September 14, 2011

Read more: http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2011/09/gop-assemblyman-tim-donnelly-daily-show.html#ixzz1XyuNA2Je

First, mention he is going to prison and surely there will be a spat of comments on his blog and mine calling me a kook, nutblog, and all the rest.   I’ve been told that in reality the comments come from his son and his wife, Karen.  Whatever.  I couldn’t care less. It’s not my husband or father going to prison for a long time.  And believe me, if Mike Ramos gets no one else, he will not stop until the steel doors close behind Jim.  I am not even remotely suggesting that is right or just; I’m simply stating a fact.

Second, mention that someone is running against Neil Derry.  Jim goes ballistic.  I know from first-hand experience.  My articles last year about both James Ramos and Paul Cook running against Neil are what caused our big blowup.  He was furious with me for writing about it on the blog.  He called me around 11 p.m. one December night after I ran a Cook story and threatened me.  That was it.  I don’t take too kindly to threats, especially those accompanied by crazy accusations.

Now I ask, who was at least 50 percent right?  Ramos is running and we called that almost a year ago.  Cook will make an announcement one way or the other any day now so it could be I was 100 percent right.  Stop taking this so personally Jim.  Most incumbents have competitors.  It’s up to Neil what kind of campaign he runs.  And if you are going to attack Paul, at lease make it something legitimate.  The latest attack is ridiculous.

Jim, do you not understand that you do Neil more harm than good?  I guess not because you don’t stop even when Neil asks you to.  Do you not realize you are Neil’s albatross.  He can overcome a lot.  I’m not convinced he will be able to overcome his former relationship with you and that’s too bad.

Keep it up Jim.  You are giving Ramos exactly what he wants.

What makes Tim Donnelly’s decision to implement “franked mail” all the more egregious is the fact that Donnelly campaigned as a tea party conservative Republican who wanted to rein in government spending.

California is facing a multi-billion dollar budget deficit and Assemblyman Donnelly is doing political mail masquerading as a “survey”? Really Tim?

Donnelly’s hypocritical actions on taxpayer-financed self-serving mail follows his decision to immediately use a taxpayer lease for a luxury sport utility vehicle upon his inauguration as a Sacramento politician.

A $35K vehicle? Nice perk. How many readers get such a fringe benefit at their job?

Tim Donnelly is clearly gaming the system for his own self-benefit, contrary to his self-created image as a spendthrift.

At this rate, liberal Assemblymember Gil Cedillo may refuse to continue to be Donnelly’s seatmate. Donnelly is too big of a spender for Cedillo’s taste.

The big question is this: Gregg Imus. Imus is a former Donnelly top staffer who is making noises about running for Congress in the High Desert. If Imus’ ideology is anything like his former boss’, watch for outrageous anti-government rhetoric followed by taxpayer mail and other taxpayer perks.

That’s Team Donnelly’s way, the hypocritical self-serving racist who sacrificed the principles of small government  conservatism at the alter of self-gain and personal political ambition. Shameful stuff.

Hopefully, a better candidate will emerge to challenge Team Donnelly in the High Desert. Not only is their betrayal a shocking slap across the face to the xenophobic teabagggers who actually like this guy’s act, it’s a flip-flop proving costly to taxpayers.

Time to clean house. Defeat Imus.

I received a political mailer today from Assemblyman Tim Donnelly.  Okay, he claimed it was a survey.  No it wasn’t.  It was an excuse to get his name out in front of voters without having to use his campaign funds.

I will scan it in tomorrow, but it was no different from any other political mailer—slick and expensive to print.  But who cares?  It was paid for by the taxpayers.

It gets very hard to tell the difference between Dems and Reps once they have been in office for a while.  It seems all politicians, no matter the promises made during a campaign, become “one of them.”  They forget their promises and instead develop a sense of entitlement.  Ethics become situational rather than absolute.  Seems to happen to them all.  Surprised?  Of course not.  The writing was on the wall even before all the votes were cast.

Assemblyman Brian Nestande

 
SACRAMENTO – Assembly Republican Caucus Chair Brian Nestande, of Palm Desert, today issued a statement regarding the expiration of temporary tax increases enacted in 2009.

“Starting today, those looking to make purchases will be able to keep more of their own hard-earned dollars in their wallet,” said Nestande “My Republican colleagues and I were able to successfully block an extension of these taxes, which will allow households to send less money to Sacramento and boost their local economy by having more to spend at local businesses.”

Specifically, state sales taxes will be lowered by one cent, which the Board of Equalization estimates will be a $233 annual savings for the average California family.  The car tax (vehicle license fee) will drop nearly in half, from 1.15 percent of the vehicle’s value to 0.65 percent.

Editor’s Note:  Again, we appreciate the clicks.  I have to say I liked Runner’s comments, which is why I decided to do the second story for the LA edition.

Assemblywoman Connie Conway

SACRAMENTO – Since his electiion to California’s top spot, Governor Jerry Brown has been tyring to persuade Republicans to allow the electorate to vote on extension of the sales tax increase, vehicle license fees, and state income tax increase.  The Republicans has been unwilling to allow another vote on the issue.

Today, Democrats used the authority voters gave them last year and passed a simple majority vote budget without a single Republican vote.  This is only the second time in the past two decades that a state budget has been passed on time.

The budget package is a combination of cuts, taxes and accounting maneuvers including the sale/leaseback of several state buildings.  Online retailers will now be required to collect sales taxes even if they are not based in California.   Homeowners in fire-prone zones will have new fees imposed on them.  Local sales taxes will be raised by .25 percent.   The vehicle registration fee will be raised by $12.  It cuts the state’s court system by $150 million and higher education by $300 million.

