Kenneth Zanzi appointed to the California Coastal Commission

Kenneth Zanzi, 67, of Fortuna, has been appointed to the California Coastal Commission representing the north coast region. He has been mayor pro tem of the city of Fortuna since 2010 and where he served as city councilmember from 2008 to 2010. Zanzi has owned Mad River Parkway Business Center since 1983. He worked for the Department of Fish and Game from 1965 to 1998 retiring as the deputy chief of the Wildlife Management Division. Zanzi is a member of the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Zanzi is a Republican.
◼ GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER APPOINTMENTS DECEMBER 31 2010

New Year's Eve

◼ Days of Auld Lang What? The origin of the New Year's anthem—and what it means to us. Peggy Noonan WSJ
..."Auld Lang Syne"—the phrase can be translated as "long, long ago," or "old long since," but I like "old times past"—is a song that asks a question, a tender little question that has to do with the nature of being alive, of being a person on a journey in the world. It not only asks, it gives an answer...

President Obama has outraged Republicans by directly appointing six officials this week without the consent of Congress

◼ GOP Fuming Over Recess Appointment of Lawyer Who Compared 9/11 to Drug Trade
◼ Obama bypasses Senate, appoints envoy to Syria
◼ The Administration's Administrative Tyranny Marches On
...When Congress denied Obama authority to transfer money to the International Monetary Fund, he did so anyway, issuing an executive order promising to give that body $140 billion for redistribution to Third World countries.

Now he's made another mockery of bipartisanship and the Constitution in making six recess appointments, including two people so objectionable that a near supermajority of Democratic senators wouldn't confirm them: James Cole as deputy attorney general, whose lax position in the war on terror is disturbing, and Francis J. Ricciardone Jr. as ambassador to Turkey.

Meanwhile, Obama's Environmental Protection Agency is gearing up to engage in a defiant end run around Congress by attempting to impose cap-and-trade-type regulations by administrative fiat after Obama's failed attempt to shove this nightmarish disaster through Congress....

The Five Best Arguments Against Sharia in the United States

◼ The Five Best Arguments Against Sharia in the United States at zombietime
1. U.S. law is the “supreme law of the land,” no exceptions.
2. Sharia, as “divine revelation,” is inherently undemocratic.
3. Many aspects of Sharia are flagrantly unconstitutional.
4. Sharia is fundamentally religious law, and should be inapplicable to U.S. criminal or civil law.
5. Subjectively, Sharia is a discriminatory and cruel legal system.
read the rest

Reid schemes to change Senate rules

◼ The Democrats are trying to change the Senate rules so that they can ram through their agenda when their majority shrinks next week from 59 to 53 seats...

"Changing the rules in this extraordinary process has the effect of election nullification," said Gold. "It allows a smaller majority to write for itself new rules, which permit it to govern the way it wishes, even though the voters said something contrary last November."

The Senate GOP leadership is counting on outraged Americans voicing their opposition to Reid’s power-grab in the wake of the Midterm Elections.

"Public pressure will be a big part of any effort to stop this. People need to speak out and demand that Democrats don't act as if the election never happened," said a GOP aide. "They need to call their Democrat Senators and tell them not to vote to make the Senate some sort of rubber stamp for the Obama administration."

Did you know?

The symbol of the Republican Party is the elephant. During the mid term elections in 1874, Democrats tried to scare voters into thinking President Ulysses S. Grant would seek to run for an unprecedented third term. Thomas Nast, a cartoonist for Harper's Weekly, depicted a Democratic donkey trying to scare a Republican elephant - and both symbols stuck.

◼ Who we are gop.com

Immigration laws - Arizona and Missouri

◼ Missouri Ahead of the Game in Dealing with Illegal Immigrants ozarkssentinel.com h/t: TR
you’ve seen the headlines about Arizona’s new law aimed at dealing with those who enter our country illegally. It has been called the strictest immigration law in generations. While Missouri hasn’t gone to the same lengths as Arizona, our state has made significant policy changes that effectively deal with illegal immigrants who enter our state. Because of those changes, Missouri is ahead of the game when compared to many other states that are now dealing with this issue.

Frank Jager to recommend Melinda Ciarabellini

◼ Eureka mayor to recommend Melinda Ciarabellini to Ward 4 seat
...Ciarabellini recently retired from her 33-year career in law enforcement and corrections -- working as a correctional captain and jail commander for the Humboldt County jail and also working for the California Corrections Standards Authority. The big ticket items for the city are the budget, education and encouraging economic development, she said...
Update:
◼ Eureka Council to consider Ward 4 appointment: Melinda Ciarabellini likely to be sworn in Tuesday (1/4/10)

Closing the books on the worst Congress

◼ Americans can give thanks in this Christmas season for an end to the reckless and destructive 111th Congress. This is the Congress that passed Obamacare, against the wishes of a substantial majority of the public, on Christmas Eve of last year.... washington examiner editorial
As we have learned since, most members were still ignorant of the bill's contents three months later, when it gained final passage in the House. Columbia University historian Alan Brinkley told Bloomberg News recently that "this is probably the most productive session of Congress since at least the '60s." When Congress votes on bills that no one reads or understands, it can be quite "productive." Americans have already rendered a verdict on such productivity and elected a new Congress with orders to clean up the mess in Washington.

◼ Worst. Congress. EVAH! Also Turns Out to Have Been Breathtakingly Unethical

The Pigford Report - What you need to know

“It [Pigford] is a fair settlement, it is a just settlement, we think it’s important for congress to fund that settlement. We’re going to continue to make it a priority.” —President Obama, September 10, 2010 press conference
“[Pigford is] the largest scam against the federal taxpayers in the history of the United States.” - USDA Employee John Stringfellow
◼ http://biggovernment.com/pigford-investigation-resources/ at Breitbart's Big Government
At The Link:
◼ The Pigford Shakedown: How the Black Farmers’ Cause Was Hijacked by Politicians, Trial Lawyers & Community Organizers — Leaving Us With a Billion Dollar Tab
◼ Me & Mrs. Sherrod — And The $1.25 Billion Pigford II Black Farmers’ Settlement
◼ Pigford: Obama’s Down Payment on the 2012 Rural South Vote
◼ Pigford: It’s the Fraud, Stupid (Not Race)
◼ Obama Using Pigford Cash to Pay Campaign Debts?
◼ The Pigford Killings: Double-Murder, Double-Cross, and Decapitation in the Delta
◼ Pigford Whistle-Blowers - ‘If You’ve Got a Potted Plant, That Makes You a Farmer’
◼ A Black Farmer Blows the Whistle on the Black Farmer Settlement
◼ Pigford Witness Report: Applicant Claimed Discrimination by Nonexistent Chicago USDA Office, Was Paid Anyway
◼ Pigford Whistle-Blower: Despite USDA Denials, Fraud Is ‘FBI Documented’
◼ Pigford Witness Report: Black Applicants Claim Racial Discrimination Against Black USDA Officials
◼ Pigford Witness Report: 700 Claims Filed with My Name on Them, Many From Hundreds of Miles Away
◼ Pigileaks: Documents Suggest Pigford Lawyer Sabotaged Mediation That Would Have Saved Tax Payers Billions
◼ Pigileaks: The Pigford Applications
◼ The Big Government Feed Featuring All Stories Related to Pigford
◼ Former Agriculture Secretary Confirms FBI Investigations Into USDA Inside-Job Pigford Fraud... lots more.

This little known story hasn't yet received much press. That is about to change.

Merry Christmas!

Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall. ~Larry Wilde, The Merry Book of Christmas

Today's Laugh Line.

As a little girl climbed onto Santa's lap, Santa asked the usual, "And what would you like for Christmas?" The child stared at him open mouthed and horrified for a minute, then gasped: "Didn't you get my E-mail?" from Colleen

BYPASS CONGRESS: EPA moves unilaterally to limit greenhouse gases...

◼ EPA moving unilaterally to limit greenhouse gases

Figures on government spending and debt

PEOPLE:.........308,745,538
DEBT: $13,868,461,000,000 - yahoo finance

National debt clock Click here

Something to think about

◼ CA GOP: Mistakes It Can No Longer Afford! Hogue News
Some very interesting points, including recommendation for improvement. Including What we need to give to candidates on day one. The CRP and the county party’s needs to be a treasure trove of resources for the candidates.... Much more at the link, highly recommended reading. Discuss...

