GOP Lessons for California, Central Coast

by Alex Alexiev

More than a month after the stunning GOP gubernatorial victories in Virginia and New Jersey, virtually all polls show that, far from a fluke, these elections were the harbingers of a powerful trend that some predict will result in an electoral earthquake in favor of the GOP in the midterm elections of 2010. While much could happen between now and Nov. 2010, there is no doubt that as of now most indicators point to a republican victory on a par with GOP’s 1994 landslide. The dismal economic picture and record unemployment clearly are a key variable in this trend and a significant improvement in the coming months could certainly ameliorate the democrats’ prospects. Nonetheless, a number of the contributing factors for their growing unpopularity appear to be a public reaction to the leftwing radicalism of Pres. Obama and the democratic party, which is of a systemic nature and unlikely to change any time soon. It is this radicalism in pushing big government, quasi-socialist policies in health care, energy, environmentalism etc. that have caused significant majorities to oppose the administration on most of these issues and led to a sizable decline in the popular approval of the Adminstration’s policies and the president himself. Most important, from an electoral viewpoint, is the dramatic shift of independents’ sentiments from a two to one pro-democrat preference in the 2008 presidential race to exactly the opposite today. In the latest (Dec. 13) Rasmussen poll, for instance, independents disapproved strongly of Obama’s policies by a 49% to 21% margin.

What does all of this mean for California and the Central Coast? On the surface, it means that what happened in New Jersey, a state as reliably democratic as California, could happen here as well. There, a 15% victory margin for Obama in 2008 was transformed into a 6% margin for the republican gubernatorial candidate just a year later; a remarkable swing of 21% in voter preference. A similar swing in California, were it to occur, would make virtually all important races in 2010 competitive, something they had not been in a long time.

While this is certainly possible, there is no guarantee that the California GOP would necessarily be the beneficiary of such a turn of events. For the backlash we’re observing is a popular reaction to the sharp left turn of the Obama Administration and its allies in Congress and does not necessarily mean an endorsement of republican policies. Indeed, much of the discontent driving this backlash, as exemplified, for instance, by the tea party movement, is nearly as unhappy with the GOP establishment as it is with the Left. This, of course, means that unless the republicans are able to allay legitimate concerns, embrace the fundamental values that resonate with this political groundswell and harness it to common goals, the GOP can miss a unique opportunity to revive its electoral fortunes.

Nowhere is this dichotomy more clear cut than in California. The fact is that for the past seven years the California GOP has been led - many would say misled – by a governor and a coterie of GOP sycophants who do not represent basic republican values. The evidence for that is too well established to need much additional elucidation here, but suffice it to say that this “republican” governor presided over a state spending binge greater than that of Gray Davis, kowtowed to the predatory public employees unions, spearheaded the radical environmental agenda of the Left by promoting the global warming scam and signing the economically destructive AB-32 and SB-375 legislation and conspired with the democrats in pushing completely dishonest tax-raising schemes.

It would be nice to believe that the problems of the California GOP are limited to the failures of the governor - an erstwhile tough-talking ‘terminator’ turned a vainglorious girlyman – but unfortunately this is far from being the case. The fact is that Schwarzenegger would not have been able to do as much damage to the state and the party as he did without the help of many in the GOP leadership. It is worth remembering that only a year and a half ago, as Schwarzenegger proclaimed his party dying at the box office and urged it to move to the left, the GOP chairman declared him to be the “single greatest asset” of the party. And move to the left at least some in the legislature did, making it possible for the governor and the democrats to pass a bogus budget full of disingenuous gimmicks and tax increases.

The same malaise afflicting the GOP in Sacramento is much in evidence on the Central Coast as well. Exhibit number one is Senator Abel Maldonado, a Schwarzenegger sycophant and legislative turncoat extraordinaire, who has long abandoned whatever republican principles he may have once had. Not surprisingly, his betrayal of republican values has been duly rewarded by the governor with an appointment to the vice-governorship. An even more telling example is the passing in San Luis Obispo county a disastrous ‘smart growth’ ordinance that assures the full control of land use policies by a bunch of unelected environmental extremists, aka central planners, to the huge detriment of private property rights and the economic well-being of the county. At the key Board of Supervisors meeting discussing the adoption of smart growth principles, the three members of the “conservative” majority on the board at the time voted unanimously with the two leftists to adopt the measure. Two of these individuals are now seeking higher office on the republican ticket.

