Back to the Homepage11-04-98 Yesterday was a big day in the United States of America. State elections were held all over the country for a variety of different positions from Governor to local City Councils. This will be a brief rap up of the elections I took an interest in.
California Governor: Gray Davis (D)--Defeated Dan Lungren (R) and took over the position from Pete Wilson. Although I was extremely tired of hearing these two candidates battle it out about who was lying about what...it is good to see Davis in office. I feel his views are more in tune to the majority of Californians than Lungren's.
California Senator: Barbara Boxer (D)--Defeated Matt Fong (R) and retained her seat as the incumbent candidate. This was such a mudslinging campaign that it probably kept some people away from the polls. That is the unfortunate price democracy must pay for the immaturity of our candidates.
California Lieutenant Governor: Cruz Bustamante (D)--Defeated one or two Republicans whose names I can't remember. I wanted him to win this one because he had a simple, honest campaign with no mudslinging. He gave his view and goals and then left it to the voters. Mr. Bustamante, thank you for being a candidate to be proud of.
44th Congressional District: Mary Bono (R)--Defeated drop-out Ralph Waite (D). I've met Mary Bono during the 105th United States Congress. She seems to be interested in the causes but is heavily swayed by Republican partisanship. I wish people would realize that we are born American citizens--not Republicans or Democrats. America is what matters---not the party!
Minnesota Governor: Jesse "The Body" Ventura (I)--Defeated one Democrat and one Republican. Even though the majority of his supporters are wrestling fans, it is nice to see a politician that will work for the people and not their party! I grew up watching "The Body" wrestle professionally and I always thought he was a cool guy. Apparently "The Body" is also "The Mind". Jesse--Congrats to you from CA!
Moreno Valley (MV) City Council 2nd District: Richard Stewart has defeated his opponents by a landslide and retained his seat. Mr. Stewart is one heck of a leader with military experience as well as experience with the Boy Scouts of America in the Inland Empire. Congratulations Mr. Stewart on a well deserved win.
Moreno Valley (MV) City Council 4th District: According to this morning's paper, Bonnie Flickinger's battle with Jim Anderson is too close to call. Ms. Flickinger has always seemed, at least to me, to be someone who truly watches where the taxpayer money goes and speaks her mind when she sees something she feels isn't right. Even though that doesn't follow the political status quo, I want to applaud Ms. Flickinger for her attitudes. I wish the best of luck to the person I hope will serve for me in the 4th District of Moreno Valley---Ms. Bonnie Flickinger.
California Proposition 5: PASSED--Thankfully, Prop 5 passed and allowed the Native American tribes in California to expand their services and given them more self-reliance!
California Proposition 4: PASSED--The ban on cruel animal traps is official and these inhumane devices are now illegal!
California Proposition 10: Expected to FAIL--Unexpectedly, the $0.50 state tax on cigarette sales appears to be failing at this moment (12:41AM PST). This is surprising. Apparently, we have more suicidal smokers in this state than I thought!
Moreno Valley Measure U: FAILED--A proposed city tax to help pay for the maintenance and new openings of parks in Moreno Valley has passed. Apparently the voters do not want more taxes.
Moreno Valley Measure W: FAILED--The voters of Moreno Valley are not as dumb as I thought. This proposed the legalization of fireworks in MV and I'm thankful it FAILED. Cynthia Crothers was a big proponent of this measure, but Mrs. Crothers, this would have been horrible for the children of this city--no matter how much money it gave to youth programs. A child with one hand can't swing a bat!
Well, I think that'll do it for me. I hope those of you who are old enough to vote went to the polls or voted by absentee ballot because it is the duty of any American citizen to vote if s/he can. Remember, when you turn 18, register to vote and make sure you know what the candidates and propositions are about BEFORE you vote on them! Thanks and have a good 1998 (what's left of it!)