Local News: Coastal Commission Nominees

◼ Coastal turmoil: Cities won't nominate (Mark) Lovelace for coastal commissioner seat Times-Standard
...The Board of Supervisors nominated (Mark) Lovelace, Fortuna Mayor Pro Tem Ken Zanzi and Mendocino County Supervisor Kendall Smith. The public resources code regarding nominations seems clear that boards of supervisors and city selection committees each nominate at least one supervisor and one city councilmember.

(The mayors of the seven cities in Humboldt County chose to nominate four city councilmen -- including two mayors on the panel) The committee on Thursday nominated Zanzi, Fortuna Councilman Dean Glaser, as well as Ferndale Mayor Jeff Farley and Eureka Mayor Frank Jager, who both sit on the committee....

The seat coming vacant is for the North Coast and is held by outgoing Supervisor Bonnie Neely.

★ ★ WELCOME ★ ★

to all who attended the Incoming/Outgoing Lunch at Sea Grill. The site is up and running, put it through its paces. Feel free to comment on articles, check out the various features and pages. Some aspects are still "Under Construction" and will be fleshed out as we go (such as the "PROJECTS" and "VOLUNTEER" pages. Feel free to suggest additions. And recommend the site to friends. This site is for you.

Rose

Reaction to FDA’s Decision to Begin Rationing the late-stage cancer drug Avastin for breast cancer patients

◼ The Wall St. Journal says: Yesterday the Food and Drug Administration moved to revoke its regulatory approval of Avastin for metastatic breast cancer. Withdrawing a cancer treatment is almost never done, and though the decision was expected, that does not make it any less reprehensible. - a compilation of reactions at Big Government

Humboldt Republican Women - Now on TWITTER

◼ http://twitter.com/hrwf

BREAKING NEWS:

TAX INCREASE AVERTED
◼ Obama Signs Extension of Bush Tax Cuts - Breitbart's Big Government
House Passes Bill Extending Bush Tax Cuts for Millions and Renewing Unemployment Aid
OMNIBUS SPENDING BILL STOPPED
◼ Senate Dem leader drops nearly $1.3T spending bill Breitbart
Democrats controlling the Senate have abandoned a 1,924-page catchall spending measure that's laced with homestate pet projects known as earmarks
◼ McConnell: Dems Using "Christmas Break As An Inducement" To Pass Omnibus Real Clear Politics
◼ VICTORY… Harry Reid Pulls Pork-laden $1.1 Trillion Omnibus Bill (Video) - Gateway Pundit
Reid says nine Republican senators approached him today to tell him that while they would like to see the bill passed, they could not vote for it. He did not reveal the names of the nine. A top Senate source tells National Review Online that “it looks like Harry Reid buckled under the threat of Republicans reading [the bill] aloud.”
◼ Reid Punts on Omnibus Spending Bill - RedState
◼ Harry Reid Pulls The Plug On His Credibility and Power - Legal Insurrection
◼ Disgusting: Democrats yet again say bills should be passed without voting members reading them - Hillbuzz
◼ The Omnibus Bill’s ‘Hit Parade’ of Senatorial Theft - Roger L. Simon at Pajamas Media

Two Californias

◼ Abandoned farms, Third World living conditions, pervasive public assistance -- welcome to the once-thriving Central Valley. Victor Davis Hanson at National Review Online

California’s war on Happy Meals moves to the courts…

◼ Consumer Group Sues McDonald's Over Happy Meal Toys NPR
◼ California’s war on Happy Meals moves to the courts… protein wisdom
◼ The Food Police Target McDonald’s NetRightDaily

◼ MICHELLE OBAMA ON CHILD NUTRITION: ‘WE CAN’T JUST LEAVE IT UP TO THE PARENTS’

Do you agree?

New spending bill totals $1.1 TRILLION!

◼ New spending bill totals $1.1 TRILLION! - Politico
◼ $575 million PER PAGE... - Gateway Pundit
◼ 6,488 earmarks... - Drudge
◼ McConnell fumes: 'No one has seen it'... - Real Clear Politics
◼ Reid threatens to keep Congress into next year... - Washington Times
via Drudge

◼ Now What?

Amazing embryonic photographs

◼ National Geographic Documentary “Extraordinary Animals in the Womb” - The show’s producer, Peter Chinn, used a combination of three-dimensional ultrasound scans, computer graphics and tiny cameras to capture the process from conception to birth. They are the most detailed embryonic animal pictures ever seen. Elephants, dolphins, puppies, kittens, and penguins... more here.

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele to speak with RNC members

◼ RNC Chairman Steele to Announce Intentions on a Second Term
◼ UPDATE: Steele Seeks Second Term As RNC Chair

UNCONSTITUTIONAL

◼ Cartoon: Michael Ramirez
◼ U.S. Health-Care Law's Mandate Thrown Out by Judge - Bloomberg
◼ Incoming House majority whip Eric Cantor Calls for Direct Appeal to Supreme Court - National Review
◼ New Low in Support for Health Care Reform - abc news
◼ Judge Calls Health Law Unconstitutional - Wall St. Journal
◼ Initial Thoughts on the Virginia Health Care Ruling - Volokh
◼ Fed Judge: Obama-Care Unconstitutional - Sweetness & Light
◼ Obamacare’s Individual Mandate Unconstitutional - Strata-sphere

"60 Minutes" profiles John Boehner

Condoleeza sets Katie Couric straight

◼ Condoleezza Rice Corrects Katie Couric on Her Far Left Iraq War Revisionism (Video) at Gateway Pundit, complete with transcript.

President Obama announced a tentative deal with Congressional Republicans on Monday to extend the Bush-era tax cuts at all income levels for two years

◼ Republicans achieve top goal in Obama tax-cut plan - apnews
◼ Tax Deal Suggests New Path for Obama - cnbc
◼ Obama defends tax deal, says he's kept promises - yahoo news
◼ Obama Calls The GOP "Hostage Takers" Over Tax Cut Compromise - Real Clear Politics
◼ Deal Struck on Tax Package - Wall Street Journal

Governor declares fiscal emergency

◼ Schwarzenegger Proposes $9.9B In Cuts

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

New Central Committee announced

◼ HUMBOLDT REPUBLICANS ELECT LEADERS FOR 2011-12

Peter Hannaford will lead the Humboldt Republican Party, having been elected chairman of its central committee for 2011-12 at its organizational meeting Thursday.

Hannaford, who was closely associated with the late President Ronald Reagan for a number of years, returned to California and settled in Eureka in 2006 after 22 years in Washington, D.C. Other officers are Joy Finley, Eureka, first vice chairman; David Crane, Fortuna, second vice chairman; Verona ´Vee' Sorenson, Arcata, secretary; and Kathy Rodriguez, McKinleyville, treasurer.

In addition to the officers, County Elections Chief Carolyn Crnich conducted the swearing-in ceremony of members Mark Erdmann, Eureka; Jean Giannini, Fortuna; Sharon Pierson, Eureka; Sam Trumbull, Arcata; Parke Bostrom, Eureka; Tim Trutna, Eureka; and Kathy Rodriguez, McKinleyville, alternate for ex officio member Loren Hanks.

Successfully Writing a Letter to the Editor

◼ NFRW Public Relations

The NFRW Letter to the Editor campaign was designed to encourage states and clubs to submit letters to their local newspapers that editors will publish.

GOAL

Our goal is to show support for Republican candidates and elected officials, Republican principles and issues, the Republican Party, the National Federation of Republican Women and its states and clubs.

10 STEPS THAT WILL GET YOUR LETTER PUBLISHED

1. Make sure to use talking points.
The NFRW Political Briefing offers weekly talking points that will help you as you write your letter.

2. Make sure it has an interesting opening.
Your first sentence should capture the attention of the editor. Additionally, the first sentence needs to explain why you are writing.

3. Make it short.
Generally speaking, use less than 200 words. Newspapers limit the number of words that can be printed in each section.

4. Make it simple.
Pick one topic, and stay focused and on-point.

5. Make it personal.
Tell the editor how this affects you, your family, your community, etc.

6. Make it relevant and timely.
Write a letter that is relevant! Make sure you are responding to a current event.

7. Make sure you check your grammar and spelling.
Check to make sure your spelling is correct and that the submission is grammatically accurate.

8. Make sure to include contact information.
Always include your contact information. All too often, special interest groups are sending form letters to the editor. Make it known that you are a concerned citizen.