The Democratic budget brought a quick response from Republicans.  The District 2 Board of Equlization member and former assemblyman and senator George Runner issued the following statement:

Continue reading on Examiner.com Runner/Conway issue statements on majority vote budget – Los Angeles Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/political-buzz-in-los-angeles/runner-conway-issue-statements-on-majority-vote-budget#ixzz1POx6g1rI

People in the San Bernardino area, Orange County and Los Angelas: Our good friend Assemblyman Donnelly is in need of your help. Few men make it into office and are so effective as to have the SEIU immediately launch a recall effort and we know this is a man we can’t afford to lose. I beseech of you to support Mr Donnelly in every way possible. Working together we will build a better California, but we can ‘t do it wi

I think everyone knows Tim is not one of my favorite assemblymen, but if this is true, it is ridiculous and needs to be fought.  I’ve emailed one of his staffers to see what I can find out but in the meantime does anyone have any info?

The same goes for the California Assembly and Senate.  Over the years I have collected a good many of their personal cells phone numbers, personal email addresses, and even a few home phone numbers.  Most, whether they like the blog are not, are decent to me when I make a request.

And then there is Assemblywoman Connie Conway.  I live in her district.  She is my representative in the Assembly.  I cannot get the time of day from that woman.

I almost didn’t post the press release below because I am so sick of contacting her office and being ignored.  I have even emailed her at her personal email address and nada.  But the press release below mentions “San Bernardino County.”  I didn’t think she knew that we are in her district.  I’d bet anything she has no clue where the community I live in is located at.  I sure as heck hope I am redistricted out of her district.  I bet my whole community feels the same way.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 37 would designate a portion of State Highway Route 15 in San Bernardino County as the “CHP Officer Justin W. McGrory Memorial Highway.” Officer McGrory died in June 2010 from injuries he received after being hit by a car while he was conducting a traffic stop.  The 18-year old driver who hit Officer McGrory was charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, child endangerment and transportation of marijuana.

“Officer McGrory was faithfully devoted to both his family and his career, so the memorial signs are a fitting tribute to a remarkable man who gave his life serving others,” said Conway.

ACR 15 would designate a portion of State Highway Route 198 in Tulare County as the “Detective Monty L. Conley and Detective Joe R. Landin Memoral Highway.” Detectives Conley and Landin lost their lives on August 5, 1985, while investigating a drug case near Pixley, in southern Tulare County.  The detectives were in their police vehicle when another driver ran a stop sign while speeding at more than 85 miles per hour.  The driver was convicted of vehicular manslaughter and served more than five years in prison.

Detective Conley’s only son, Matthew, and Detective Landin’s sons, Joe and Chris, are now Tulare County Deputy Sheriffs.

“Detectives Conley and Landin’s legacies live on with Matthew, Joe and Chris. They honor their fathers each time they report for duty. Our law enforcement officers selflessly protect and serve so we must honor the officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said Conway.

Private donations will cover the costs of the signs. Both measures now move to the Senate for consideration and will face policy committee votes later this summer.

10am

Nickelodeon Pizza Parlor, 1411 E. Washington Street, Colton, CA

… That’s what we can gain in San Bernardino County – 3 Congressional seats, 2 State Senate seats and 4 State Assembly seats.  All this, based on the recent Census count increase in population in San Bernardino County .  New District lines will be drawn with or without our input.  The time to be heard is NOW.

By

The Assembly’s approval Thursday of legislation to make illegal immigrant college students eligible for financial aid came despite near-blanket opposition from Republicans.

 

Brian Nestande

Of the two-dozen Republicans on the floor Thursday, all but one voted against AB 130. Assemblyman Brian Nestande, R-Palm Desert, abstained.

Nestande, the No. 2 Republican in the Assembly, said he is preparing a statement explaining his abstention.

[UPDATE 3:45 p.m.: Nestande issued a statement on his abstention. Here it is:

"This is a difficult issue. Through no fault of their own, these children were brought to this country. Some have spent nearly their entire life learning about the history of our country, our founding fathers and reciting our Pledge of Allegiance. California is the only home they have ever known.

"If one of these kids has the drive and the intellect to succeed in college, shouldn't we encourage that initiative? This legislation is narrowly drafted, money that will be used for these scholarships are private dollars. No public money will be spent in this initiative," he wrote.

The bill, which now goes to the Senate, might return to the Assembly. "If it does come back for concurrence, I will evaluate it at that time," Nestande said a short while ago.]

To read the rest of the story, click here.

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/04/19/3562038/dickinson-wants-more-transparency.html#ixzz1K0rzGpcG

I wanted to get a few interviews published and under my belt first before I started asking council persons, supervisors, and mayors from throughout Southern California for interviews who have no clue about me except for the blog as I know that will scare some off.  Now with Angela, that will give me three to publish in addition to the one already published on Ryan McEachron.  A couple of Assemblymembers have also agreed to interviews.

Anyway, if there are any politicos that fall into the above group or something close that would like to get on my good side by not making me ask I would love to include you in the interviews for Examiner.  I publish in both the Los Angeles and Palm Springs editions and hope to get a couple others like Riverside and OC.  For those who don’t know, Examiner.com receives approximately 20 million hits a month and is now the largest news organization in the world I believe.

Here is the link to information about the man who owns it:  Philip Anschutz.  He has an interesting story.

Drew Ressler / Rukes.com

Beyond Wonderland was not beyond comprehension for Fiona Ma.

With a storm approaching and an army of cops and DEA agents, one woman named Paris Hilton, and even a few politicians in the house, the controversial rave promoter Insomniac Events said its Beyond Wonderland party over the weekend in San Bernardino was a success.

We received reports of an overdose, a missing raver, and some party-goers taken out of the venue in stretchers. Even state Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, who has proposed to ban raves at public venues in California, said she knew of 24 drug-dealing arrests there.

And she left at 10:30, when the Saturday night party was just beginning. But …

To read the rest of the story, click here.

… Insomniac Events, which recently moved its embattled Electric Daisy Carnival from the publicly run L.A. Coliseum to Las Vegas, stated it was all good:

The Assembly side is still not so clear.  Sources continue to claim Assemblyman Paul Cook is one of them but I have a very hard time believing it.  I’m also having a hard time Steve Knight will as both want a future in politics.

I’m still betting on Connie Conway and Brian Nestande, but, as always, we shall see.  Who knows if a deal has even been reached.  Transparency and communication has never been our political leaders’ strong point.

