high crime areas.

Paul Schrader for Sheriff of San Bernardino County- Paul’s new video regarding The Homeless population in the county.

Paul Schrader, candidate for sheriff of San Bernardino County shares his vision for the homeless population in San Bernardino county and how the Department can help.

Paul Schrader for Sheriff of San Bernardino County- Paul’s new video regarding Technology.

Paul Schrader for Sheriff of San Bernardino County. I will help the deputies bring this Department up to year 2010 standards.

Paul Schrader for Sheriff of San Bernardino County- Paul’s new video regarding Fiscal Responsibility.

I would like to bring a Fresh Start to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department financing and budgeting reviews. I will appoint a volunteer committee to review the audit and devise solutions to maximize the use of funds currently being spent in the Sheriff’s Department, especially to make available the maximum amount of technology and resources to the Deputies working in the field and in the jails.

This is the third video in my series.

Paul Schrader for Sheriff of San Bernardino County- Paul’s new video regarding K-9 Units and CCW’s.

Please watch this second video in a series regarding Paul Schrader for Sheriff of San Bernardino County. I hope it shows you who Paul really is. I would also like to add, when I discuss the issue of investigations by deputies regarding a CCW,  I will use civilian investigators to save money. I think sending a patrol deputy out in uniform to do a background check is expensive and bad management of resources.  Sending contract or civilian investigators out is cost effective.

Oh Publius, Where are You?

For those readers who are wondering who publius really is and for those who have asked me who he is, I’d like to introduce him to everyone.

Senior Investigator for The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office Robert “Bob” Ransdell.  (Retired)

Seems old Bob has been asked by the DA to come out of retirement for awhile and assist them on the Erwin/Postmus County corruption case.

Bob has some special expertise they want to use downtown.

Now you all know why publius had so many comments when it came to posts about Erwin/Postmus.

Hello Bob, I have not seen you in a good many years.

Paul Schrader for Sheriff of San Bernardino County- Paul’s new video regarding Trust&Leadership.

Please review this video of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s candidate Paul Schrader. This is the first in a series made by Fay Mime Production in association with High Desert People.com. I want to thanks the folks in the High Desert for their support and especially Rene De La Cruz for his help and direction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HuGPox_GSI

iePolitics: California Alcoholic Beverage Control Grants

Recently while going to several law enforcement sites I happened to go to the Alcoholic Beverage Control site and noticed that the State of California is giving out up to $100,000.00 to select agencies so that they can assist them in working alcohol related crimes within their areas. Now think about it and you make a decision if you think that this is good math.

All we continue to hear about is how the state is broke and they need more money yet they have come up with 1 to 2 million dollars to give out to state agencies to have their officers work these programs on an overtime basis. Does this make any sense at all. Continue reading

Maggie Campbell: Pre-Endorsment Meeting California Democratic Party

Saturday, March 20, 2010, the California Democratic Party held a Pre-Endorsement hearing in Hesperia to determine if one of 3 Democratic Candidates in Assembly District 36 would gain the endorsment. The candidates were:

Maggie Campbell, Navy Veteran “Putting Families First” – who kicked off her campaign on December 27, 2008 through February 2010.

Shawntrice Watkins, Police Officer – recent entry into the race Continue reading

iePolitics: More About Judge Robert Lemkau

Judge Robert Lemkau is a Superior Court judge in San Bernardino County, assigned to the Victorville, California courthouse.  He recently made nationwide news for denying a restraining order that resulted in the death of 9-month-old Wyatt Garcia after suggesting that Wyatt’s mother was lying to the court.  This is not the first controversy for Judge Lemkau in his brief career.

Robert Lemkau was admitted to the California State Bar in 1972 and started his career as a deputy district attorney with the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office in November 1972 after a brief stint with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles.  He spent 13 of those years prosecuting crimes against children. Continue reading

iePolitics: Another Tragic Coverup?

Most of us are aware of the tragic incident that involved Katie Tangle who was embroiled in ugly domestic dispute with her boyfriend Stephen Garcia that led to the murder/suicide that involved her young son Wyatt Garcia a few weeks ago.

We are also aware of the issues involving Judge Robert Lemkau and his calling Ms.Tangle a liar in open court and refusing to issue a restraining order against Stephen Garcia.  Judge Lemkau is catching hell from every direction as a result of his comments and inaction.

If you read the papers, Steven and Wyatt’s bodies were discovered up in Twin Peaks, California shortly after Stephen Garcia had threatened to kill his son.  Their bodies were found by deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Not much else was mentioned except homicide investigators were investigating.

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iePolitics: The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – A Legacy of Malfeasance

On Monday, March 22, 2010, we will start a new series of articles that will discuss corruption within the Sheriff’s Department—ranging from coverups and threats of retaliation to criminal activity from the bottom up  through the ranks to the office of Sheriff.

Even though the position of Sheriff is an elected position, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has a 60-year history of  handpicking their own leadership with all opponents facing an impossible battle.  There are reasons why it has been impossible for anyone but the chosen heir to make a serious attempt at election.  Continue reading

Supervisor Neil Derry: Sunshine Ordinance

Supervisor Derry Unveils Sunshine Ordinance to Promote Accountability and Transparency in Government
 

Seeks public input on measure designed to root out and prevent corruption during Sunshine Week

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – In honor of Sunshine Week, Supervisor Neil Derry unveiled his proposed Sunshine Ordinance designed to work in tandem with an ethics commission to root out and prevent corrupt and unethical practices in the future.

“There is a growing sense of unrest and a feeling of detachment from their government by the people throughout this country,” Supervisor Derry stated. “This measure will rightfully place the people we serve above the politicians they elect.”

Supervisor Derry has posted the text of the ordinance on his Web site and seeks to include the public in the process of vetting and reviewing this ordinance.  The proposed ordinance would function in tandem with the creation of an ethics commission. Continue reading

Bill Hauck: In Response to Senator George Runner

Job One is Budget Reform
By Bill Hauck

With another campaign season already underway and two million Californians out of work, it’s no surprise that the four-letter word on the lips of most politicians these days is “J-O-B-S.”

Politicians on the left want to step up spending to create jobs. Their counterparts on the right want regulations scrapped in the name of – you guessed it – creating jobs.

Continue reading

InlandPolitics: S.B. County: Still paralyzed, no action on budget

Well April is almost here and the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors has yet to hold formal budget hearings on any plan on solving a projected shortfall of more than $90 million for the fiscal year commencing July 1.

The county is reportedly wanting all employee unions to cancel all negotiated salary increases including last years deferrals in order to fill more than $30 million of the projected deficit. The move, if agreed to, would wipe out all previously negotiated wage increases and would most likely mean county employees would see no raises for at least a five to six year period.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

Senator George Runner: Week in Review

 

 Senator George Runner - Week In Review

 

 

Distraction – it’s a time-honored strategy

News of the Week
Murder suspect remained free after violations
Save money by paroling seriously ill inmates?
Hesperia warns of fire season to come, urges weed abatement now
Baseball pro throws thousands of dollars to local students

Kids do it when they’re in trouble. Husbands do it when they want to watch a game instead of doing chores. Dogs do it when they bring you a toy after they’ve had an “accident.” Even army generals do it when they want to disguise their retreat or find a devious way to win. And, according to Machiavelli, so do politicians.

That’s what is happening with the California Forward budget reform proposals introduced by Democrat legislative leaders – they are a distraction to facilitate deception.

Maybe we should call the proposal a diversion – a game or smokescreen – instead of reform. The real goal of this effort is to allow Democrats to raise taxes with a majority vote and eliminate the power Republicans have to stop their overspending. Continue reading