9. Make sure you submit it multiple ways.
Be savvy. Use e-mail, fax and mail to get your message delivered.

10. Follow up.
Call the publication to follow up on your letter.

ALSO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING: If you are able to naturally work the name of your local Republican women's club or the NFRW into the text of your letter, please do so. Whenever appropriate, sign your name as a member (or officer) of your local Republican women's club or state Federation. While our goal is to support Republican leaders and issues, we also want the Federation to receive recognition whenever possible.

Avoid overloading media outlets with too many letters. Reserve your letters for those issues about which you feel most passionate.

When conducting a letter-writing campaign, encourage members to use their own words instead of a form letter. When a newspaper receives several letters all in the same or similar words, it recognizes an orchestrated campaign and will not print anything. Encourage members to express their own views in their own words.

SHARE YOUR RESULTS
If your letter is published, please let us know by posting it on the NFRW Blog.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information about the NFRW's public relations programs, contact the NFRW Communications Director at communications@nfrw.org.communications@nfrw.org.

This and more is available to you as a member of HRWF/CFRW/NFRW. Remember your membership in HRWF is a three-in-one membership.
◼ California Federation of Republican Women (CFRW)
◼ National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW)

Opportunities to GET INVOLVED

◼ On the Board of Supervisor's Agenda for TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2010
CURRENT OPENINGS ON BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND COMMISSIONS

◼ Airport Advisory Board
◼ Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board
◼ Area 1 Developmental Disability Board
◼ Assessment Appeals Board
◼ Citizen’s Law Enforcement Liaison Committee
◼ Emergency Medical Care Committee
◼ Fire Safe Council
◼ Fish and Game Advisory Commission
◼ Forestry Review Committee
◼ Headwaters Fund Board
◼ Housing Authority Commission
◼ Human Rights Commission
◼ In-Home Supportive Services Advisory Committee
◼ Mental Health Board
◼ Status of Women Commission
◼ Williamson Act Advisory Committee
◼ Workforce Investment Board

To request an application, please contact the Clerk of the Board at 476-2384.

Final results in the November election

◼ HUMBOLDT COUNTY RESULTS posted Saturday at 12:50 PM

A Thanksgiving Message to All 57 States

If you've been following the controversy◼ From Sarah Palin
My fellow Americans in all 57 states, the time has changed for come....

241 Seats and Counting - Most House seats held by the Republicans since 1949

◼ Randy Bish













◼ Most Held by GOP in over 60 Years - Ed Driscoll
◼ Oritz Concedes TX-27 to Farenthold; GOP Reaches Historic 241 Seats in House
...Politico writes: “Republicans have now won at least 62 House seats. The GOP leads in one of four unresolved races.” Meanwhile, in NY-25, where Republican Ann Marie Buerkle leads by 567 votes after the absentees were counted, the chairman of the Onondaga County GOP called on Democrat incumbent Rep. Dan Maffei to concede...

◼ Into the 30s: Obama Approval Rating Drops To 39% in New Zogby Poll

Must read:

◼ BUILDING A CONSERVATIVE MAJORITY STARTS AT HOME - Warner Todd Huston at biggovernment.com
◼ ORGANIZING FOR FREEDOM: AMERICAN MAJORITY AND THE NEW LEADERS PROJECT

“Women in Numbers, Building the Team”

◼ Humboldt Republican women speaker to advocate for more women candidates
Murriel Oles, president of the California Federation of Republican Women, Northern Division, will speak at the Nov. 18 meeting of Humboldt Republican Women Federated.

Her topic, “Women in Numbers, Building the Team,” will center on the merit of members of HRWF running for office and the role to be played by supporting members of HRWF as their campaign teams. There will be time for a question and answer session.

President’s Message - November 2010

HRWF ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE LAST TWO YEARS:

◼ Club's name changed from Eureka Republican Women Federated to Humboldt Republican Women Federated (HRWF) for purposes of making the club more inclusive of the home communities of our conservative women who are united in common purposes: education, better government, and service to our country.

◼ We closed out 2009 celebrating HRWF's award as a Diamond Club. There is reason to believe that we might be able to earn that award again.

Membership Report

NEW! Membership Roster for Conservative Republican Individuals and Businesses

Do you want to be listed on our Membership Roster? For 2011 we are compiling an HRWF Membership Roster for all of our members that wish to participate. It will be a great way for members to connect with each other outside of our monthly meetings. We are also encouraging members with businesses to list their contact info so Republican Women can easily contact them when they need a specific service and would love to choose a conservative owned business. If you’d like to be listed on the Roster, when you send in your 2011 dues, check the box on the Application that says: ____ I Want to Share My contact Information With Other HRWF Members. We will list you in the Roster!
TERRY ROBERTS

The Membership Report is published in our Newsletter, The Redwood Alert, along with the President's Report and the Treasurer's Report. You can download current and archived newletters here.

As California Goes...

◼ SACRAMENTO – Assembly Republican Leader-Elect Connie Conway, of Tulare, today issued the following statement in response to Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor’s Fiscal Outlook report projecting state revenue for the 2011-12 budget year and beyond:

"Today’s grim forecast of a $25.4 billion budget deficit is a powerful reminder that the Legislature needs to take immediate action to reduce spending and balance the budget. Democrats and Republicans must work together to make the tough but realistic decisions on spending priorities required to close the deficit. The people of California have repeatedly made it clear that they don’t want to pay higher taxes to fund Sacramento’s budget mistakes. Republicans will fight any effort to raise taxes to fund more irresponsible overspending. I stand ready to work with Governor-Elect Brown and our Democrat colleagues to find budget consensus, and take action without delay to get spending under control and pass the honest, no-tax budget Californians deserve." via cagop.org Capitol Update

◼ California’s Assorted Rocks and Hard Places - Victor Davis Hanson
News came out on Thursday that the California budget deficit is actually closer to $25 billion, twice what we are told. This follows from last year’s $42 billion shortfall, which was closed by all sorts of one-time tax increases and gimmicks. Here is our general dilemma in a nutshell.

◼ Calif borrows $40M a day to pay unemployment - sfgate.com
With one in every eight workers unemployed and empty state coffers, California is borrowing billions of dollars from the federal government to pay unemployment insurance.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the state owes $8.6 billion already, and will have to come up with a $362-million payment to Washington by the end of next September.

◼ California's unemployment fund has deficit of $10.3 billion - mcclatchydc.com

◼ What does the market know about California's finances that the rest of us don't? - Doug Ross at The Journal

◼ Troubled California begins $14bn bond sale - Financial Times
◼ Troubled California to Restructure Debt Sales - Financial Times

LOCALLY:
◼ 'A horrible, horrible mess': State budget back in the red, lawmakers called to special session - Times-Standard
"It doesn't really make sense for a lame duck governor to be doing this,” said Noreen Evans, who next month will take the 2nd District State Senate seat currently held by Patricia Wiggins."... Evans said it might be time to hand off some state services to the county and city levels, where voters have been more open to passing tax increases.

North Coast Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro, D-Arcata, is on vacation and was not immediately available for comment Friday, according to his spokesman.

A Seismic Shift

◼ A Seismic Shift - gop.com
More and more evidence is emerging that shows that the engine that drove Republicans to an historic victory last Tuesday was the shift of women voters back to Republican candidates compared to results in 2008 and 2006....

INTERACTIVE ELECTION RESULTS MAP

◼ FROM nrcc.org/

Humboldt Republican Women Meeting

Humboldt Republican Women, Federated - Since 1938
http://www.humboldtrepublicanwomen.com/

Meetings are held the third Thursday of every month.
11:30 a.m. - Buffet Luncheon- Meeting 12 noon to 1 p.m.
Buffet Luncheon - $14.50
Beverage & speaker - 4.00
*Please RSVP to Colleen Hedrick at 268-0101. Early reservations appreciated.

Visit the events page for more details.

Not as Crazy as They Seem

Here are a couple of good items from John Fund...
California voters may have opted for Democrats in statewide races, but at the local level they overwhelmingly favored curbs on the power of public employee unions. Nine out of ten cities with ballot measures to rein in public sector pensions and pay scales voted for reform last week. The sole exception -- as it often is even in California -- was uber-liberal San Francisco, which turned down a proposal to increase employee co-pays for health and retirement benefits.

Other liberal cities turned thumbs-down on excessive union demands. Voters in San Jose, the state's third-largest city, overwhelmingly approved a pair of measures to shrink union pension costs and limit arbitration awards to police and firefighters. Palo Alto, another liberal city, rejected a measure backed by the firefighters union that would have restricted staffing changes to the department.