Currently, the Court of Appeals is divided into six districts. The Fourth Appellate District consists of the Counties of San Diego, Orange, Imperial, San Bernardino, Inyo and Riverside. SB 848 would remove the Counties of San Bernardino, Inyo, and Riverside from the Fourth Appellate District and instead place those counties in the newly created Seventh Appellate District.

“Currently, the Inland Empire is not adequately represented in the appellate court system,” Senator Emmerson stated. “In our growing region, it only makes sense that we have our own appellate district giving us more local control over our court system and the cases to be heard.”

Under SB 848, the Appellate District will have autonomy over its own budget requests and internal operations. In addition, the court would have control over local cases without being required to transfer those cases to other regions.

Inyo County District Attorney Arthur Maillet, San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos, and Riverside County District Attorney Paul Zellerbach are all supportive of this measure.

“By creating a separate Court of Appeals for these three counties, it would reduce the governmental bureaucracy while also ensuring that appellate cases from our county could be decided more efficiently and expeditiously,” Riverside County District Attorney Paul Zellerbach said.

It’s important to note that the infrastructure to support another appellate district already exists so there will be no additional impact on the state’s budget deficit.

“SB 848 is crucial to the Inland Empire as it will increase efficiency in our court system and ensure that cases are adjudicated much more quickly,” San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos added.

Hi Sharon,  Just wanted to respond to this and state that I have signed a pledge and am on record with John and Ken to Not raise taxes and to Not vote to place taxes on the ballot.  John and Ken are advocating for a Taxpayers Caucus, which covers the exact same material as the pledge.  Given that I have  signed the pledge, the Taxpayers Caucus is redundant.  The organizers would rather talk in front of a microphone than take action.  . . .

Hope this helps clear the confusion.  Thanks,  Paul

So there you go.

On a related note, as someone who used to work for a legislator reminded me, it would be unwise for Senate Republican Leader Bob Dutton to join the Taxpayers Caucus because, as the leader, it sends the wrong message to the opposition from the standpoint of negotiating anything.  It would not be productive for any of the Republican leaders to take an absolute stance at this point.

I still believe if there are going to be turncoats in the Assembly, they will be Connie Conway and Brian Nestande.  I get a very negative feeling from the Conway camp in particular.

Sacramento– Assemblyman Curt Hagman introduced Assembly Bill 738 which would prohibit a person publicly elected to an office of any kind, on and after January 1, 2012, from receiving any form of government retirement benefits.  This would include elected officials and pension systems at city, county, and state levels.

The underfunding of government pension systems is a pressing and serious issue.  The California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS) is facing drastic funding deficits, as are county and city retirement systems.  Pension underfunding carries consequences not only for the systems and their administrators, but the systems’ members and California’s taxpayers.

Assembly Bill 738 would reform these broken pension systems and save the cities, counties, and state—and ultimately taxpayers—millions of dollars by excluding all elected officials from drawing dwindling government benefits.

“With such severe and widespread budget crises, in addition to a lack of public faith in government,” said Assemblyman Hagman, “Public service shouldn’t mean publicly funded pensions. This reasonable measure needs to be passed now”.

Legislators are prohibited from joining government pension systems. Earlier legislation stopped school board members and commissioners from enrolling.

Assemblyman Curt Hagman

Congratulations to Assemblyman Curt Hagman for being honored by the California Rifle and Pistol Association as an “Outstanding Legislator.”  For more information, click here.

I also emailed all of the “defectors” except Emmerson, as I do not have his personal email address.  I doubt I will get responses, but we shall see.

We know history suggests there will be defectors, but I think Cook and Knight know they stand no chance at another elected public office if they do it.  Dutton is said to still want the Second District Supervisor’s spot, and even with as much as Janice is screwing up, it doesn’t compare to the possibility of raising taxes in this economy.

I think the real culprits are more likely to be Connie Conway and Brian Nestande if anyone defects from the Assembly.  Conway has made comments that lead us to believe she may.  Both have refused to answer any questions about this.

Only time will tell.

California GOP lawmakers band together in new group that pledges to oppose Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax plan [Updated]

Two-thirds of Republicans in the California Legislature announced Wednesday that they were forming a new group and pledged not only never to vote to raise taxes but also to block efforts to place a tax-hike measure before voters.

The group’s creation is a stick in the eye for Gov. Jerry Brown, a Democrat whose budget plan is based on allowing a public referendum on extending taxes in June.

So far, 21 of the 27 GOP Assembly members have signed on, as have eight of the 15 GOP state senators.

[Updated 1:15 p.m.: Jennifer Kerns, a spokeswoman for the group, said she had mistakenly included Senate Republican leader Bob Dutton of Rancho Cucamonga on the list of signers. He has not joined the group, she said. Also, she said two additional legislators had joined Wednesday, Sen. Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield) and Assemblyman Chris Norby (R-Fullerton), bringing the total number of signers to 29.]

A joint budget committee of the Legislature began meeting Wednesday to craft a spending plan.

Brown needs a two-thirds vote in each house of the Legislature to place the tax question before voters. That will require the support of at least four Republican legislators, two in each house.

Sen. Tony Strickland (R-Moorpark) and freshman Assemblyman Donald Wagner (R-Irvine) are the co-chairs of what they are calling a “taxpayers caucus.” The signers of the caucus’ principles agree to oppose putting any tax increases on the ballot unless voters are presented with an equal-sized tax cut. Brown has derided that idea as “flim-flam.”

By listing their members, the new group is also providing a roadmap for Brown to determine which GOP lawmakers are at least willing to negotiate and compromise. Pressure will likely mount from conservative activists on those same swing GOP legislators.

