PLACER

Charlie and Barak / How does the Palin Pick Affect the 4th CD Race

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:15:43 -0800

Blogger's Notes - this is huge. Charlie was counting on a strong Democrat ticket to get coat-tails to run with.

With Ose 1000% behind McClintock, any hopes of a divided base are dashed.

Charlie has yet to publicly endorse Barak Obama, even though a past post on this blog shows the Colonel with an Obambi sticker on his lapel.

It appears that even the most staunch Hillary supporters and old-line Jimmy Carter Democrats have caved into the reality of an Obama candidacy. Perhaps spurred by the lash and held by the yoke, the Democrat true believers are nonetheless jumping up and down. However, millions of decent hard-working blue dog Dems will be leaving the ticket in droves, either sitting on their hands or voting for McCain.

Among the undecided? Our own local Democrat "contender" C. Brown. When last asked if he was supporting the Democrat candidate, he told Eric Hogue, "uh, oh, uh" and despite being pressed never gave an answer.

Which is it Charlie? Can we expect you out on the hustings promoting the most liberal Democrat since Jimmy Carter? Or are you endorsing McCain?

Barak's Solution - Pick Joe Biden, he of racial slurs and plagerism.

McCain's solution - Pick Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, an outsider who upset the enitre GOP establishment in Alaska. Palin does represent change and she proved it with her actions.

Have a look at this: Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin

Mother of five children, one has Down syndrome. Sportscaster, Beauty pageant contestant. Played High school basketball and was leader of Conservative, pro-life Republican.

Palin became the first woman to be Alaska's governor, and the youngest governor in Alaskan history.

Noted for her independence from big oil companies, while still promoting resource development. Helped Sean Parnell in his primary run against Congressman Don Young.

In 2006, Palin, running on a clean-government campaign, executed an upset victory over then-Gov. Murkowski in the Republican gubernatorial primary.[9] Despite the lack of support from party leaders and being outspent by her Democratic opponent, she went on to win the general election in November 2006, defeating former Governor Tony Knowles.[9] Palin said in 2006 that education, public safety, and transportation would be three cornerstones of her administration.

Brought to statewide attention because of her whistle blowing on ethical violations by state Republican Party leaders,[2] she won election in 2006 by first defeating the incumbent governor in the Republican primary, then a former Democratic Alaskan governor in the general election.

Highlights of Governor Palin's tenure include a successful push for an ethics bill, and also shelving pork-barrel projects supported by fellow Republicans. Palin successfully killed the Bridge to Nowhere project that had become a nationwide symbol of wasteful earmark spending.

·         Undercuts message of 'change' by Obama-Biden
·         Undercuts Obama-Biden on outsider
·         Only candidate on either ticket with executive experience
·         Historic-first female Republican to be on the ticket

Sorry Charlie your coat tails just got frozen Alaskan style.

Placer County News Roundup - August 29, 2008

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 05:21:24 -0800

Council OKs land purchase for bypass, flood control projects - Lincoln News Messenger
The Lincoln City Council approved a property purchase on Tuesday that would provide 3.4 million cubic yards of fill dirt for the Highway 65 bypass project, as well as land for a storm water retention facility.

Harris wants to make Nevada City self-sufficient - The Union of Grass Valley
Nevada City Interim Councilwoman Sally Harris will use her time on the council to concentrate on transportation issues after being appointed to the seat she has been filling on an interim basis.

Controversial Creekside Village heads to city council - Lincoln News Messenger
Lincoln's Planning Commission voted 5-1 in favor of a development permit for affordable housing development Creekside Village on Aug. 20, despite impassioned pleas from several residents in a neighborhood adjacent to the proposed project.

Opposition to school district measure speaks out - Colfax Record
Colfax resident Rocky Warren didn't expect to become the center of controversy when he signed the argument opposing Measure Q, a Colfax Elementary School $5 million bond measure on the November ballot.