In Redding voters strongly supported non-binding initiatives expressing popular approval for curtailing employee benefits. And in working-class Bakersfield residents passed a rollback of retirement formulas for new public safety employees. Currently, police and firemen can retire after 30 years of employment at 90 percent of their final year's pay as early as age 50.

The unions expressed disappointment at their losses. "Labor leaders said city officials only prevailed by trashing hard-working public servants," reported the San Jose Mercury-News. But they can take satisfaction that they helped elect an impressive slate of candidates to state offices who have a track record of support for public employees. Example No. 1 is new governor Jerry Brown, who in his previous stint in that office three decades ago started the pension bonanza when he gave public-sector employees collective bargaining rights.

Here's hoping that even Mr. Brown will recognize both the fiscal peril caused by pension obligations as well as the public's appetite for reducing them.

Rubio Republicans

When it comes to Hispanic voters, last week's elections were a tale of two results for Republicans. On one level, the GOP can take pride in the fact that 31% of all Hispanic members of Congress are now in their party. But on another level, the overwhelming Democratic advantage among Hispanics helped cost the GOP key Senate seats in Nevada, Colorado and California.

The next Congress will feature an unprecedented five new Hispanic Republicans. Two are from Texas and defeated Democratic incumbents - Bill Flores of Bryan and Quico Conseco from San Antonio. Jaime Herrera was elected to an open seat in Washington state. Raul Labrador defeated a Democratic incumbent in Idaho. David Rivera won an open House seat in Florida, just as Marco Rubio won that state's vacant U.S. Senate seat. In addition, Republicans elected two Hispanic governors -- prosecutor Susan Martinez in New Mexico and Brian Sandoval, a judge, in Nevada.

But Hispanic voters also powered the come-from-behind victories of two Democratic Senators. Hispanics accounted for 14% of the electorate in Nevada, up from 12% in the last midterm election of 2006. The two-to-one advantage they gave Majority Leader Harry Reid allowed him to win by a surprising 50% to 45% margin. In Colorado, Hispanic voters made up 13% of the vote, up from only 9% four years ago. Their big margin in favor of Democratic Senator Michael Bennet helped him pull off a come-from-behind victory.

Finally, in California exit polls show Hispanics made up 22% of all those voting, up from 19% in 2006. Republican Carly Fiorina won Anglo voters over Democratic incumbent Barbara Boxer by nine points, but her 65% to 28% loss among Hispanics doomed her chances for an upset.

There are some lessons here. Clearly, Sharron Angle's ad depicting dark-skinned figures violating U.S. immigration laws angered many Hispanic voters in Nevada, especially after she clumsily tried to claim they might have been Asian. Similarly, the presence of anti-immigration hardliner Tom Tancredo on Colorado's ballot as the de facto Republican candidate for governor helped fuel Hispanic turnout.

On the other hand, there were Republican success stories. Texas Governor Rick Perry won 38% of the Hispanic vote in his re-election bid this year. He credits his showing to his advocacy of economic opportunity even while he vowed to tighten border controls. Marco Rubio won 40% of the non-Cuban Hispanic vote in Florida (and 55% of the overall Hispanic vote) and ran effective Spanish-language ads describing what the American dream means for immigrants. Columnist Luisita Lopez Torregrosa writes in PoliticsDaily.com that both men "appeal to the growing Latino middle- and upper-classes in states like Florida and Texas who oppose illegal immigration (because the negative image of illegal immigrants affects the image of all Latinos) and who believe in assimilation in the American mainstream."

Going forward, Republicans know that hardline immigration positions seen as insensitive to Hispanics can cost them votes among a growing share of the electorate. On the other hand, candidates can talk tough on immigration and still do well with Hispanic voters if they can convincingly promote a message of economic opportunity

-- John Fund

California Legislation

The State of California is killing the economy and stifling job creation. How? Recently $2.05 billion was taken by the state that could have created 198,000 full and part time jobs. We are made to think our state is running out of money, but we are a rich state. The misappropriation of tax dollars is the real culprit. We pay billions in taxes, but it is never enough for those at the political trough in Sacramento. Those elected and living off taxpayers don’t seem to care and spend as though they prefer a Depression and no growth in jobs

Rep. Bilbray, R-Solana Beach and chairman of the Immigration Reform Caucus, said recently, “Historically we’ve asked about citizenship on the long form of the census questionnaire. There is no reason we can’t be asking in the short form.”

The bigger concern is the lack of Feds enforcing the current immigration laws. Census takers ask about the number of TV’s and bathrooms in your house, so why not ask if you are here legally? Apparently the Democrats are afraid of an honest Census.

Robbers use guns to steal. Government uses fraud against people and companies to steal. In Contra Costa, the government used the Assessors office to get between $50-$100 million extra from Chevron. This is not a technical mistake, this is corruption.

Wonder what other firms have values added to their property so government could have more money?

This is a scandal being treated as an administrative action. Time for real investigator to find the thieves. (From Stephen Frank’s California Political News and Views)

How many of you want to bet money that investigators will investigate? by Vee Sorenso
◼ november2009

Together

President’s Message - October 2010

Our October 21 General Meeting is a fund raiser to be held at the Moose Lodge at 4328 Campton Road in Eureka. Members are being asked to volunteer to bring desserts (last names begin with letters A-L) and Salads (last names beginning with M though Z.) All those choosing the buffet lunch will pay $12. Those who prefer only dessert and beverage will pay $6 and Beverage/Speaker only will pay $4. Help would be most welcome. When we did this project in January it proved to be a great success and there were requests that we do an encore. If you would like to volunteer your help on this project please call Colleen Hedrick at 268-0101 or Kay Parris at 442-9232.

On going efforts on campaign efforts are in need of volunteers also and anyone who could spare time for helping on telephone work and office staffing may call and leave their names and contact information at Republican Headquarters. Call 442-2259.

This election is likely the most important election we have ever dealt with and every effort we can lend is important to our country, our children‟s way of life, and to our identities as a free people. We have candidates who are giving their all in campaign efforts. It is a matter of good citizenship that we support our best get out the vote efforts and our best support to our candidates.

The Hanks reception is scheduled for Saturday, October 9 from 4 to 5:30 in the Palm Room at the Eureka Inn. There will be music, a silent auction, wine, punch and Hors D‟ Oeuvres. The cost is $30 for singles and $50 for couples. Persons of all political persuasions are welcome to attend.

Even if you know you are giving your vote to Hanks, you have no questions to ask and your contribution has been sent your attendance will be excellent support. The event promises to be pleasurable and will certainly benefit from a strong turn out. COLLEEN HEDRICK

◼ Redwood Alert October 2010 (PDF)

Central Committee Greets New Members; Honors Retirees

by Peter Hannaford, First Vice Chairman

Humboldt County's new Republican Central Committee for 2011-12 will be installed at the November 4 meeting. Retiring members will be honored at the same meeting.

Initially, the new committee will consist of those elected at the June primary, plus three ex officio members. The elected members are: First District, Mark Erdmann, Peter Hannaford; Second District, David Crane, Jean Giannini; Third District, Sharon Pierson, “Vee” Sorenson, Sam Trumbull; Fourth District, Parke Bostrom, Blaine O'Shaughnessy, Darus Trutna and Tim Trutna.

Ex officio members will be Kathy Rodriguez for Congressional 1st District candidate Loren Hanks; Joy Finley for 2nd District State Senatorial candidate Lawrence Wiesner; and Gwen Morris for 1st Assembly District candidate Karen Brooks.

The new committee will begin with seven vacancies, seven in District One, two in District Two, none in Districts Three and Four and three in District Five. Nominations to fill vacancies will be received at the first meeting, January 6.

Retiring members of the current Central Committee to be honored are outgoing Chairman Patricia Welch, Colleen Hedrick, George Benzel, Gary Gundlach, Janine Mahoney, Joe Bonino, Linda Hills, Gene Schnell, Dan Jackson and Steve Rodriguez. ◼ HRWF Redwood Alert Newsletter (PDF)

Election Roundup: Hanks for Congress to host reception

◼ Election Roundup: Hanks for Congress to host reception
Loren Hanks, candidate for Representative of the 1st Congressional District, will hold a reception on Oct. 9 in the lobby of the Eureka Inn from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The event is jointly sponsored by Humboldt County's Republican Party Central Committee and Humboldt Republican Women Federated. It will afford voters an opportunity to learn about Hanks' positions on multiple issues and to ask questions.