The Republican non-signers in the state Senate are Bob Dutton of Rancho Cucamonga, Tom Berryhill of Modesto, Sam Blakeslee of San Luis Obispo, Anthony Cannella of Ceres, Bill Emmerson of Redlands, Tom Harman of Huntington Beach and Bob Huff of Diamond Bar. The non-signers in the Assembly are Katcho Achadjian of San Luis Obispo, Bill Berryhill of Ceres, Paul Cook of Yucaipa, GOP leader Connie Conway of Tulare, Steve Knight of Palmdale and Kristin Olsen of Modesto.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

This blog has never been about the 95 percent of the government workers who go to work and try their best to do their jobs each day.  It’s about those “five percenters.”  Yes, I used that term but not in the same way Mark Uffer used it to bully and humiliate us.  Despite his presentation, we all know that five percenters exist and they make every government worker and politico look bad.

Speaking of politicos, I sent both of my state legislators emails to be added to their press release lists, etc.  Neither Assemblywoman Connie Conway’s office or Senator Jean Fuller’s office had the courtesy to reply.  Mind you I not only indicated I wanted to write stories but also that I am a constituent.  I have almost no problem getting responses from other representatives but my own ignore me.

Well in the middle of all of this I received a tip about a news story and emailed both Conway and Republican second-in-command Assemblyman Brian Nestande at their personal, not Assembly, email addresses a list of questions.  Again, neither responded.

So today I called both offices.  Geez, why do I have to always resort to being a bitch to get answers?   But I digress.  Anyway, I already heard back from Conway’s office that they won’t answer “political” questions (remember I sent the original email to Conway’s PERSONAL email address).  They will add me to their press release list, so I guess I should be grateful.  We shall see if Nestande gets back to me.

Of course, I know they didn’t like my questions because they relate to, among other things, if the Republicans are going to do an Anthony Adams and vote to put the taxes on the ballot.   Now there is a question too political to answer on the taxpayer’s dime.  Amazing.

Jerry Brown attends GOP policy retreat, looking to bridge ‘philosophical divide’

The United States government estimates that up to 27 million persons worldwide are trafficked for the purpose of forced labor.  Close to one million of these victims are children who are forced into the sex trade while other victims work under guard in sweat shops, as domestic help, and in agricultural businesses.  Between 15,000 and 17,500 new victims are brought in the United Stateseach year, making the United Statesone of the top three destinations for human traffickers.

On October 18, 2010, former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law SB 657, the “California Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010.  Beginning in January 2012, the law will require manufacturers and retailers in Californiato ensure their supply chains are free of slavery and forced labor and that their policy be posted on their websites.

To bring further attention to an issue that is now growing faster than drug and weapons smuggling, two Inland Empire Assemblymen, Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) and Tim Donnelly (R-Twin Peaks) introduced ACR6, a resolution declaring January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.  ACR6 also names February 1 as “California’s Free from Slavery Day.”

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Inland lawmakers introduce resolution to bring awareness to human trafficking – Los Angeles Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/political-buzz-in-los-angeles/inland-lawmakers-introduce-resolution-to-bring-awareness-to-human-trafficking#ixzz1C1TnF7AT

Assemblyman Curt Hagman

Assemblyman Curt Hagman’s success continued through the second year of his freshman term, bringing the total number of bills he sponsored that passed and were signed into law to ten.  Hagman credits his success with his ability to work with Assembly members on both sides of the isle.

Hagman is not only a rising star in the Assembly, but very well could challenge Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod for the San Bernardino County Fourth Supervisorial District seat in 2014.  Negrete McLeod is said to already be raising funds for that race, hoping to have amassed at least $1 million for what could be a contentious race.   Hagman would be a formidable opponent and is a strong fundraiser himself.

Among Hagman’s successes this past term:

AB 515: Tightens licensing requirements related to vehicles impounds, prohibits the owner of an impounded vehicle from changing the name of the owner until the vehicle is released from impound.

AB 1209: Allows police officers to book a person arrested for a misdemeanor crime at the scene or prior to the release of the arrested person. Previous law did not specify that booking could take place at the scene of the crime.

AB 1675: Makes entering an animal enclosure at a zoo, public aquarium, circus, or traveling animal an infraction or misdemeanor offense.

Additionally, AB 430, AB 794, AB 1129, AB 1800, AB 2128, AB 2181, and AB 2500 were all signed by Governor Schwarzenegger.

Hagman, who won re-election easily this past November, continues this term as one of the Assembly Floor Leaders, working with Assembly Minority Leader Connie Conway, to keep Republicans in line over the “no tax” issue.

]]> http://iepolitics.net/2011/01/08/iepolitics-hagmans-star-rises/feed/ 3 http://iepolitics.net/2010/12/13/examiner-com-nestande-becomes-second-highest-republican-in-assembly/ http://iepolitics.net/2010/12/13/examiner-com-nestande-becomes-second-highest-republican-in-assembly/#comments Tue, 14 Dec 2010 06:00:31 +0000 Administrator http://iepolitics.com/?p=6698 Continue reading →]]>

Assemblyman Brian Nestande

By:  Sharon Gilbert

Assemblyman Brian Nestande (R-Palm Desert) was appointed today by Assembly Minority Leader Connie Conway (R-Visalia) as Assembly Republican Caucus Chair, making him the second highest ranking Republican in the California State Assembly.  Nestande will take on the additional duties of running the caucus meetings and communicating with Republican leaders throughout the state.  He will influence key legislative positions and policies.

“Brian Nestande has earned a well-deserved reputation as an effective leader for Republicans at the State Capitol and a strong voice for fiscal reform.  He has fought hard to pass necessary reforms to force the Legislature to pass honest budgets that help the state live within its means,” said Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway.  “As Republican Caucus Chair, he will be working closely by my side as we fight to end business as usual in Sacramento and ensure that working families are given a voice in the People’s House.”

Nestande has a lengthy political history in the Coachella Valley.  He was campaign manager first to Congressman Sony Bono and then to Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack, later serving as Chief of Staff for both until he ran for the 64th Assembly District in 2008.  He was sworn in last week to his second term.  His noted accomplishments include service as Vice Chair of the Assembly Committee on Education, “where he fought for innovative solutions to improve our public school system, such as encouraging more accountability and expansion of charter schools.”

To read the rest of the story, click here.