The California GOP is thus finding itself at a historic crossroads. It should begin with some soul searching and admit that the Schwarzenegger tenure in office has been an unmitigated disaster for the state and for the party and seek to distance itself from his dismal legacy now rather than a year from now. Beyond that, it will have to decide whether it wants to rededicate itself to upholding its basic values in defense of freedom, individual rights, free markets and limited government or continue its wishy-washy ways led by opportunistic politicians who stand for nothing more than their own selfish interests. If the former comes to pass, the party has an excellent chance to join and steer the powerful grassroots rebellion afoot in America toward remaking the state and the country as the Reagan revolution did thirty years ago; if the latter, it is not clear that the California GOP has much of a future.

Going back to first principles does not and should not at all mean requiring litmus test loyalty by candidates and diverse views, especially on contentious cultural issues, should be welcomed. But compromise on the central political values that distinguish the GOP from the corrupt leftwing bazaar that is today’s democratic party at a time when the American people see their fundamental freedoms under assault and are fighting back is political suicide.

Alex Alexiev, a veteran national security analyst, is currently a visiting fellow at the Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C. He served nearly 20 years as a senior analyst with the national security division of the Rand Corporation. Alexiev directed numerous research projects for the Department of Defense and other agencies. He is the author of several books and myriad articles on national security issues. His present research focuses on issues related to Islamic extremism and terrorism. He is a resident of San Luis Obispo county and a member of the board of directors of the Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business of San Luis Obispo (COLABSLO).

College Republicans, the Conservative Voice at Cal Poly

by Nicole Ghidinelli, Vice-President of Cal Poly College Republicans

Being a college student has many challenges, from keeping up on your studies to being able to support yourself financially. Another challenge some fail to realize is the predominately liberal bias within the student body, and professors themselves. Needless to say, a conservative presence on campus is not looked upon favorably, but it has not stopped some of us from standing up for what we believe in.

As a member of the Cal Poly College Republicans (CPCR), I have witnessed how important it is to have our voices heard on campus and in the community as well. During my freshman year I found the College Republicans to be a group whom I was comfortable around and felt that I could express my opinions openly without being ridiculed. It was through this group that I became politically active and involved within the San Luis Obispo area.

While recruiting on campus, we often receive scowls and snide remarks from passing students reminding us of how outnumbered we are. There are, however, those who eagerly approach us, excited to see fellow Republicans on campus and interested in becoming a member of the club. These students often express a sense of relief by knowing that they are not alone in the battle against the majority on campus and can’t wait to learn more about the club and get involved.

Through CPCR I have had the opportunity to help with several local campaigns, by volunteering at fundraising events and walking precincts, all in an effort to spread conservative values and share Republican ideals. Many times at these events I have been approached by guests who show their appreciation by thanking our club countless times for our involvement and encourage us to “keep up the good work.” Moments such as these let us know just how important it is to have a younger generation such as ours become politically involved.

I recently attended the 2009 West Coast Leadership Conference (WCLC) hosted by the Young America’s Foundation at the Regan Ranch Center where I got to meet many other young conservatives from across the country. We were addressed by great speakers such as former presidential candidate Mitt Romney and Congressman Joe Wilson. The common message both gentlemen conveyed was that the future lies in the hands of our generation and it is up to us to continue to share our thoughts and opinions without succumbing to the liberal majority.

It is refreshing to attend conferences such as the WCLC and be able to connect with fellow conservatives who share the same values and beliefs. It is a reminder of the importance of staying true to your values and not letting others intimidate you into believing differently. These experiences have left me feeling inspired and eager to do more in support of the Republican cause.

Nicole Ghidinelli grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Ferndale, California where she was taught hard work and conservative values. Her experiences earned her the highest National Future Farmers of America award, the American Farmer Degree, this past year. She is a third year Agribusiness major at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, concentrating in agricultural policy. Nicole currently holds the office of Vice-President of the Cal Poly College Republicans and Deputy Central Coast Region Vice-Chair for the California College Republicans. Upon graduating from Cal Poly, Nicole would like to pursue a master’s degree in agriculture.

State Regulations and the Threat to Small Business

by Henrietta “Etta” Waterfield, former Santa Maria Planning Commissioner, Candidate for the 33rd Assembly District seat

California was once the world’s sixth largest economy—now California’s unemployment continues to rise as other states are pulling themselves out of the recession.

How could this happen? It’s simple: Sacramento is full of politicians, not people who understand business. Need proof? State regulations cost California $493 billion and 3.8 million jobs annually in collateral damage. That’s according to a state mandated report, available at the California State Business Advocate’s website.

For example, the state’s un-elected bureaucrats on the Air Resources Board recently instituted an expensive new diesel fuel regulation that requires the owners of almost 1 million trucks and busses to replace the engines and/or install expensive new equipment.