State cuts funds for sewer plant construction - Colfax Record
The state water resources control board informed Colfax City Council members Tuesday night that all state grant and loan funds for construction of the Colfax wastewater treatment plant have been frozen.

Fire plan moves ahead - The Union of Grass Valley
After five years and numerous iterations, the county planning commission approved a fire plan to get the "ball rolling" and establish a benchmark for protecting property owners from wildfire.

Rocklin teachers protest - Placer Herald
Rocklin teachers were out this week at various "back to school" nights around the city in protest of contract negotiations with the district.

Council honors motivated 10-year-old - Colfax Record
About the only thing everybody agreed on during Tuesday night's city council meeting was that 10-year-old Alex Madsen deserved special recognition for his remarkable achievement of raising $1,501 to fight global warming.

Biscuits & Gravy - County will not get stuck with Colfax tab - Auburn Sentinel
Placer County Executive Officer Tom Miller says Colfax residents can't stick the County with the tab for their fiscal problems through disincorporation.

Colfax: City on the Brink - Auburn Sentinel
As some residents consider a disincorporation effort, LAFCO says such as action can be started by a City Council action of voter petition.

DOUG OSE ENDORSES TOM MCCLINTOCK WITH HARD-HITTING MAILER

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:57:06 -0800

Blogger's Notes: Ohhhh Charlie, this has got to hurt.

Ose Endorsement Highlights McClintock's Campaign Mailer.

Former Congressman Doug Ose spent six million dollars to win the Republican nomination in the 4th Congressional District only to lose State Senator Tom McClintock. The day after the election, Ose called McClintock to congratulate and endorse. Now, McClintock is highlighting the Ose endorsement in the first of many direct mail pieces that voters will receive.

"When it comes to the issues that matter to us, there's simply no comparison between our candidates for Congress. That's why I support Tom McClintock," states Doug Ose. The mailer is a two-sided comparison piece that highlights the positions and issues of McClintock and Democrat Charlie Brown. The issues highlighted are energy, taxes and spending, illegal immigration and gay marriage.

McClintock spokesman Stan Devereux said, "Congressman Doug Ose is a fierce competitor and we appreciate having his support as we work together to defeat Charlie Brown. This mailer is the first comparison piece highlighting the positions of Tom McClintock and Charlie Brown. It's crystal clear that Charlie Brown is liberal and very partisan."

As evidence, Devereux listed the issues highlighted in the mailer.

McClintock signed the "No New Taxes" pledge and insists that Congress pass a real balanced budget where we live within our means. McClintock challenged Brown to outline his opposition to raising taxes. Brown called on California lawmakers to approve a state budget that includes tax increases.

"The no tax pledge is so important. And that's why Charlie Brown's insistence on passing a budget with the second biggest tax increase in the history of California is so appalling - and why it's important to understand what it would do to our economy," said McClintock.

On energy, McClintock recently challenged Brown to join him in a bipartisan approach and ask Speaker Nancy Pelosi to end her vacation and reconvene Congress for a vote on an energy plan. Brown has refused to buck Nancy Pelsoi given that his first vote in Congress would be to elect her House speaker. McClintock wants to end the moratorium on tapping America 's vast oil reserves offshore and in Alaska . Taking a strong partisan position, Charlie Brown opposes drilling for new oil remaining.

On immigration, McClintock supports completing the border wall and deploying our armed forces along the US-Mexico border to stop the flow of illegal aliens into our nation. McClintock also opposes amnesty and opposes giving illegal aliens benefits like social security, in-state college tuition and driver's licenses. Charlie Brown supports amnesty for illegal aliens.

On social issues, McClintock strongly supports Proposition 8, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman. Charlie Brown supports Gay Marriage and opposes Proposition 8.

Devereux said, "The McClintock campaign believes that Charlie Brown is a Nancy Pelosi tax and spend liberal. Charlie Brown is unable to take one position and stick to it. He is trying to be all things to all people. The Voters of the 4th congressional district need want to know how Charlie Brown would vote if he was elected to Congress."