Wine, nonalcoholic beverages and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Music and a silent auction are scheduled for the event. Tickets are available at the door and cost are $30 per person and $50 per couple. To RSVP for the event, phone 725-2359 or 268-0101.

Election Roundup runs on a regular basis during the election season. Submissions are for events only and are subject to editing. To submit information for the Election Roundup, send an e-mail to editor@times-standard.com with the word “politics” in the subject line.

Times Standard Guidelines for Letters To The Editor and My Word Opinion Pieces

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Rule No. 2: The letter must include a writer's name, address and phone number. Only a letter writer's name and city are printed. Letter writers may submitted one letter per month for publication. So, if you like more than one candidate, you might want to talk about both of them in the same letter. Local residents are given priority.

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"My Word" Op-Eds: My Words are limited to 750 words. No exceptions. My Words do not run on Sundays. Specific date requests for publication can't be accommodated.

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We also can't tell you exactly when a letter will be printed. It depends on space, the length of other letters, the length of columns, etc. Remember, not all letters will be printed but we'll do our best to get in as many as possible.

The Times-Standard Posted: 09/17/2010

MARK YOUR CALENDAR - September 2010

September 9 Johanna Rodoni Buffet Dinner at the historic Scotia Inn. Social Hour 6-7 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. Tickets $30, pre-sale please call 407-8599, also at the door. Auctions will be held.
September 16 HRWF General Meeting at Elks Lodge, Wilson Lacy--Marketing Director for Humboldt Bay Harbor District to Speak. Topic will be No Port-No Town. Buffet starts 11:30, $14.50, Speaker/Beverage $4.00, Meeting 12 p.m.-1 p.m. This is Wear a Hat Day (see President’s message)
September 25 Precinct Training at 10 a.m. at GOP Headquarters
October 16-17 CFRW Fall Conference Embassy Suites, Monterey Bay,
Seaside, Group Code CFR
October 21 HRWF General Meeting at the Moose Lodge, Fund Raiser Lunch Catered by HRWF members is $12.00. Dessert and Beverage $6.00, Speaker/Beverage $4.00, Speaker to be confirmed
November 2 General Election - Take Back Our Countr

October brings us to the Moose Lodge Event again for ‘Decadent Desserts & Sumptuous Salads’

***Calling All Members***
Pass a plate, share a dish, you may bring whatever you wish!
Last names starting with A-L= Dessert ~ M-Z= Salad
(Please provide a serving utensil)
11:30 Buffet Lunch ~ 12-1 p.m. General Meeting
Buffet Lunch & Speaker ~ $12.00
Dessert, Beverage & Speaker ~ $6.00
Beverage & Speaker ~ $4.00
Checks payable to HRWF for this event
Moose Lodge 4238 Campton Road, Eureka

Humboldt County’s Republican Central Committee Rolls Up Its Sleeves

Your County Central Committee has a three-part mission: Register more Republican voters, get out the vote, and raise funds to support our candidates.

Of the several dozen Republicans registered at the party’s Redwood Acres Fair and County Fair booths staffed by volunteers, 35.4 percent switched from other parties to Republican, 30.8 percent were new voters, and 33.8 percent were registering changed addresses.

We’re now recruiting volunteers for the get-out-the-vote campaign. Our first job will be two weekend walks door-to-door in selected precincts on October 2 and 30, followed by volunteers staffing telephone banks just before the election in November. A few hours of your time could make the difference for our candidates. To join our get-out-the-vote team, call 442-2259.

As for fund-raising, we have two main sources: the annual Republican of the Year dinner held in in April and our direct mail appeal that has just gone out to close to 1,000 donors in the county.Proceeds will be used to support our candidates.

The county’s Republican headquarters is now open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. staffed by volunteers. Here voters may register and obtain literature about the party and its candidates. By Peter Hannaford, First Vice Chairman

President’s Message - September 2010

While it is a season that sees many of those aspiring to office throwing their hats in the ring, we think that it is probably a great time to have a little fun with a Hat Wearing Contest at our general meeting Thursday, September 16. We are hit daily with bad news from Sacramento, bad news from Washington, and bad news from places far and near (some unpronounceable and some tiresome because they stay so persistently on the wrong side of something or whatever). It seems like a good time to decide we will just have fun with something for the sake of fun. Fun prizes will be offered for: the most becoming hat, the ugliest hat, the best sunshade, and the most unusual hat. Both men and women many enter. The opinion of the judges is final and, no matter how much you may disagree, no one will care. Please participate. Unless you have a job interview as a fashion model immediately after the meeting, your hairstyle will survive a bout with a hat after you give it a little tweaking--so please add to the fun and put on a derby, a sombrero, a coon skin hat, or whatever you think up. I plan to prove myself a woman who wears more than one hat.

The Republican Picnic was a happy day. Rohner Park was a great facility and thanks to outstanding volunteer help, the event went off very well. Candidates were with us: Lawrence Weisner, candidate for First District State Senate; Loren Hanks, candidate for First District House of Representatives,; Karen Brooks, candidate for First District State Assembly; Sue Long, candidate for the Fortuna City Council; and Virginia Bass, candidate for First District County Board of Supervisors.

October is going to be another of our Republican Women fundraiser buffets. We will again fill the tables at the Moose Lodge for our general meeting. That’s Thursday, October 21, so please mark your calendar and save that day for HRWF---if your doctor, dentist, lawyer, accountant, or whoever wants to see you at that time, just bring them to lunch with you---they could do dessert first, if that’s their preference. BY COLLEEN HEDRICK

Humboldt Republican Women, Federated Welcomes Wilson Lacy

“No Port – No Town”
Have you ever spent time at the ports of Oakland, Los Angeles or New York, gazing at a large ontainer ship arriving or a mile-long stack train flowing though a pass? Well, Wilson Lacy worked in all these places and he has experienced the excitement for over four decades. His involvement in international trade spans changes from loading break-bulk ships to global automated containerization processes.

He grew up near the waterfront in Oakland and he was interested in shipping and transportation from childhood. He joined SeaLand Service as a trainee in 1969 and later moved to senior management at APL. He started his public service at Port of Oakland in 2004.

Wilson’s accomplishments include: completion of the Union Pass Donner Pass re-opening to allow mile- long trains go direct through Nevada; building the first on-dock rail facility in Jersey City, New Jersey; worked with Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and California Business Transportation and Housing on good movement language in Proposition 1B; and as Maritime Director in Oakland, completed the expansion of Port’s Vision 2000 Program. More recently, through his efforts, the Humboldt Bay Harbor District got West Coast Marine Highway designation M5 by
Federal DOT.

His public service has given him a passion to have the state and federal governments give ports, water and rail goods movement equal billing with highway and public transportation.

Wilson is a member of West Coast Corridor Coalition, UpState California Economic Development, American Association of Ports and he is a master stevedore. Please join us as the Director of Maritime Commerce discusses our area.

Thursday, September 16, 2010
11:30 Buffet Lunch ~ 12-1 p.m. General Meeting
Elks Lodge, 445 Herrick Ave, Eureka, CA
Buffet Lunch & Speaker ~ $14.50 ~ Beverage & Speaker ~ $4.00
Please RSVP to Colleen Hedrick at 268-0101
*Early lunch reservations appreciated and to be honored ~ Payable to Elks Lodge

California Legislation - WHAT A WAY TO RUN OUR STATE!!!

State Treasurer Lockyer, has been complaining and blaming Wall Street investors who openly have no confidence in California’s financial stability. It is easy to blame Wall Street, but this problem is just a symptom of the state’s sorry financial situation. This is forcing the state to offer its bonds at higher interest rates and higher rates mean much higher costs which the state cannot afford.

Must we once again be reminded our state has been consistently controlled by big spending Democrats? The party in power refuses to do any cutting in the current budget and Republicans are rejecting any new taxes. With this ongoing stalemate, no one is budging.

The longer it drags on, the more elected officials collect for added days in Sacramento.
***
A RARE WIN
Recently, with the help of 2,561 California citizens who submitted letters of support, AB 1506 passed the Senate floor by a34-0 vote! The bill called, “The common sense taxpayer protection bill,” forces the state to accept its own IOUs.

Senator Mark Wyland (R-San Diego), an ardent defender of taxpayers, gave an impressive speech on the Senate floor and his impassioned presentation was followed by Senator Tony Strickland (R-Ventura), also one of the strongest taxpayer advocates in Sacramento.