Assemblywoman Connie Conway

Assemblywoman Connie Conway, who represents Northeastern portions of San Bernardino County, including the cities of Barstow and Needles and communities of Lucerne Valley, Baker, Cima, and Mountain Pass, was elected by her colleagues as Assembly Minority Leader last month.  She had lost her leadership position as Caucus Chair when she attempted a coup on Republican Leader Martin Garrick just prior to the November 2, 2010, election.

After Republicans unexpectedly lost an Assembly seat in November election, Conway was voted in as Assembly Minority Leader, ousting Garrick, leader of the Republican conservatives.  Conway is a moderate Republican.

Currently, the Republican Caucus consists of only 28 Republicans out of 80 members.  Conway made her leadership appointments today, signaling a possible change in strategy.  Ten of the 28 members were placed in leadership capacities, with moderates being given several of the top spots.

• Assemblyman Briane Nestande (Moderate) was appointed as Assembly Republican Caucus Chair, the second highest minority position
• Assemblyman Curt Hagman (Conservative) was reappointed as Assistant Republican Floor Leader, a position he held under Garrick.
• Assemblymen Steve Knight (Conservative) and Cameron Smyth  (Moderate) were appointed as Assistant Republican Leaders
• Assemblymen Bill Berryhill and Dan Logue were appointed as Chief Republican Whips
• Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher and Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen were appointed as Republican Whips
• Assemblyman Brian Jones was appointed as Deputy Floor Manager

At this rate of electing moderates, it will be no time before Democrats have a two-thirds super-majority in the California Assembly.

Assemblyman Paul Cook says “everything’s on the table” as far as his political career is concerned.

Cook terms out of the Assembly in two years. Earlier this week, the IEpolitics blog mentioned Cook, R-Yucca Valley, as a potential 2012 candidate for the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. Cook lives in the Third Supervisorial District, currently represented by Supervisor Neil Derry, and much of his Assembly district’s San Bernardino County portion overlaps the Third (see below.)

Next year, though, supervisorial districts will be redrawn to reflect population changes since the 2000 census. Yucca Valley could stay in the third or potentially end up in the adjoining first district of Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

Assemblyman Anthony Adams

This is belated I realize, but congratulations to Assemblyman Anthony Adams who passed the California State Bar exam this year.

Joe Baca Jr.

Well this is what happens when two people can’t sleep and start texting about politics.  This is purely speculation!

We cannot help but wonder what will happen if Supervisor Josie Gonzales is indicted and we are wondering if certain politicians are thinking the same thing.  Joe Baca Jr.’s announcement makes for interesting fodder.

Wilmer Amina Carter terms out in two years, the same time that Gonzales’ seat on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors is up for election.  Gonzales, whether indicted or not, is expected to have a strong opponent as their are few left who can stomach many more of her holier-than-thou, empty-headed diatribes from the dais, all the while proving to be as corrupt as any other San Bernardino County politician.  The only question is who will seek the seat.

The Baca name has been bantered about for a while now as someone interested in unseating Gonzales.   However, he recently announced his intention to run for the Assembly seat that will be vacated by Carter.  That decision, of course, could be changed by redistricting in 2012.  Carter, on the other hand, doesn’t really have anywhere to go.  Gloria Negrete’s seat is up for re-election until 2014.

We can’t help but wonder if Carter is contemplating a Benoit-type move if Gonzales should have to give up her seat.   That would allow Baca four years in the Assembly, although he may only need two and then make another attempt for Negrete’s seat in 2014.

If Carter should decide to run for the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and win or be appointed to complete Gonzales’ term, she would make history as the first African American female on the board.  She also just might bring a bit of integrity to the Fifth District, something that has been lacking for a decade or two.

Assembly GOP leader Martin Garrick has stripped Assemblywoman Connie Conway of her leadership role as the second-ranking Republican in the Assembly.

Garrick had named Conway as caucus chair after he edged her out in January as the Assembly Republicans’ pick to replace former leader Sam Blakeslee.

“You serve at the leader’s discretion so he can change his team whenever he wants, and I certainly respect that,” Conway said in an interview today.

The Tulare Republican said she enjoyed her leadership post and looks forward to focusing on the Nov. 2 election and continuing to be active in the caucus when the Legislature reconvenes in December.

Garrick’s office has not publicly given a reason for the shake-up, but chatter of a late-night push to gather support for Conway replacing Garrick as Republican leader filled the chambers during the marathon budget session earlier this month. Conway said it wasn’t unusual for the rumor mill to churn during the all-night session, which she called “a very intense evening.”

Read more: http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2010/10/conway-loses-caucus-leader-tit.html#ixzz12ms2UGgZ



Assemblyman Curt Hagman

www.sbgrapevine.com

Assemblyman Curt Hagman, a Republican representing the 60th Assembly  District, was elected to his first term in 2008.  The district covers a total of 13 cities within San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Orange counties.

As a freshman assemblyman, Hagman has enjoyed unusual success, which he credits to his communication skills and leadership abilities.  The ability to get along with Republicans and Democrats alike has helped him gain respect as evidenced by his selection as Assistant Republican Leader and Republican Floor Leader so early on in his career.  He also sits on ten committees, including the Rules Committee and Judiciary Committee, as well as serving as Vice-chair of the Public Safety Committee.

As Republican Floor Leader, Hagman can directly impact the passage—or non-passage—of bills.  Through his leadership on the last day of the most recent session, he was able to keep 35 bills from being voted on, some of which had a chance to pass and be signed by the Governor despite the fact they may have further hurt our economy or had other unintended consequences.

Hagman was elected to the Assembly already having a lengthy public service résumé.  He served as a board member on his children’s PTA.  He is past president of the Kiwanis Club of Chino Hills and on the Board of Directors for the Chino Valley YMCA.  Curt is also proud that he earned the Eagle Scout Award from Boy Scouts and is the only Eagle Scout currently serving in the Legislature.

In 2004 Hagman decided to run for the Chino Hills City Council where he served for four years, the last year as Mayor.  During that time he participated on multiple committees that exposed him to all facets of local government, which prepared him to represent his district at the state level.

