CommentsRANTZ & RAVEZ-Well, Well, the time has finally arrived for you to VOTE for candidates and ballot measures that will impact your pocketbook, family, community and the nation.
It really doesn’t matter if you are a Democrat (Blue) or Republican (Red) or Independent or No Party Preference or a Declined to State voter. What matters is that you are a resident of California and legally entitled to vote for candidates and ballot measures and propositions that will impact all of us for the immediate and long-term future of your community, our state and our great nation.
I have reviewed the candidates and issues listed on the November 6 Ballot and am giving my RantZ & RaveZ recommendations to those of you who believe taxes are too high and our city and state are falling apart due to lack of leadership. You can do your own research or accept my reviews or vote from a slate of candidates or issues mailed to you by liberal or conservative groups that charge the candidates or propositions for the recommendation and therefore are influenced by dollars paid for printing and mailing costs. It’s an old trick in politics.
Published slates are purchased by the candidates, issues or by independent sources. Yes. Money puts you on most slates. Those who know me know that RantZ and RaveZ can’t be bought and that I only document the FACTS. Sometimes you agree with me and on other occasions you disagree. My recommendations are based on leadership, trust, integrity and must positively impact you and your family. So, here they are plain and simple.
United States Senate
Two Democrats are running against each other. Dianne Feinstein who is 85 years old is the Senior Senator and 51-year-old Kevin de Leon is a California State Senator. Feinstein is a bit more conservative than de Leon. Leon would be a freshman and at the bottom of the ranks when it comes to committees and other positions. Considering everything, I am voting for Kevin de Leon.
United States Representative (Congressman)
Incumbent Democrat Brad Sherman is facing repeat candidate and Republican Mark S. Reed. I have known and worked with Congressman Brad Sherman for many years. I am voting for Congressman Sherman.
California Governor
You have two very different candidates. More Taxes and Fees will be brought to you by Democrat Gavin Newsom, who has ducked debates with his opponent, is running against John Cox, the Republican candidate. I met Mr. Cox at a community reception and was impressed with his approach to the many problems facing California. I am voting for Cox.
Lieutenant Governor
It has been said that the job of Lt. Governor is a fancy title without much activity. Again, in this race, two Democrats are running against each other. Eleni Kounalakis and State Senator Dr. Ed Hernandez. Senator Hernandez has the support from police, firefighters and teachers. I am voting for Senator Hernandez.
Secretary of State
Democrat and current Secretary of State Alex Padilla is running for re-election against Republican Mark P. Meuser. Padilla was a former Los Angeles City Councilman and was President of the Council. I worked with Alex and we are friends. He is honest and effective in his position as Secretary of State. While there were reported problems with voter registration, Padilla is working to correct the situation. It all began when a person applied for a California Driver’s License and was automatically registered to vote.
Candidate Mark P. Meuser has no visible campaign in Los Angeles or advertising or endorsements listed in the California General Election publication. I am voting for Alex Padilla.
Controller
Current Controller and Democrat Betty T. Yee is running to retain her seat. Her opponent is Republican Konstantinos Roditis. The state is financially in very good shape due to our spending habits. I am voting for Betty Yee.
Treasurer
In this race, there is a Republican, Greg Conlon, and Democrat, Fiona Ma, running for the seat. The Treasurer is a very important position and in reviewing the candidates, I am voting for Fiona Ma.
Attorney General
Republican and retired judge Steven Bailey is running against current Democrat Attorney General Xavier Becerra. In reviewing the candidates and endorsements, I am voting for Steven Bailey.
Insurance Commissioner
Democrat Ricardo Lara is running against No Party Preference Candidate Steve Poizner. Poizner held the position from 2007 until 2011 and wants to return to the seat. Poizner did a good job when he served in the past and his previous record of success qualifies him to return to the position. I am voting for Steve Poizner for Insurance Commissioner.
Board of Equalization
There are 4 Districts throughout the State. The candidate information is in the Voter info guide.
Superintendent of Public Instruction
This is a very important position when it comes to educating our children in public schools. This is a nonpartisan office. After reviewing the two candidates, Tony K. Thurmond and Marshall Tuck, I am supporting Tony K. Thurmond for Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Sheriff of Los Angeles County
Jim McDonnell
LA County Assessor
Jeffrey Prang
Judicial and Supreme Court Justices
Carol A. Corrigan. Yes
Leondra R. Kruger. No
Judicial Court of Appeal Justice
Victoria G. Chaney. Yes
Helen Bendiz. Yes
Elwood Lu. Yes
Victoria M. Chavez. Yes
Luis A. Lavin. No
Halim Dhanidina. No
Anne H. Egerton. Yes
Nora M. Manella. No
Thomas Willhite. Yes
Dorothy C. Kim. No
Carl H. Moor. NO
Lamar W. Baker. No
Arthur Gilbert. Yes
Martin J. Tangeman. Yes
Gail R. Feuer. No
John L. Segal. Yes
Tricia A. Bigelow. Yes
Judge of the Superior Court
Office #4. Alfred A. Coletta
Office #16. Sydne Jane Michel
Office #60. Tony J. Cho
Office #113. Javier Perez
State Measures
- $4 Billion Dollar Housing Bond. NO
- $2 Billion Dollar Housing Bond. NO
- $8.877 Billion Dollar Water related Bond. NO
- $1.5 Billion Dollar Bond for Hospitals providing Children’s Care. YES
- Transfer Property Tax Base for those over 55 years. YES
- Repeal the unfair Gas Tax and car registration increase. YES
- Daylight Saving Time change. YES
- Regulates Kidney Dialysis charges. NO
- This was removed from the ballot.
- Expands Local Rent Control. NO
- Requires Private Sector Emergency Ambulance crews to remain on-call in addition to other safety measures. YES
- Would establish new standards for confinement of farm animals. YES
Los Angeles Region’s Public Health and Safe, Clean Water Program.
This is measure will increase your property tax by $0.25 per square foot. There is no need for this measure. NO
(Dennis P. Zine is a former and retired LAPD Supervisor, former and retired 12-year Los Angeles City Councilman and current General Manager at Bell Canyon in Ventura County.) Edited for CityWatch by Linda Abrams.