"You can't call yourself a conservative Democrat, support liberal positions on issues and raise money with the help of liberals like Brad Sherman and Barbara Lee," Devereux said. "What's the old saying about if it walks like a duck...?"

OTT: Veterans for Freedom PAC E-Mail has Timely Advice for Charlie Brown

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:26:42 -0800

Blogger's Notes - Turnabout is fair play, Democrats tout their own service and denegrate that of Republicans. How's that for partisan politics. I have been waiting 5 days now for Charlie Brown to either set me on fire or admit his anti-war activity. This article from Veteran's for Freedom has some jewels in it FROM DEMOCRATS. Maybe Charlie Brown should take their advice?

We all recently celebrated the 232nd birthday of this great nation, we as veterans have a duty and solemn responsibility to honor all of those who have worn or are currently wearing the uniform of the United States of America. Among the millions who share this common bond, 31 Presidents have had the honor and privilege of serving in our Armed Forces.

Today, as sacred guardians of our constitution, we are shocked that United States Senators and trusted loyal advisors to presidential candidates think that being a veteran and fighting for America is NOT a qualification to be President.

If service to one's country in armed combat is not a qualification to be Commander in Chief, what is?

For several months now we have observed the irresponsible judgment of some of Senator Obama's most trusted and loyal advisors as they have unfairly attacked the notion that a veteran is not qualified to serve as President.

Here are several examples of this poor judgment by Obama's supporters and advisors:

"I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be President." - General Wesley Clark, Obama Advisor and Surrogate, June 29, 2008.

Blogger's note - what does Clark think about Helicopter pilots who returned home after aborting a mission? (And leaving Marines behind)

"... I think that the notion that the members of the Senate who were in the ground forces or who were ashore in Vietnam have a very different view of Vietnam and the cost that you described than John McCain does because he was in isolation essentially for many of those year...So I think ... to some extent his national security experience in that regard is sadly limited...." - Rand Beers, Obama Foreign Policy Advisor, June 30, 2008.

"Everything is looked at from his life experiences, from always having been in the military, and I think that can be pretty dangerous...it's one thing to have been drafted and served, but another thing when you come from generations of military people and that's just how you're steeped, how you've learned, how you've grown up." - Senator Tom Harkin, May 16, 2008.

Blogger's Notes - Brown's fellow Democrat rips on families with a military heritage - look at Brown's website... one could conclude that Harkin ripped on Brown, too.

"McCain should calm down"..."on using military service"... - Senator Jim Webb, Obama Supporter, July 1, 2008.

Charlie - are you listening? Webb is a veteran, too!

Please donate today. We need the support of Americans like you to help us fight against this blatant bias against veterans

Vets for Freedom PAC has endorsed several candidates running for the United States Congress or Senate, most who have worn the uniform, all who strongly believe in the mission of our organization, as well as our nation's efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Global War on Terror and we need your help to make sure they are elected.

All of these men have either worn the uniform or understand what is at stake in the Global War on Terrorism, and will fight for victory if elected to Congress. You can see the full list of supported candidates on the Vets for Freedom PAC website.

Please visit the Vets for Freedom PAC website, and help us elect these candidates and others like them.

Blogger's Note - the fundraising solicitation was left in this post to verify authenticity of the email from Veterans for Freedom.

The Lunacy in Gov't Award: Measure Q Proponents SUE Placer CRA Over Ballot Argument

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:22:04 -0800

The second ever Bill Martin award for lunacy in government goes to the proponents of Measure Q.

As not reported in the Auburn Journal

They sued the Placer CRA - actually the Placer County Clerk's office because they accepted our ballot argument against the Colfax school district's school tax measure.

The Colfax argument in favor was replete with the same platitudes any school tax measure is full of - but the kicker is that the Placer CRA got mobilized to submit arguments against every local tax measure on the ballot.