The passage of the bill was critical to keeping California businesses open during the state’s cash crisis. The bill is now headed back to the Assembly before its final hurdle at the Governor’s desk.

Who Says a Mama Bear With Cross-eyed Triplets is Impartial?

Election campaigns bring The League of Women Voters into the harsh lights of examination. There’s much to be said on the positive side. The KEET-TV schedule of debating candidates included in this edition of our newsletter testifies in support of the organization.

Where there is room for questioning the organization lies in its oft repeated statement that it is non-partisan. Now every member of The League of Women Voters is free to lay claim to whatever they can conjure in that arena but, collectively, they are no more non-partisan than Obama’s 40-plus assorted Czars.

I will shout hurrah for the group on their organizational skills and its following through on their functionsBut, if they are non-partisan, so are a mama bear with cross-eyed triplets and Humboldt Republican Women Federated.

The group’s tilt to the left was never a calculated agenda. It happened because persons of like mind joined. That simply means that conservatives need look at our failings in joining the organization, bringing our voices to the mix, and working for more balance for a true non-partisan claim. Membership is $60 per year. The League’s invitation encourages interested persons to bring a friend. Reservations deadline is Monday, September 20. Reserve seats by mailing checks to LWVHC, P.O. BOX 3219, Eureka, CA 95512. For questions, call League members at 442-7495 or 442-8581.

The Saturday, September 25, luncheon/program meeting is planned to welcome new members at Hurricane Kate’s from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The luncheon cost is $15 for non-members and, if you are joining the League that day, there is a reduction of $5 on the lunch. Members pay $12.50. The program is a panel of three persons of diverse opinions (Ryan Burns of the North Coast Journal, Supervisor Mark Lovelace, and activist Anna Hamilton of S. Humboldt) on the legalization of marijuana and the economic impacts on Humboldt County.

It is our hope that a group of members of HRWF will join the League of Women Voters so the conservative view is part of the voice of the League. Please do call Debbie Walker at 441-1126 or Colleen Hedrick at 268-0101, if you wish to attend with other Republican Women.

HRWF Nominations for 2011

Following is the slate of officers selected by the Nomination Committee for the year 2011. Nominees are presented here for your review and to be voted on at our October meeting.

President Debbie Walker
1st VP Margaret Stafford
2nd VP Gwen Morris
Rec. Secty. Carol Del Biaggio
Treasurer Mary Jerland
Director at Large Pat Murphy

We think you will agree that, with these ladies in office, 2011 will be another great year for our HRWF Club.

Nomination Committee: Bernice Huston, Nancy Elcock, Laura Bush, Debbie Walker and Barbara Hecathorn

Membership Report

HRWF has gained 2 new members!
Please welcome Lora Canzoneri and Jeanne O’Neal! A big THANKS to HRWF members who have
referred these lovely, conservative ladies to our group. To date, we now have 202 Members and Associate members.

For those of you who have yet to renew your 2010 membership, which is $30.00, please send in those dues so you can continue to receive our monthly Bulletin which will keep you informed on all of the upcoming HRWF activities and programs. Also, you can always give me your dues at our meeting. Remember, too, that although we are the Humboldt Republican “Women”, men are also welcome to come to our meetings and can become “Associate” members.

The next HRWF general meeting and luncheon will be on Thursday, September 16th, at the Elks Lodge. Lunch starts at 11:30AM and the program will begin at Noon. I hope to see you all there!

A Letter from Loren Hanks

My Fellow Americans,
I'm asking for your help to get our message of limited government and fiscal discipline out to voters in the 1st Congressional District of California and beyond.

We've produced two professional videos, and we've attached them to our website. We need voters to take a look, and then spread the message further. We must draw attention to the fact that California is not the liberal bastion the pundits portray it to be. If it were, our entrenched incumbent would not pretend to be a fiscal conservative while he's here in the district, then vote with the most liberal members of Congress when he's back in Washington.

Until now, entrenched incumbents have had all the advantages - and they've been re-elected better than 90% of the time. Butthis time we have powerful solutions to those advantages - our motivation and our networking. At no time has our motivation to improve our government been higher. And, with that motivation and activism, comes networking that is unprecedented - through the TEA Party movement, Republican Women Federated efforts, and Internet affiliations.

Let's use these resources to build a better Congress. Please forward this to friends, neighbors and relatives, and ask them to take a look at our campaign, then forward our message.

The website is: Hanks For Congress

The videos on the website can be found: Web Ads - History and Platform

The 1st Congressional District is bigger than 8 states. I'm driving the wheels off my truck trying to meet all the residents. We will be buying radio ads next week, and, if we can raise $100,000, we will buy TV ads and get our message into voter's familyrooms. Web ads are the first great equalizer to the incumbent's million dollar campaign war chest. And if you like what you see on our web ads, please help us get that message on TV with a contribution! We've built the rocket, now we need the fuel to launch it.

This is a winnable race. So many jobs have been lost, so much land and water has been taken out of public use - and more takings are underway - that people are ready to break free and get back to a limited federal government. The country will do so on November 2nd. With your help, California's 1st District will be a part of that movement. Let's roll!
Respectfully,
Loren Hanks

Karen Brooks and Wes Chesbro - Their Words: 1st Assembly District

◼ Their Words: 1st Assembly District - watchsonomacounty
◼ Meet the Candidates: 1st Assembly District - watchsonomacounty

KAREN BROOKS
Web site: www.karenbrooks2010.com
Age: 53
Occupation: Self employed as a small business owner.
Education: Graduate in 1982 from Humboldt State University. BS in Business Administration.
Political party affiliation: Republican

Endorsements: I am endorsed by thousands of residents of the First Assembly District. This election is all about a new direction and working as an advocate for the people. I currently have no association or group endorsements.

Membership in civic, professional or other organization: Redwood Empire Endurance Riders; Trails Trust of Humboldt Bay; American Endurance Riders Conference; Humboldt Republican Women Federated

Previous government service: None

Why are you running?

The California that I inherited from my parents is no longer available for my children. I am running to do all I can to restore California so that my children can work, live and raise their family. California is on the verge of becoming ungovernable. Uncompetitive districts, coupled with term limits, have created a political environment that caters to the special interest. Our elected leaders, some who have held a pubic office their entire lives, don’t know how the real world works. As a citizen-candidate and small business owner, I know what it takes to get things done in the real world. More importantly, I share the sentiment of the ninety-plus percent of Californians who feel that government does not represent them or is leading California down the wrong path.

What sets you apart from your opponents?

I have worked in the private sector my whole life. I know the impact of state and local government in my life and my business as well as all the businesses I am in contact with. I know how to develop budgets and work within them. I know how to solve problems and make tough decisions. I also come from a philosophy to work towards win-win solutions. My strength is the ability to bring diverse interests together, find common ground and develop common sense solutions. I know that I work for and advocate for the people of the first district, not the special interests in Sacramento.

If elected, what would be your top three priorities in office?

1. Partner with the private sector to create jobs. The private sector has the know-how to create and expand jobs in California. Government needs to get out of the way of the private sector and do everything it can to promote job growth.

2. Taxpayer Accountability Act. I will work to put in place a taxpayer accountability act that will look into many of the state programs in existence to see if they are failing or achieving their desired goals. In harsh economic times we need to start prioritizing state spending.

3. Education Finance Reform. California has one of the worst graduation rates in the country and is below the national average. We need to change the way school districts are funded and how they allocate their funding to address their needs. We cannot continue to take a “shotgun” approach to school finance since not all school districts are the same or have the same needs or deficiencies. We need to give local school districts more flexibility at addressing their needs without strings attached at the state level.

What would you do to strengthen the economy in your district?

1. Work with the timber industry to promote the most sustainable timber products from region and state.

2. Suspend/repeal AB-32 (cap and trade) and MLPA (Marine Life Protection Act).

3. Suspend the minimum franchise tax for two years to help small businesses.

4. Revamp Workers Compensation Insurance so that it is more proactive and affordable for small businesses.

5. Restore funding in the Williamson Act.

What would you do to improve the quality of life in your district?

1. Create an environment for private sector employment

2. Preserve open space

3. Restore a world class K-12 education

4. Rebuild the infrastructure

The public approval rating for the Legislature has sunk to record lows. Why do you think this is happening – and what would you do to turn it around?

