Candidate for
State Senator; District 28; Republican Party

Candidate Statement

In 1863 Abraham Lincoln said, "Government of the PEOPLE, by the PEOPLE, for the PEOPLE, shall not perish from the earth." Sooooo...where are the 'PEOPLE' in Sacramento? Lincoln's vision is seriously threatened by an imbalance of self-serving career politicians that have created a system of so many laws, regulations, and excess taxes that we're choking on it. Last year alone, 1109 new bills were passed and over 11,000 since 1993. Compound this with every newly elected politician looking to make a name for him or herself and it becomes evident that our entire system needs an overhaul with all bills being reviewed and frivolous ones reversed. In addition, all state agencies and organizations receiving tax dollars should be accountable with an annual audit. The main goal of the California legislation should be: Streamline and Simplify!

I'm constantly told to focus on only three issues when giving speeches or writing statements for the public because people can't handle more than that. AND to always be certain to mention how safe I'm going to make you all if I'm elected because, as I'm told, that's all anyone really cares about anyway. First of all, I find this insulting to the general public and I plan on addressing a multitude of issues. Secondly, any politician can promise you the moon and ultimately all that will matter is the character and leadership abilities of the individual. Besides, the government isn't going to make you safer or richer or happier or increase your standard of living-----YOU ARE. So take responsibility for your life and be accountable. The following are brief addresses of some issues. If you don't see one listed, send me an e-mail regarding it and I'll give it my best shot.

Many career politicians, who are beholden to the teacher's union, care less about education reform and more about the stream of contributions to their campaigns. If you continue to elect these individuals, then you're asking the same people who caused the problem to cure it. I wholly support a parent's right to choose their children's school with the assistance of Vouchers. We continually hear that teachers should receive better pay yet the educational bureaucracy grows with that group's income rising instead. Reduce class size in all grades and teach the `Basics'. Recognize the uniqueness of each child and teach to the `Individual'. In addition, I think every public school should have a free after school program with tutors and counselors in an attempt to eliminate the problems arising from `Latchkey Kids'.

The adoption process needs to be simplified with a reduction in the `red tape' to afford all children the opportunity for a loving parent or family; speeding up the process so as to reduce and eliminate those that `get lost in the system'; the establishment of a statewide data base internet site that all adoption agencies, potential parents, and children would link to. This would be a model for all states with the eventuality of a nationwide system - possibly global. In addition, this web site would be non- profit and offer free adoption services.

If one analyzes the source of societal ills, we need only to look at its children. A lack of: a quality education, a loving family unit, moral & character building examples in a child's formative years; families without counseling or education that pass on negative patterns from one generation to the next; ---all contribute to the development of an unhealthy future. We need to encourage and provide more tax breaks for organizations like Big Brothers or B.O.N.D. (http://www.bondinfo.org), whose focus is on helping children and families as a whole. Most important is the necessity to teach Responsibility, Accountability, Integrity, and Respect. Give these gifts to all children and you create the possibility of a brighter future for generations to come.

Immigration is the foundation of our country. The current state of our borders and system of citizenship needs immediate evaluation and reform. Immigrants who participate in our nation and obey its laws should be rewarded and not those whose intent is unlawful. It doesn't make sense to reward ILLEGAL aliens and it's unfair to those who've worked hard for their legal status. What part of the word ILLEGAL is not understood here?

There appears to be a push towards socialized medicine. This will never be the answer for better healthcare. One needs only to look at the countries who provide this inferior system to know that `socialized' anything is bad for Americans.

Abortion - one of the hot-button issues of the extreme left and right. I support a woman's right to choose in the first trimester. No late term abortion except when the woman's life is at stake. I do not support state tax dollars paying for abortions and I do not support the denial of parental consent. Proponents' standard response is `what about the 13 year old's father who will kill her'. First of all, most teenage girls response would be "...my parents are going to kill me!" Secondly, if this were an actual possibility, there are community protective services that can act as arbitrators or supply protection. But DO NOT try to take any more parental rights away and hand them to the government.

Gay rights -another hot-button. Proposition 22 was passed with a 61.4% of the vote. I support the will of the people. I have gay relatives and friends (in addition to one of the Republicans who asked me to run) whom I love dearly. I believe in the rights of all Americans, without discrimination, whether I agree with them or not. There also needs to be some discernment regarding this issue. When it comes to the public schools, acceptance of everyone and their individual differences should be taught. But, the government schools should not be teaching our youth what an acceptable sexual lifestyle is. That is the responsibility of parents only.

GUNS - most who oppose a citizens' right to bear arms do so out of ignorance and fear. I know, as I was once one of those gun-fearing individuals. When I lived in Alaska, I learned to use and respect many types of firearms. Everyone had them, everyone knew everyone had them, and no one was ever shot. (Crime was almost nonexistent). Studies have proven that crime is lowest in communities where the citizens are armed. It's simple - take the guns away from the people and the criminals will still have them. Remember, the police don't prevent crime, they go after the criminal after the crime is committed. This isn't rocket science.

Frivolous lawsuits - Isn't it time we started fining the attorneys and those who file them?

We are given a tax credit for each dependent child on our federal return, so why not have the same on our STATE return also.

Some might say I'm new to the political game. Well, When I look at the `Experienced Politicians' as they overtax us, take our surplus to a deficit in the blink of an eye, create an energy crisis, place our public education system at the bottom of the nation's list, institute excessive rules and regulations that throttle our economy instead of encouraging it, I realize that my political inexperience and freshness is exactly what qualifies me. Think about it - How can someone fairly and objectively vote on an issue if their campaign coffers are full of money from special interest groups? How can they fairly represent the people if their goal is a continuance in political office and the attainment of power? California can't afford any more `Experienced Politicians'.

In closing, I'd like to state that I have never felt more proud of my country than at this time and I support our President, George W. Bush, and preserving our Constitution. I stand for Freedom of the individual American and free thought. Political correctness be damned - California needs straight talk and common sense. When you go to the polls this year,bring a balance to representation in Sacramento. Vote for `The PEOPLE'.