The folks in the Colfax Unified School District wasted taxpayer money to SUE US over people who signed the argument against this tax. That's correct - we need you to tax yourselves to pay for more whatever, but we are going to use money we say we don't have to fight to get this tax passed.

After having a San Francisco law firm serve us with papers - apparently, the district decided against proceeding with their lawsuit.

A copy of the dismissal is posted here

The Colfax Unified School District has earned the second ever Bill Martin Award for Lunacy in Government - the first ever given to someone not named Bill Martin.

Placer County News Roundup - August 28, 2008

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:28:48 -0800

GOP lawmakers put 'no new taxes' pledge in writing - Sac Bee
Don't read their lips when California's Republican lawmakers say 'no new taxes' - they've put it in writing, signed their names, essentially inviting their own party to oust them if they renege. Tom McClintock encouraged members to sign the pledge.

Roseville assemblyman fights psychiatric hospital expansion - Sac Bee
State assemblyman Ted Gaines is trying to block the expansion of troubled Sierra Vista Hospital in Sacramento, despite arguments that the region is facing a critical shortage of beds for psychiatric patients

School trustees oppose initiative - The Union of Grass Valley
High school trustees said they oppose a ballot initiative that would limit growth in Grass Valley, and will consider a resolution on the matter at their next board meeting.

Rocklin council OKs former Lowe's project - Sac Bee
The Rocklin City Council recently approved plans for the former Lowe's project on Granite Drive, eliminating costly, decorative elements the developer said prompted the home improvement chain to pull out of its lease.

Loomis, Rocklin officials continue their lawsuit battle - Loomis News
Lowe's may have abandoned its Rocklin project, but the Loomis lawsuit against Rocklin will go on.

Seven compete for three ARD positions - Auburn Journal
The Journal profiles two incumbents and five challengers seeking three seats.

Panel deadlocks on Boys & Girls Club plans for facility near Auburn airport - Auburn Journal
County airport commission leaves Board of Supervisors to decide question of flight path compatibility.

Custom homes franchise opens in Auburn - Sac Business Journal
A new franchise and showroom of G.J. Gardner Homes will open Sept. 4 in Auburn.

Rail yard report: Pollution trend unclear - Roseville Press Tribune
More study is needed to determine whether pollution mitigation efforts at the Union Pacific Roseville rail yard are working, according to the latest results from a long-term monitoring effort.

School officials find way to keep food costs light - Loomis News
By cutting food and labor costs, the Loomis Union School District is finally in the black with its food service.

Bringing history to life - Colfax Record
A Colfax couple recently received approval from the Colfax Planning Commission to establish a small-scale urban organic farm on 14 acres of land they are leasing.

Republicans for Brown start new Website? Republicans against Prop 8

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:57:23 -0800

Update - the Site is now live and the names on it are no surprise. The group behind the site - the Log Cabin Republicans, a group of Republicans who have refused to endorse President Bush and have yet to endorse McCain (who supports Prop 8) Like I said, single issue Republicans for Charlie Brown.

The website is not live yet - but the www.republicansagainst8.com website should be going live very soon.

It will be interesting to see who is behind this website - I think Joanne Neft is probably in the middle of this effort. Neft is the chair of the one-person group called Republicans for Brown.

I have not met any Moderate/Liberal Republicans that I know that support Gay Marriage.

Could it be the Log Cabin Republicans? This would be interesting, because polling data from Gay Republicans shows about a 50/50 split in support for Gay Marriage.

Republicans against Marriage are meeting tomorrow - it will be interesting to see who comes out tomorrow.

This is a developing situation... WWCBD?

The Per-Diem Issue Gets Buried by Captiol Staff

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:25:42 -0800

Blogger's Note: The individuals who signed the letter are known liberals, so it is not in their best interest to assist Tom McClintock.

Day 4 in the "Effigy Watch" - will Brown officially deny Anti-War / Anti-America activity or will he own up to it?