Public perception of the Legislature is at record lows because the people don’t feel the Legislature is responding to the needs that really matter to Californians. Unemployed Californians are looking for jobs not the next law requiring helmets for children on ski slopes. Businesses are looking for the freedom to run their businesses and grow and, in doing so, spur the economy not more barriers to navigate a poor economic climate.

It is time to work in the best interest of the people, not the party, not the lobbyists, not the special interest groups, not the bureaucrats and not for their own benefit. It is time to do the hard work of setting an agenda to restore this great state.

California must be competitive again. The Legislature must create a new environment of partnership with property owners, businesses, and municipalities. It must reduce the size and scope state government. It must lead the way to be innovative for tomorrow’s economy while rebuilding the infrastructure we have abandoned for the past 50 years.

The framework for this is new direction is common sense, community-based solutions and independent leadership grounded in free market principles, fiscal responsibility and limits on government.

How would you resolve California’s budget problems? Be specific: If you support spending cuts, what departments or programs would you cut? If you support revenue increases, which taxes/fees would you increase?

In today’s economy the short term solution is to address spending cuts at the state level. Freeze state and state funded salaries at a ceiling of $100,000. Suspend grants and commissions. Sell off selected state assets. Release in home health care and child support collection back to the counties. Suspend SB 810 (single payer health care), MLPA (Marine Life Protection Act) and AB-32 and reduce the budgets of those departments accordingly.

In the mid term, suspend the minimum franchise tax for two years for micro-businesses. Restore confidence in the private sector by streamlining regulations, allow more flexibility in labor laws, reform workers compensation laws, and adopt a one-stop permit process. This will spur job growth which takes people off welfare and unemployment and increases the amount of people contributing taxes.

In the long term we need to look at a two year budget cycle as well as structural reforms throughout all entitlement programs. Key focus areas for investment are energy, education and infrastructure. Institute audits of state funded departments and programs. Explore privatization options and partnerships of certain services.

In short, reduce the size and scope of the state government while growing the tax base incrementally through revitalization of the private sector.

What changes, if any, should be made to public employee pensions?

My conversations within the first district lead to pension solutions that are sustainable, equitable and fair. What exists now is bankrupting the state. Public employees that I have talked to are open to a citizen commission that would bring solutions the state can afford.

What is your position on Prop. 19, which would legalize and tax marijuana?

First, Proposition 19, would only allow local governments to take steps to regulate and tax marijuana. Prop 19 does not implement any infrastructure what-so-ever at the state level for the taxation and regulation of marijuana.

Secondly, I oppose the legalization of marijuana for several reasons. First, California has a hard enough time enforcing the laws it has. Why should we add yet another? In addition, why would a grower or seller of legal cannabis register with any government entity in order to be taxed, when illegal growers and sellers can make more profits now? The enactment of this measure would put in place a legal framework that violators would refuse to follow anyway. Second, what regulations will the state put in place that allow law enforcement to enforce the proper use of legal marijuana, especially when it comes to driving and other activities that endanger the lives of other Californians? For alcohol, the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08 is the legal limit for drivers who may be under the influence of alcohol. At what level will we set it for cannabis and how will that level be determined? What will the penalties be? Lastly, the federal government still considers cannabis a narcotic and would have to change federal law in order for it to be legal here in California. Should Prop 19 pass the federal government would still enforce cannabis laws as they exist today. For these reasons I do not support Prop 19.

What is your position on Prop. 21, which would raise vehicle license fees by $18 a year in order to raise money for state parks?

This is not the best solution to the problem of maintaining our state parks. As long as the Legislature can rob special funds and write laws, this would be just another tax raising scheme for the General Fund while our parks suffer. At this time I do not support Prop. 21.

What is your position on Prop. 23, which would suspend the state law that requires greenhouse gas emissions to be cut to 1990 levels by 2020?

AB-32 is a bad law that needs to be repealed and replaced with incentives to individuals and businesses for creating a greener, cleaner environment. Prop.23 suspends a bad law without addressing how we can all reduce our footprint. At this time I support Prop.23.

What is your position on Prop. 25, which would eliminate the two-thirds vote requirement and enable the Legislature to approve the budget on a simple majority vote?

Due to hyper-partisanship, fiscal irresponsibility, and the influence of lobbyists and special interest groups Prop. 25 would not solve the state’s budget problems. A simple majority vote for our state budget will just make problems worse. Our system is broken and is in need or repair. Until structural reforms for our state budget and government entities are addressed we cannot let elected leaders who are accountable to no-one but themselves and special interests run this state into the ground. We also need to approve a spending cap that would peg expenditures to state revenues. It would require our elected leaders to spend within its means. At this time I do not support Prop. 25.

Do you support or oppose AB 155, which would make it harder for local governments to file bankruptcy?

I have not reached an opinion on AB 155 at this time, but I do believe that local governments should have the flexibility to do what is best for their jurisdictions without big government looking over their shoulder.

Republican women to meet; public invited

◼ Republican women to meet; public invited
Peter Hannaford, a member of Ronald Reagan's campaigns for governor and president, will speak at today's meeting of Humboldt Republican Women Federated.

The meeting will be held at 445 Herrick St. in Eureka, and is open to anyone who would like to attend. The cost to hear Hannaford speak and have lunch is $14.50, and a speaker-only option is available for $4. Members are also asked to bring donation items for Socks for Soldiers.

Hannaford's speech is titled: “When you see food, eat it: Adventures on the campaign trail.” The buffet line will form at 11:30 a.m., and the meeting will run from noon to 1 p.m.

New Republican Ad!!! MUST SEE!!!

Humboldt Republican Women, Federated Welcomes Peter Hannaford

“When You See Food, Eat It: Adventures on the Campaign Trail”
Peter Hannaford was closely associated with late President Ronald Reagan for a number of years with his first appointment in 1971; later, was Asst. to the Governor and Director of Public Affairs in the Governor’s office. From 1975 until his election to the presidency in 1980, the firm headed by Michael Deaver and Peter, managed Reagan’s public program. They both held senior positions in his 1976 and 1980 campaigns. After President Reagan retired from the White House, Peter was asked to once again draft speeches and articles for him, which he did until 1984, the year Reagan announced his Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Peter’s other Republican political activities include: adviser to U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander; management of state legislative campaigns and communications coordination of several others; GOP candidate for then - 7th Congressional District, 1972.

Peter was elected on July 1st, 2010, as First Vice Chairman of the Humboldt County Republican Central Committee. He has also just completed a one-year term on the 2009-2010 Humboldt County Grand Jury. Please join us!

Thursday, August 19, 2010
11:30 Buffet Lunch ~ 12-1 p.m. General Meeting
Elks Lodge, 445 Herrick Ave, Eureka, C
Buffet Lunch & Speaker ~ $14.50 ~ Beverage & Speaker ~ $4.00
Please RSVP to Colleen Hedrick at 268-0101
*Early lunch reservations appreciated and to be honored ~ Payable to Elks Lodge

President’s Message - August 2010

August will mark the last quarter before November election day. We are scheduled for a booth in cooperation with Humboldt County‟s Central Committee at Rio Dell‟s Wildwood Days on Saturday and Sunday, August 7 and 8.

Voter registration, displaying our candidates‟ campaign materials, promoting membership in Humboldt Republican Women Federated (HRWF), and cookbook sales will be offered in the booth.

The next booths will be at the Humboldt County Fair in Ferndale, running Thursday, August 12 through Monday, August 23. Again HRWF and Central Committee will cooperatively staff the Republican Party Booth. Many of us will also be working in the Tea Party booth. Help is needed both in Rio Dell and in Ferndale. Both sites offer opportunities to win friends and influence voters. Anyone who has worked in the booths knows that the experience is interesting and fun because of the opportunity to meet people.

Our general meeting, Thursday, August 19, will also be tied to our all-important November date with the ballot box with Peter Hannaford as our speaker, offering professional advice on helping with campaigns and elections. This is a rare chance to learn from a person who worked on top level campaigns. We will also be holding a Bake Sale at this meeting. If you haven‟t renewed your membership, there will be an opportunity to see Terry Roberts and bring yourself up to date on that transaction. Currently, we are lagging behind our recent past years‟ roster numbers. We have consistently been one of the two top membership clubs. Let‟s keep our prestigious status.

All through August, September, and October, the staffing of the Central Committee Office will be of great importance. We have some fine candidates. They‟re working hard and we are their back-up. Please step up and schedule time there, volunteer to walk precincts, hold a coffee session for a candidate, and be there when telephone help on get out the vote is needed. We are in great need to elect conservatives and the time to do our part is now through election day.