Among his proudest accomplishments is his appointment by then-San Bernardino County Fourth District Supervisor Fred Aguiar to the Workforce Investment Board, the board that oversees federal Workforce Investment Act funding to prepare students about to enter the workforce and retrain displaced workers. He eventually became chairman, and under his leadership, benchmarks and accountability were introduced to assure job training monies were being spent wisely.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

It was a nice surprise to go to my mailbox tonight and find a thank you note from Mike Morrell.  It’s probably the third such note I have received from him since he started his campaign.  From the beginning I have been so impressed with Mike and the way in which he conducts his life.  I am very happy that he won the Republican primary for the 63rd Assembly District.  I know he will make a great Assemblyman.

After Neil Derry, I believe Mike was the next candidate to provide iePolitics with information about his campaign.  As with Neil, it was his expert strategists who won the campaign for him, but I know we contributed a few votes and we appreciate the fact he allowed us to do it.

Congratulations Mike!

www.rileyforassembly.com

A Reagan Republican Who Will Turn Our Economy Around

“Anthony Riley is a rock solid conservative that taxpayers can count on to protect them . . . and he’ll help businesses create more jobs in our state.”

- State Senator George Runner

No Tax Hikes; Stop the Spending

A fiscal conservative, Anthony Riley believes state government has a spending addiction. That’s one reason he signed the Americans for Tax Reform Pledge opposing all tax hikes.

Anthony Riley strongly supports the two-thirds vote requirement before the Legislature can raise taxes.  He favors a strict spending cap based on population and inflation growth that mandates a “rainy day” reserve.  Anthony Riley is the only 59^th Assembly District Candidate endorsed by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers  Association
Political Action Committee.

Small Businesses Create Jobs

Anthony Riley knows California is struggling with 2.2 million people out of work and an additional 1.5 million forced to settle for part-time work.  State government continues to damage businesses through an array of taxes and unneeded, burdensome legislation.  As a result, California’s business tax climate ranks 48th in the nation.

As a small business owner, he understands how to reform California so that small businesses can again innovate and create jobs. We can count on him to fight the anti-business, liberal politicians who are driving jobs to other states and overseas.

Local Schools Must Receive Full Funding

Anthony Riley believes every student must read, write and speak English before graduating from high school.  He backs expanding technical education so students who choose a path other than college can obtain highly skilled, good-paying jobs.

A Hesperia Unified School District Board Member, Anthony Riley favors keeping the high school exit exam and wants to reduce inflexible categorical grants so that local schools can spend funds as they see fit.

Provide Access to Affordable, Quality Health Care

Anthony Riley strongly opposes a government-run, universal health care program because it will lower quality, ration health care, interfere with the patient-doctor relationship and cause insurance premiums to skyrocket.

A supporter of allowing out-of-state insurers to compete in California, he supports income tax deductions for medical expenses, favors permitting individuals to carry their health insurance between jobs and wants more community-based health clinics.

Right Way and Wrong Way to Enter Our Country

Anthony Riley believes illegal immigration is absolutely the wrong way.  It makes no sense to reward illegal immigrants by granting them legal status, driver licenses or reduced college tuition.

Although he believes “legal” immigration has enriched California and America, he’ll vote for a tougher border security to reduce the financial burden illegal immigrants place on law-abiding taxpayers.

No Early Release; Keep Convicts Behind Bars

As a strong proponent of the death penalty and longer prison sentences, Anthony Riley will lead the charge against liberal legislators who want to weaken “Three Strikes, You’re Out” and gut “Megan’s Law” protections.  He opposes any plan to release violent thugs before they complete their prison sentences.

Anthony Riley is endorsed by local leaders and Conservative stalwarts, including:

Assemblyman Curt Hagman

Assemblyman Steve Knight

San Bernardino County Professional Firefighters

View remaining endorsements and more at:  www.rileyforassembly.com

Contact Us

P. (760) 957-6553: E. info@anthonyriley.com

This race is also “blessed” with a well financed RINO who, unlike Don Kurth, claims to be a Christian.  And this “Christian” (or Mormon in reality) along with his campaign consultant Chris Jones (sound familiar?), has conducted the most hate-filled, ugly campaign in San Bernardino County.  That candidate is, of course, Chris Lancaster, who has stooped to sending photographers to his opponents’ homes to film their young, underaged relatives, sponsoring an incredibly hateful video, and knowingly sending out lie-filled propaganda intended to induce and inspire bigotry and hatred among voters.  Needless to say, Lancaster is undeserving of your vote.

That leaves five other candidates:  Iver Bye, Ken Hunter, Tim Donnelly, Corey Calaycay and Anthony Riley.

As one site listed them today, Iver Bye, Ken Hunter and Tim Donnelly are third-tier candidates.  None of them have raised enough money to launch a serious campaign.  However, through a grassroots effort, any one of them could have been taken seriously, but they are not for various reasons.  In my book, the biggest reason is that like Lancaster, they all claim to be “Christians” but are about as Christian-like in their campaign activities as Bill Clinton.  I see a lot of hate and a lot of dishonesty in their campaigns.  And I see very little difference between them and the establishment they claim they are fighting.

That leaves Anthony Riley and Corey Calaycay.  I seriously like both of these guys.  What is funny is that Ken Hunter had my vote and totally blew it with his hate tactics and lies toward Anthony Riley.   I originally posted an item about Anthony as a “gotcha” to one of his supporters.  I did not know Anthony—had met him briefly at a Central Committee meeting last year—and would have never have considered voting for him if it hadn’t been for Hunter’s personal attacks that caused me to take a closer look.  As it turns out, I really like Anthony.  I’m amazed at some of the things his opponents have attacked him for, such as skipping an election stop to visit a very ill friend in the hospital, or having a foster son, or taking care of his aging mother.  Unlike his “Christian” opponents, Anthony walks the walk and I repect that.  Unlike those others with their self-righteous platitudes, Anthony is the real deal.