The latest problem team Brown has is that the letter is very clear - about residency and Per Diem. "POOF" there it goes...

Have you noticed that the Charlie Brown campaign has changed-up their tactics from calling McClintock's acceptance of Per-Diem payments a Felony/Crime to saying it is something he shouldn't be doing?

They also purport to understand Tom McClintock's finances so well that they can render a judgement as to weather he can afford to maintain two residences on just his salary. If McClintock was greedy, he'd work in the private sector... he'd make way more there!

Information has come to this blogger that a Woman from Sun City Lincoln, one of the strongest areas of support for Brown in 2006, sent a letter to the Attorney General's office.

The sudden change by the Brown team tells me that they were involved in the request for information.

Take a look at the attached letter...

The letter makes a huge point - it says that a sitting member does not need to maintain a residence in their district once elected. This is why I see the "A46" car parked at a residence on American River Drive. Amazingly, that is the residence of Fabian Nunez. So, the argument that millions was spent on making doesn't hold water.

In addition - the letter is signed by two very well known liberals. John Waldie's father was a very liberal Congressman from the bay area.

When you read the letter - you can rapidly ascertain that the letter writer was alleging legal impropriety against Tom McClintock.

The attempt by the Brown team to gain a campaign issue went up in smoke.

Sorry Charlie! Maybe you will campaign on issues now?

(Will Charlie take the no new taxes pledge?, Will Charlie stand up to the Sierra Club and support fire protection?, Will Charlie stand up to Nancy Pelosi and tell her we need to drill?, Will Charlie affirm his patriotism or admit his anti-war activity? Will Charlie take a stand on Prop 8 or do the comments on his website mean he supports Gay Marriage? Does Charlie really think people should be able to come illegally, pay a fine and stay? - there are only about 73 days left to election day, and real answers have been scarce from the Brown Camp)

Polling Data on Energy Issue - Sorry Charlie

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:08:46 -0800

Sorry Charlie!

ENERGY. A new Quinnipiac poll out earlier (release 1205) indicates overwhelming public support for House Republicans' "all of the above" energy solutions. For starters, by 62 - 32 percent, Americans favor drilling for oil in currently protected offshore areas. While Republicans back offshore drilling 82 - 12 percent, Democrats back it 50 - 43 percent and independent voters say drill 60 - 36 percent. Additionally, the poll - which surveyed 1,547 likely voters nationwide, with a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percentage points - finds:

56 - 35 percent in favor of building new nuclear plants;
51 - 42 percent back drilling in the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge;
87 - 10 percent back government funds for renewable energy such as wind and solar power;
78 - 18 percent for mandating higher mileage standards for cars.

Also a must-read a lead editorial in the Wall Street Journal examines leading Democrats' recent shifts on offshore drilling: "It took a few months, and more than a few polls, but Democrats have concluded that they've lost the debate against more oil-and-gas drilling. The surrender became official on Saturday, when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that even she was ready to 'consider opening portions' of the Outer Continental Shelf to oil exploration." The Journal urges caution about Democrats' true intentions, and says: "The Democratic choice is between sticking with an anticarbon theology that opposes all new drilling, or siding with American consumers who want more energy supplies so they don't have to pay $4 for gas and blow their family budget to keep the lights on. We'll soon find out whether Democrats have found religion on drilling, or if they're merely doing an election-year incantation."

Blogger's Note - Why hope that Pelosi will actually allow a vote... Why hope that Charlie Brown will do the right thing? Tom McClintock is a known quantity on these issues. Charlie Brown has been tied at the hip to Nancy Pelosi and this issue is taking him and his party down the oil well.

Contrast this to Charlie Brown's campaign who must have read these polling numbers before flip-flopping on ANWR and Nuke Plants. However, Brown (the quote Obama) is still clinging to Pelosi's fraud of an Oil Plan. Listen here to hear Charlie on the Radio talking about it.