Sunday, August 29, is our Republican Picnic at Rohner Park in Fortuna, 12 noon to 4 p.m., lunch at 12:30. Candidates are invited so meet-and-mingle time will be part of this sociable event. You just might hear someone talking politics. There will be a chili cook-off and a pie contest. Anyone is welcome to compete. There will be children‟s activities. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and beverages will be provided by HRWF and Central Committee. Those whose last names begin with A-M will bring sides and salads. Those with last names beginning with N through Z will bring desserts. Please do call Debbie Walker, 441-1126, or Colleen Hedrick, 268-0101, so we have a ballpark idea on how many will be served. Don‟t miss this chance to visit with candidates and your fellow Republicans.

Sarah Palin: Mama Grizzlies

Party questions - Colleen's Letter To The Editor

◼ Party questions

Recent mailings of misleading fliers to Republican voters is something of a puzzler. Three local candidates paid to present themselves on advertising that claimed to be an advisory to Republicans on who and what to support. Many of the recipients believed these false tracts offered information sent by local Republican organizations (Humboldt County Republican Central Committee and the Humboldt Republican Women Federated.) These voters were for the most part dumbfounded as to why their organizations would be advocating for Democrats: Bonnie Neely, Paul Gallegos and Patrick Cleary.

Those running for office too often overreach in strange ways. But if it's so great to be a Democrat, and so worthwhile to vote for a Democratic candidate, why oh why would you present yourself as a Republican?

Many Republicans believed for more than two decades that Bonnie Neely was confused because we saw her functioning as a RINO. (Republican In Name Only.) Her recent change to Democrat was heartwarming. We thought, “That's great, now she knows who she really is.” But she's confused again and pays to be a Republican at certain times. That needs checking out.

It's plenty timely to review those many years in office, since suddenly she is promising jobs after opposing most job opportunities for Humboldters in her 24 years as supervisor.

If these candidates aren't sure what party they represent, how much sense does it make for them to ask to represent the citizens of Humboldt County?

Colleen Hedrick
Eureka
5/28/2010

UPDATE:
◼ FPPC strengthens rules for slate mailers - Sacramento Bee

Republican U.S. Senatorial candidate Carly Fiorina visits Humboldt County

◼ Senate candidate stumps in Arcata: Carly Fiorina touts conservative credentials in visit to North Coast
Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard Posted: 05/15/2010 01:15:14 AM PDT

ARCATA -- Republican U.S. Senatorial candidate Carly Fiorina trumpeted her conservative credentials Friday, and reiterated her belief that long-time incumbent Democrat Barbara Boxer is ripe to be unseated.

”I am not here to complain about Barbara Boxer, I'm here to defeat her. And I'm the only candidate in the race who can do it,” Fiorina told a group of about three dozen members of the local business community Friday.

During her remarks, Fiorina detailed her personal history, what she sees as the problems that ail California and the nation and her plans to address them. She also had some harsh words for Boxer, the incumbent who has spent 18 years in the seat Fiorina is hoping to win in November, and for Tom Campbell, who is considered her chief competition in the Republican primary.

Fiorina said Campbell is many things, but a fiscal conservative is not one of them. She also attacked Campbell's social credentials, pointing out that, in announcing his candidacy, he said he could beat Boxer in November because he is pro gay marriage and pro choice.

”Thank you very much, we don't need Barbara Boxer light,” Fiorina said.

While casting Boxer as a career politician beholden to the special interests of extreme environmentalists, Fiorina outlined what she sees as the primary problems facing the nation. She called for cutting taxes, “growing” the economy and shrinking government.

”Our government is too big, our government is too intrusive and our government is too expensive,” she said to the nodding approval of many in attendance.

If elected, Fiorina said she would work to reduce what she called “hundreds of billions” of dollars in fraud, waste and abuse in federal spending, to repeal the recently passed health care reform legislation and to amend the federal endangered species act, saying it places flies, owls and fish ahead of working families.

Fiorina began her prepared remarks Friday by talking a bit about her personal history. She worked her way through undergraduate school as a temporary secretary until she got her degree in medieval history and philosophy, which she noted left her educated but unemployable.

After a stint in law school, Fiorina said she began her career as a secretary and, eventually, worked her way up to becoming the Chief Executive Officer of the Hewlett-Packard Co., a position she held from 1999 to 2005 as the only female to lead a Fortune 20 company.

The candidate also talked briefly about her recent battle with breast cancer.

Like all tough passages in life, she said, cancer came with many blessings.

”After battling cancer, undergoing chemotherapy, losing my hair and growing it back, Barbara Boxer doesn't scare me one bit,” she said.

Thadeus Greenson can be reached at 441-0509 or tgreenson@times-standard.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

May 31 June 3 June 8 June 17 August 29 Sept 30-Oct2
Local Candidates Panel at Elks Lodge Reception after meeting
Loren Hanks Reception - Veteran‘s Hall Fortuna A meet-your-candidate evening will be held Thursday, May 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Fortuna Veterans‘ Hall. Loren Hanks, candidate for the House of Representatives for the First District, will be there to speak and to answer your questions. Dinner will be available after Hanks speaks for $10 per person or beverage and dessert for $5 for those who want to stay. An auction will be held after dinner and dessert.
Memorial Day Central Committee Meeting at Stanton‘s Primary Election General Meeting Republican Picnic at Rohner Park, Fortuna NFRW Biennial Convention Kansas City, Missouri

California Legislation

by Vee Sorenson
I am glad I belong to the Humboldt County Taxpayers‘ League. Through this tax-watchdog organization, I learn a lot about how are taxes are being spent. A recent e-mail sent by Jon Coupal, who represents the state‘s Howard Jarvis Tax Association, revealed some frightening statistics.

He began the article by asking: How would you like to go to work at 9 AM, wave to your boss and say ―Hi, I‘m here. Bye, and then immediately turn around, walk out the door and go home or play a round of golf...and here is the best part, still get a paycheck instead of being fired?
What is so startling is this describes the work of 120 lucky people who routinely assure themselves of $567.843 in additional pay for five minutes of work. If you do the math, that works out to $6,814.08 for a full hour of work. Who are these people? They are none other than elected members of the state Legislature and that includes Wesley Chesbro. Of course, they make their own rules. These people are the highest paid legis- lators in all 50 states.
In addition to their nearly six figure salaries, they receive a tax-free allotment of $141.86 per day that is intended to compensate for the cost of living in Sacramento for performing their jobs.

With so many businesses and families hurting financially, it is disgusting that all of these recycled members of the Assembly and Senate are checking in at work to do nothing but greedily gather to themselves more of our hard-earned tax dollars.

President’s Message - May 2010

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BY COLLEEN HEDRICK
Ladies we are looking at a summer with a number of projects needing our attention and our time. A top priority has to be from now to the ballot boxes; first in June and then in November That means the need to staff the office, work as needed on phone calling, helping on candidate fund raisers as individuals, registering voters, and helping to get out the vote. Please call me at 268-0101 or Debbie Walker at 441-1126 and tell us what you would like to do and what times suit you best We have kicked off our Big Ticket Sale. This event drew a lot of interest last year when we offered for the first time a gas grill as a Grand Prize. Again this year we have exceptional prizes offered in first, second, and third places. First Prize is an overnight stay at Benbow Inn and two rounds of golf, Second Prize is a gift basket from Blue Lake Casino, and Third Prize is a gift basket from Cher ae Heights Casino. Tickets sell for $15 and the funds are targeted for our scholarship fund and for community outreach projects. Drawing will be held at our June 17 gen- eral meeting.

Consider the possibility of giving our cookbook as a thoughtful gift for summer birthdays. This is a gift with a long life. Books will be avail- able at the May20 meeting Call if you need copies: Kathy Rodriguez @839-8105, Lynda Pozel@ 442-1283 or Colleen Hedrick @268-0101.

Our coupon collecting for military families is an ongoing project that is booming. Please bring your coupons to the next meeting and give them to Chris Wennerholm, our Americanism Chairman. She not only sends them to military bases but does a tally on the dollar amount the coupons offer to families that in some cases function below poverty level. Lend a hand if you can please. You are sure to like yourself better for the ef- fort.

Our business directory project and the care home project will be getting underway in the near future. If there are jobs you would be willing to lend a hand please do call me. We will be much pleased to have your help.