Will it help clear the air? That’s hard to say. But with the economy in a continued slump, it will ensure that California has fewer businesses, fewer jobs, and less tax revenue for our already out-of-balance state budget.

Similarly, AB32 requires the state roll back carbon emissions to their 1990 level, while it severely punishes businesses that cannot comply. Limit emissions to the 1990 level? I want to see Sacramento limit its budget to its own 1990 level —then we can talk.

The fact is, Sacramento continues to raise taxes to keep their budget “balanced” and special projects funded—while they pile business-destroying regulations onto the businesses that bring in their revenue.

Our legislators need to consider the cost of their actions. As they pile on restrictions aimed at guiding the state to a better future, they ignore that damage inflicted on California businesses and families. When these things are considered, it is no wonder that Sacramento politicians cost the state $493 billion and 3.8 million jobs annually.

I have been working in economic development since the early 1990s. Even during the hard economic times with the recession of the early ‘90s, I could still work with businesses and local and state governments to bring jobs to California.

This recession is different; jobs are leaving California because the regulatory environment is too burdensome. Sacramento continues to pile regulations onto how businesses are run—and Sacramento runs them into the ground.

As soon as I get into office, I will call for an immediate moratorium on all new business regulations—this is the only way to save California business and turn California golden again. I believe that California is worth fighting for—and that’s exactly what I’ll do in the Assembly.

Republican economic growth expert Etta Waterfield has spent the past decade improving the Central Coast’s economy and business climate. As the Economic Developer for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, Etta has worked to attract new businesses and foster favorable economic conditions in the area. She also served for the past six years on the Santa Maria Planning Commission.

Her service led Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee to name Etta Waterfield the 2009 “Woman of the Year” for the 33rd Assembly District. Blakeslee praised her stating that she possesses an “energy and a grace that inspire people to work with her.”

Visit Etta on the web here.

The Tea Party Movement

by Matt Kokkonen, financial planner, Candidate for the 33rd Assembly District seat

The modern Tea Party movement hearkens back to the efforts of the Sons of Liberty more than 230 years ago. In 1773, the earlier patriots boarded the vessels of the East India Company and tossed tea overboard to protest high taxes imposed by the British Crown upon the American colonies.

Today, millions of Americans are fed up with the ever-expanding power of the central government in Washington, D.C. They have organized themselves into ‘Tea Parties” from coast-to-coast to protest out-of-control government spending, ever-increasing taxes, and a skyrocketing national debt. They are demanding an end to wasteful government programs, to the progressive debasement of the currency through inflation, and to the endless string of government “bailouts” of everything from Wall Street bankers to Detroit automobile manufacturers, all using taxpayer money. The TARP bailout of 2008 was probably the catalyst for the rebirth of the Tea Party movement. TARP represented a colossal, unprecedented transfer of wealth from hard-working, productive Americans to Wall Street investment bankers giving themselves million dollar bonuses as a reward for their disastrous financial decisions which drove the U.S. economy to the point of near-collapse.

The new Obama administration does not see one sector of the American economy which should not be ripe for government management and takeover. It has little or no respect for the free market or the U.S. Constitution. The brazen attempt to nationalize one-sixth of the U.S. economy through the health care proposal has only stimulated the Tea Party movement and brought additional Americans to its ranks. Obama’s pork-laden “stimulus” package which claims to have created jobs in congressional districts which don’t exist has further fueled the growth of the movement as has “cap and trade” which threatens to bankrupt American industry and send utility bills into the stratosphere.

“Tea Party” voters are Americans who want the restoration of limited Constitutional government. They embrace the vision of the Founders who saw a powerful central government as the chief enemy of the people’s liberties. They seek nothing more and nothing less than limiting the central government in Washington to its original, limited functions under the Constitution and the restoration of all those powers not delegated to the central government to the states or the people, per the Tenth Amendment.

As President Obama continues to grow government at a pace and scale unparalleled in U.S. history, the “Tea Party” movement could be the new vanguard of the Second American Revolution.

Matt Kokkonen is a Republican activist here on the Central Coast. He has spearheaded the local campaign to Recall Gray Davis in 2003, to stop the Legislature from granting driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, and to honor America’s armed forces by sponsoring the annual 9/11 rallies to raise funds and supplies for our troops abroad. He has organized the SLO Tea Party and brought hundreds to a health care Town Hall Meeting which outstripped attendance at Congresswoman Lois Capps’ similar forum. A respected SLO financial planner, Matt Kokkonen was the Republican candidate for Congress against Capps in 2008, drawing more than 80,000 votes. He is currently a Candidate for Assembly in the 33rd District.