Sorry Charlie - The Voters are going to Drill You

Placer County News Roundup - August 27, 2008

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:37:54 -0800

Local Dems in Denver: Placer County activists playing role at convention - Roseville Press-Tribune
Diana Midoshi of Rocklin never thought she'd live to see a serious female presidential contender. Now, she's playing an active role in Hillary Clinton's history-making - if less-than-successful - run for president at this week's Democratic National Convention in Denver.

9 percent increase built in to Placer budget - Auburn Journal
Placer County has an $865 million budget strategy for the coming year - a nine percent increase in projected spending over last year's $792 million.

Placer County wine ordinance wins supes approval - Auburn Journal and Sac Bee
After two years and more than a dozen public meetings, Supervisors gave a 5-0 vote of approval Tuesday to an ordinance intended to encourage the growth of the wine industry in rural Placer County and retain the area's agricultural underpinnings.

WestPark amendment stimulates resident concerns - Roseville Press-Tribune
Changes in the WestPark development, including an increase in density and increase is affordable housing, have some residents concerned.

Eureka gives pilot program gets go-ahead - Granite Bay Press-Tribune
No longer seeking a charter school, the Eureka Union School District is moving forward with plans to kick-start innovative curriculum techniques throughout the district.

Access denied for many Sierra College students - Lincoln News Messenger
Officials say state budget stalemate making enrollment issues worse.

Truckee's Sierra College set to open doors early - Sierra Sun
With construction on schedule and a curriculum boasting a variety of new classes, doors may open early at the Sierra College campus in Truckee and enrollment is filling up fast.

City to accept federal funds for Hirschman's Pond trail - The Union of Grass Valley
Tonight, Nevada City council members plan to accept a $195,000 federal grant that will allow the completion of a trail near Hirschman's Pond.

Truckee's town attorney announces retirement - Sierra Sun
Dennis Crab speaks with unabashed pride of his 13 year run as Town Attorney.

New "bike-hike-ride" scenic trail near Auburn gets go-ahead - Auburn Journal
North Fork Trail wins unanimous supes approval despite objections from "Friends of the North Fork."

Pack of dog park proponents push for Grass Valley facility - The Union of Grass Valley
A group of dog lovers think there is enough demand to create a dog park in Grass Valley, and they will meet at 5 p.m. today at City Hall to discuss it.

Five-year price picture isn't all doom and gloom - Sac Bee
The bottom may have fallen out of Sacramento home prices, but most owners are better off than five years ago, which values up 22% from 2003.

Caltrans chief tours and talks along I-80 - Sac Bee
Will Kempton, the head of Caltrans, joined local and federal officials Tuesday in Roseville to showcase improvements along one of the state's busiest arterials.

Maloof Foundation grant funds new youth center - Lincoln News Messenger
A long-deferred dream for Lincoln youth has come to fruition, thanks to the deep pockets of the Maloof family. A youth center targeting middle-school students is taking shape at the vacant fire station on H Street and will be unveiled after an "extreme makeover" renovation Sept. 2.

City sends Longs to drawing board - The Union of Grass Valley
Grass Valley officials and one resident assured Longs Drugs Tuesday there will be high hurdles to jump before a new store is approved for the chain at Idaho-Maryland Road and East Main Street.

My Offer to Brown Team: Make a Statement on Campaign Stationery and I will Release a Copy of My DD214

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:49:46 -0800

Update - It is my DD214 the Brown campaign is asking for. Yet, they are asking for McClintock, Devereux or Feliz to release it. That would be a felony without my consent. The fact that Mr. Reed, a Brown supporter mentions the name Feliz indicates an level of campaign knowledge that is uncommon. This is day 3 in the Effigy Watch - I will continue to call on the Brown team to either confirm or deny Charlie's anti-war activities, then Mr. Reed can have a copy of my DD214.