And then there is Corey Calaycay.  I met Corey and his brother at the San Bernardino County Fair when I was working the Republican Voter Registration booth.  My impression before having the chance to spend some time with him was that he was just another slick politician.  But I realized there is a lot of substance there.  He has been attacked by the Lancaster campaign and other factions similarly to Anthony over family priorities.  As a city councilman, Corey has experience working in government that is missing in many of the candidates.

I really wish Anthony and Corey were running in different districts as both would make outstanding assemblymen.  Either would represent us well.  However, in the end my vote goes to Anthony for several reasons.  First, it keeps the 59th Assembly District in San Bernardino County.  Second, I think I have a better feel for Anthony’s sense of integrity and ethics.  And finally, he is endorsed by both the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer’s Association and the Atlas PAC/Mike Schroeder, the group that attempted the Anthony Adams recall.  Those are very big endorsements that say a lot about Anthony’s feelings towards taxes and other fiscal issues.

And I will add, contrary to his opponents’ claims, Anthony voted for Prop. 8 and is a pro-family values candidate.

As a small business owner who has lived and worked in the Inland Empire for over 30 years, I have gained the experience of successfully creating jobs – something our state badly needs in the face of double digit unemployment. I have signed the “No New Taxes Pledge,” and am endorsed by the National Tax Limitation Committee. The California Small Business Association has also endorsed me, because I am committed to spurring job growth and improving the economy by preventing new regulations and reducing the litigation and tax burdens that cripple small businesses. The government must begin living like we do – “within our means.”

I am conservative economically, politically and socially. I have been married to my wife Joanie for 32 years. We are pro-life, support the Second Amendment, and believe in traditional family values. Our daughter Kristen is a graduate of the Focus on the Family Institute, our son David recently graduated from law school, and our youngest, Matt, attends Hillsdale College.

I am concerned that our greatest enemy today is an insidious progressive agenda that weakens our nation from within: economically, politically and morally. The message we hear from progressive leaders is that “government is the solution.” History, however, proves otherwise. Big government is not the solution; rather, it is the problem. As government expands, liberty contracts and freedom is lost. Politicians believe elected office is about “they the government,” and have forgotten those three foundational words written in our Constitution, “We The People.”

In order to bring California back to the people, I will work to cut government spending and taxes. Revenue is not the problem – spending is. Cuts must be implemented before economic growth can begin. I will focus on our children who have become an afterthought in Sacramento by reprioritizing our commitment to education. I will also fight against the liberal environmentalist agenda that has burdened our farmers and residents with extreme regulations like job-killer bill AB32 (an ill-timed piece of legislation which promises to drive hundreds of thousands of jobs out of California). I will vote to keep prisoners in prison, rather than consent to the liberals’ plan for ‘early release,’ and I will be a firm, dependable voice to stop the billions of dollars spent annually on those here illegally.

My aim is to restore conservative principles in Sacramento.  I respectfully ask for your vote on June 8, and hope you will contact me to learn more.

This was both an easy and hard decision for me, not as to whom to vote for, as I don’t live in the district, but rather whom to support.  There are several very well qualified candidates.

There is only one candidate that I do not want to see win and that is Don Kurth.  He was a convicted drug felon in his 20s and served prison time.  Later in life he has had issues with domestic violence.  He has also had some serious financial problems.  But more important to me than any of that, Don, along with his campaign manager Jessica Austin, and campaign consultant Chris Jones, has run the single most unethical and dirty campaign in all of San Bernardino County.  None of the three of them appear to have any ethics or integrity whatsoever.  What they have done is shameful.  And it would be shameful if a RINO such as Don Kurth received the Republican Party’s nod.

Any of the remaining five candidates would serve us well in the state assembly.  However, a couple stand out.  Acquanetta Warren, Pat Gilbreath and Henry Nickle would all make fine assembly members.  But there are even better candidates.

Paul Chabot has been beaten up on this blog many times by the medical marijuana crowd.  I disagree with Paul myself on that issue.  Paul’s bigger issue is that he looks like he is 12 years old!  Of course, he is not.  If I remember correctly he is about 35.  And he is an over-achiever, having accomplished much in those years.  I have no doubt he would work his butt off for his district if elected.

My vote, if I could vote in the 63rd District, would go to Mike Morrell.  Mike is a fiscal conservative who is firmly committed to no new taxes.  He strongly believes in securing our borders and not giving amnesty to those here illegally.  He is pro-death penalty.  And as a businessman for many years, he is pro-business.  But for me, more important than all of the above, is the level of integrity I see in Mike.  He is a strong family man and a devout Christian who walks the walk.  Those are not catch phrases for him but lifestyle choices.

I have gotten to know some of Mike’s staff, Grace, Kris, and Daniella, and found them to be just like him:  down-to-Earth, good people.  They reflect his values and what he finds important in life.  Mike would serve us well in the State Assembly.  We would never have to worry about him embarrassing us with scandal as he would serve with dignity and honesty.

Is Assemblyman Bill Emmerson (R-Hemet/Upland/Redlands/Wherever) turning against one of his strongest endorsers? For years, DA Mike Ramos and Bill Emmerson have been politically close. DA Mike Ramos has endorsed Emmerson for legislative offices through the years, and Emmerson has backed Ramos for district attorney.

However, is that supposedly close political relationship about to change?

With much fanfare, it was announced in February 2010 that DA Ramos believed that Second District County Supervisor Paul Biane (who was identified only as a “John Doe”) was an unindicted co-conspirator in alleged malfeasance related to the 2006 Colonies settlement. Biane, like most of those charged by Ramos, denies all allegations, and he himself has not yet been charged. However, at a press conference that attracted statewide media attention, Ramos made clear when unveiling Biane’s possible involvement in an alleged corruption scheme that the criminal investigation remains “ongoing.”

Given Emmerson’s closeness to Ramos, why then, is the assemblyman not only endorsing Paul Biane’s re-election, but actively campaigning for Biane?