Click here to visit his Assembly candidacy website.

Water in California

by Mayor Pro Tem Fred Strong, City of El Paso de Robles, Candidate for the 33rd Assembly District seat

The length restrictions on this article prevent any comprehensive presentation of water issues. Many basic educational water documents can be found here. They all contain important information.

“Water Rights: Issues and Perspectives” is basic to understanding the sources from which we get delivery of water for our use.

“California’s Water: An LAO Primer” explains where it is located and how we use it and pay for it. Not all of it is available to us due to legal claims, water quality, and infrastructure. In California, water is precious and wasting water is illegal.

Our use of water always changes it. Once we use it we are responsible for what’s in it. If we’ve made it “bad” we must alter it to where it’s not harmful. Treatment of the water costs money.

Failure to acquire water legally, treat it appropriately or dispose of it properly subjects us to fines and penalties by the state.

These are the issues we must deal with at all times no matter what else concerns us about water.

In California, having enough is most important. We lack sufficient capture and storage to meet current needs, much less future needs. Much of our present water has been “borrowed” from its legal owners and now they need it or want it. We have to find other water.

According to a study released this year, urban areas use 11% of all available water, agriculture uses 41% and the rest (48%) goes for environmental uses. Another problem is that over 75% of annual rainfall occurs in the Northern part of the state but over 75% of the water use occurs in the Southern part of the state. Transporting that water is costly.

Current thought is that conservation and new water projects are necessary to sustain California, regardless of cost. We need reclamation, storage, desalination and additional capture. We already have many plans, policies and laws in effect but more are in process for all of these things. They will be a dominant part of our political life for decades to come. Conflicts over priorities and necessities regarding health and safety issues threaten our basic rights and traditional methods of governance. This problem and opportunity is just emerging and will haunt us for a long time.

Fred Strong has been political since his teens at every level of government in America.

He has had leadership roles in the areas of revenue and taxation, transportation, employment, housing, blight elimination, economic strategies and development, sales and use tax reform, agribusiness, natural resources, health and safety, civil rights and energy efficiency.

He has served on local, regional, state and national political groups. He is the Mayor Pro Tem of Paso Robles and currently serves on numerous regional and statewide policy bodies. His research library and institutional memory in Sacramento goes back 40 years.

For a more detailed biography, click here.

Healthy Kids

by San Luis Obispo County 4th District Supervisor Katcho Achadjian, Candidate for the 33rd Assembly District seat

Since February 2005, the Children’s Health Initiative of San Luis Obispo County (CHISLO) has provided health insurance to children living in San Luis Obispo County who otherwise would not be insured.

Funded in part by First 5 of San Luis Obispo County, the Healthy Kids Program is a locally developed plan that provides comprehensive health coverage to children of low and middle income families in San Luis Obispo County.

If parents can’t afford health insurance, they often forgo preventive care visits for their children. Children end up in emergency rooms or inpatient settings, burdening consumers and taxpayers with expensive emergency room care. It’s a well-known fact that for every dollar spent on preventive care, five to ten dollars are saved in future costs.

A recently released report by the Center for Community Health Studies (“Access and Utilization in Healthy Kids Programs in California: 2005-2007”) indicates that CHI’s throughout the State are providing primary and preventive health care coverage to California’s most vulnerable children. Moreover, CHI’s not only have “facilitated an overall improvement in the appropriate use of health services for children”, but also “are improving children’s use of primary and preventive services.” Locally, CHISLO enrolled 570 children in 2007 and maintains that level of service in 2009.

According to the report, “these children have been consistently less likely to visit emergency rooms and are hospitalized less frequently for shorter periods of time than Medi-Cal or Healthy Families members,” so “it may be possible for public programs to absorb some of the costs of coverage for these children, because they are relatively low users of emergency and hospital services.”

The CHI model is working in our local counties. It also can work on a State level. Efficiency can be increased by reducing administrative costs associated with the various stand-alone county entities. At the same time the risk pool would grow producing lower premium rates.

Working together, Medi-Cal, Healthy Families and Healthy Kids could provide a critical safety net to keep California children healthy, ultimately reducing costs for all.

Katcho Achadjian has been a small business owner for 31 years and has served on the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisor since 1999. In 2006, he was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to the California Coastal Commission where he continues to serve as a Commissioner.

Katcho is a graduate of California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo and holds a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in International Management. He is active in many civic community based boards including Five Cities Rotary Club, Latino Outreach Council, First Five Commission, CenCal Health and the SLO Law Enforcement Assistance Foundation.

Katcho's Assembly candidacy website can be found here.