The Brown team wants to play a game of DD214 comparison. They have implied that unless you are a LT. Col or equivalent that you can not criticize Charlie Brown.

This is a smokescreen for my real issue with Brown - I know Charlie to be a ferverent anti-war activist until late in the 2006 campaign cycle when he adandoned Steven Pearcy and Cindy Sheehan.

The Brown team is seeking to deflect criticism from Brown's anti-American and anti-War activism by pointing at my service record.

So - let's kill two birds with one stone. Charlie needs to issue a denial or take ownership of his membership in Code Pink and his participation in anti-war activities. I am calling on the campaign to deliver to my office a letter on Brown for Congress stationery from the Brown campaign with and affirmation of Brown's patriotism and either a flat denial or a clear affirmation of Brown's anti-war activities including a clear unambiguous answer as to weather Brown stood with the soldier hung in effigy.

Once received, I will disclose my DD214.

One of the things I base my criticism of Charlie Brown on is this following article that the Sacramento Bee pritned in October of 2006 (even though this article could have assisted Doolittle's narrow victory):

"Anti-war activist Stephen Pearcy, who gained attention from his Sacramento home in February when he hung a human-shaped form dressed in a military uniform and adorned it with anti-war messages, charged that the retired Air Force officer is distancing himself from the protesters who had come to regard Brown as one of them.

"He's back-pedaling," said Pearcy in an interview. "He was initially holding himself out as an anti-war candidate, someone who vehemently opposed the war and supported immediate withdrawal. Now I am not so sure he supports that ... This is an example of the kind of Democrats we've had who have acted basically in a spineless manner."

Pearcy said the Roseville Democrat had appeared at his house in February when his dangling protest symbol was generating crowds of pro-war activists. Pearcy said Brown was dressed in his Air Force uniform to show his solidarity with him and his wife."

-- Sacramento Bee - David Whitney - Bee Washington Bureau

Published 6:39 pm PST Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Charlie - it is time to man up. Did you stand with the soldier hung in effigy?

OTT: Luddites send out plea to prop up sagging Montgomery Campaign

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:33:16 -0800

Blogger's Notes: I guess the Luddites can't get their message out through crashing Fire Summits or writing about why Private Property Rights are bad... they have taken to evangelism and passing the hat... One thing the Luddites know, the 3-lane vs 4-lane issue isn't the only thing this election is about.

Sierra Club Supporter,

I think you know how important this election is for Placer County. So much of what we have struggled for over the years hangs in the balance. What happens in the race in Supervisorial District 5 will decide the direction of the county for years to come. Will the big influx of developer money pave the way for a Bruce Kranz victory over Jennifer Montgomery in November? Will sprawl despoil the pristine beauty of Donner Summit? Do we face a future of sprawl from Roseville to Auburn and beyond? Are we ready to have a Supervisor who truly cares and will represent both sides of the poorly gerrymandered Placer County?

It really depends on whether you and I are willing to step up.

We usually don't ask for money, but the future of the place where we live is at stake. While Jennifer Montgomery is taking no money from big developers that is exactly where Bruce Kranz is getting his financial backing. As we approach the election in November, Jennifer must be able to get her message out and respond to relentless attacks in the form of Kranz's slick mailers.

With the Campaign Finance Reporting deadline at hand, this is an especially critical time to make a contribution to the Montgomery for Supervisor campaign, because Jennifer needs to show that she has the grassroots support and the financial muscle to compete with a Kranz campaign that is funded by powerful development interests.

If you think this county should stay a livable place and not a suburb of Sacramento, please make a contribution toward electing Jennifer Montgomery for supervisor. You can donate online at --- or write a check to "Montgomery for Supervisor" and send it to Montgomery for Supervisor, PO Box ----, No Progress, CA 95---.

Thank you,

Tahoe Area Sierra Club
Ron Grassi
Michael Donahoe

Placer County News Roundup - August 26, 2008

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:39:19 -0800

Auburn resident sole county resident to serve as delegate - Auburn Journal
Good for Ann, my long time friend, for serving as a delegate to the GOP convention next week.