Noteworthy: Supervisor Paul Biane’s top political aide is Omar Gonzales. Mr. Gonzales is married to Emmerson Field Representative and former Emmerson for State Senate Communications Director Gina Gonzales. Official FPPC documents disclose that Omar Gonzales himself received payments for work associated with Emmerson’s recent election campaign for State Senate.

Just this past weekend, Emmerson’s current legislative staff rallied around beleaguered Camp Biane and spent a Saturday door-knocking, precinct walking and encouraging Second District residents to vote FOR an individual whom DA Ramos has tagged as an unindicted co-conspirator.

That Assemblyman Bill Emmerson is inserting himself in this San Bernardino County regional race is surprising in itself, since former Redlands resident Emmerson relocated to Riverside County in order to accept a state senate seat in that jurisdiction.

Perhaps Emmerson is supporting a fellow politico whom he believes has been unfairly targetted by Ramos–that the allegations are inaccurate. Of course, if Supervisor Biane is being unfairly targeted, then surely others–like Bill Postmus and Jim Erwin–are as well.

Also of note, Bill Emmerson’s civil attorney (who defended Emmerson in a legal matter regarding a court challenge to Emmerson’s new Riverside County residency) is Jim Lacy. Lacy, who in addition to being an lawyer is also a prominent political slate mail vendor, just donated a mailing that blasted supposed deficiencies of DA Mike Ramos.

So, the question is this: Is Bill Emmerson associating with Ramos opponents because he has no faith in Ramos? Or is it a lack of faith in Ramos’ investigation?

The relationship between Bill Emmerson and those Ramos has in his cross-hairs is curious, to say the least.

Emmerson and his staff are clearly in league with DA Ramos’ targets, and it is odd that Emmerson, given his public support of Mike Ramos, is heavily engaged in Biane’s re-election campaign.

It’s highly likely that Ramos is learning of this association between Emmerson-Biane-Jim Lacy for the first time. So, if Mr. Ramos is reading this, the truth is clear: Bill Emmerson is actively helping those Ramos is investigating, while simultaneously befriending Mike Ramos and friends of Ramos.

The only question is “Why?”

Last night I attended the retirement dinner for San Bernardino County Fire Chief Pat Dennen at Mill Creek in Mentone.  The event was sold out and the room was packed like sardines.  Despite the fact that our Board of Supervisors doesn’t think too highly of what Pat does, the loyalty from his peers was obvious.

When I arrived at Mill Creek, I surveyed the room looking for anyone I might recognize.  One of the nice things about being a blogger is that mostly no one knows me in person and therefore doesn’t recognize me.  I can attend these events incognito.

I did not see a soul I recognized and was relieved about it.  Imagine my surprise when it came time for the “roast” and they introduced Assemblyman Anthony Adams, Supervisors Brad Mitzelfelt and Josie Gonzales, and a representative from Supervisor Derry’s office.  I had to text a friend of mine the blow-by-blow account of their presentations.

Gonzales and Mitzelfelt took the stage together to present Pat with a proclamation from the Board of Supervisors.  To no one’s surprise except for those of us who know the real situation, Josie did one of her teary-eyed presentations to Pat, which I texted to my friend.  To my surprise, before it was over, I received a text back that read something to the effect, “I emailed Brad and told him to tell Josie to shut the f— up.”  I thought I wasn’t going to stop laughing.  I can only image what Mitzelfelt thought, especially considering who this “friend” was.

So, just a lesson to you guys.  That “bitch from the blog” can show up anywhere!

National Right to Life Director Endorses Morrell

Upland, California – Brian Johnston, the Western Regional Director of National Right to Life, the nation’s leading organization in the defense of the right to life for the unborn, has endorsed conservative businessman Mike Morrell for State Assembly.

“Mike Morrell is a great individual and a stellar candidate. I’ve known him for many years and am glad to give him my personal endorsement,” said Johnston.

“I am deeply committed to protecting the rights of the unborn and have worked alongside Brian and other pro-life leaders for many years,” said Morrell. “Our society cannot continue to promote policies that involve taking life from the innocent and I will fight to protect them.”

Mike Morrell and his wife Joanie live in Rancho Cucamonga. They have been married for 32 years, and together they have three children, Kristen, David and Matthew.

Mike Morrell for State Assembly 2010 ID # 1314986

I am a 30-year-plus “blue collar” business owner of Joey’s Bar-B-Q restaurants in the Inland Empire.  I possess an extremely well rounded knowledge of prudent, ethical business practices both as a former labor representative and as an employer.

Today California is in the greatest economic crisis I have ever witnessed.

Career politicians, government employees nor bureaucrats can solve these economic problems.  I am committed to creating new business opportunities in California while protecting those businesses and jobs that are still here.  A state without employers is a state where there are no jobs, no tax dollars generated to fund government and no solutions for society.

The Environment and Endangered Species Acts that once saved the whale, buffalo, wolves, condors and the bald eagle has degenerated to an Eco- Economic Terrorism of our states’ economy that now saves minnows, bugs, rats and weeds.  They, out of confusion and desperation, have even identified Carbon Dioxide, a gas essential to life on earth and which carbonates our soft drinks, as a dangerous substance.

While many in the private sector have lost their jobs, faced layoffs and pay cuts the employee unions do not offer to share the burden of their state and the taxpayer. It’s time to invite our government employee unions to our recession.

I am sure that my opponent, Norma Torres, is a nice and well meaning lady.  However, not one piece of legislation she has submitted or committee appointment she is on will protect businesses or jobs.  She chooses to sit on welfare committees as if we in the 61^st district were all career welfare recipients rather than peoples seeking jobs and opportunity.

She is the wrong person, with the wrong agenda, at the wrong time to make the economic repairs that California now requires.  Voters must now send experienced business men and women to Sacramento in order to make our state financially sound again, bring employers back to California, create jobs and a tax base so that the Norma Torres’ of the future have the dollars to spend on social programs.

I also emphasize education because without education our children are condemned to a life of hardship and poverty.  Fixing our states’ economy will fund our children’s education again.

I make sound business decisions.  I have the courage to make difficult choices, the strength to hold to my principles and the wisdom to make decisions that are fair and beneficial to all.