Rocklin teachers protest at Back-to-School nights - Sac Bee
Rocklin Unified School District teachers plan to picket before scheduled Back-to-School events to protest stalled contract talks.

Competition develops for school board positions - Sierra Sun
Competition is starting to unfold for the three school board positions up for re-election in November, and the teachers union is gearing up to campaign for the challengers seeking to take over two incumbents' seats.

Supervisors to review county budget on Tuesday - Loomis News
The Placer County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing for the 2008-08 Final Budget at 10:30 a.m today.

Water rate hike for Auburn in the works - Auburn Journal
Placer County Water Agency is taking a long look at possible rate increases of 3 to 4 percent on customer water bills next year.

City to offer low-interest rehab loans - The Union of Grass Valley
If you live inside the Grass City limits, you might be eligible for a low-interest loan from the city's Housing Rehabilitation Program's $1.2 million fund.

Donner Lake bike lanes may be finished this year - Sierra Sun
The Donner Lake bike lanes project, originally planned over the course of two years, may wrap up this construction season.

Chana High students evacuated after vegetation fire breaks out near campus - Auburn Journal
Students at Chana High School were evacuated Monday afternoon after a small vegetation fire broke out in the garden area near the school.

Sheriff Bonner to speak at United Way Kick-off - Loomis News
Placer County Sheriff Ed Bonner will represent the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Placer County as a guest speaker of the United Way campaign.

OTT: The Noose of Issues Tightens - McClintock Challenges Brown to take No New Taxes Pledge

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:11:25 -0800

Blogger's Notes - Sorry Charlie! WWCBD? Will Pelosi let him take the no new taxes pledge?

McClintock Challenges Brown to Take the No Tax Pledge!
McClintock Says "I Will Not Raise Taxes"

State Senator Tom McClintock's Democratic opponent, Charlie Brown, who has never been involved in state budget negotiations, last week distributed an email demanding passage of the budget now pending in the State Legislature. McClintock delivered a response to Nevada County Republicans in a speech Saturday in Grass Valley.

"Sorry, Charlie, I will not raise taxes. I will not raise taxes in California . I will not raise taxes in Washington D.C.   I will not raise taxes, period," McClintock said. "And, that is something the people of this district can take to the bank."

While McClintock is a candidate in California 's Fourth Congressional District, he has not stopped fulfilling the duties of his day job. McClintock is one of the 15 Senate Republicans holding the line in the debate over California 's state budget. The current state budget proposal that Charlie Brown demands be passed includes more than $5 billion of new taxes that will boost California 's sales tax to nearly 10 percent.    McClintock said the state budget proposal contains the second biggest tax increase in the history of California .

"It will cost an average family some $550 of additional taxes at a time when they're struggling to pay their electricity bill, their gasoline bill and a tax burden that is already one of the highest in the nation," McClintock said. "That shouldn't surprise us. Charlie has already proposed an $18 billion tax increase on oil companies. There's only one problem with that. Oil companies don't pay oil company taxes. We consumers pay oil company taxes as they pass them along to us as higher prices."

McClintock said it comes as no surprise that Charlie Brown refuses to take the "No Tax Pledge" to protect the people of the 4th Congressional District from the massive tax increases that the Pelosi Congress is already preparing to unleash.

McClintock said that the Pelosi and her colleagues have refused to make the Bush tax cuts permanent - and they have refused to repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax. He said their refusal to do so makes those tax increases automatic.

"That's why the election is so important. That's why the no tax pledge is so important. And that's why Charlie Brown's insistence on passing a budget with the second biggest tax increase in the history of California is so appalling - and why it's important to understand what it would do to our economy," McClintock said.

The full text of the speech follows:

Nevada County Republican Central Committee Barbecue

Grass Valley, California

August 23, 2008

A funny thing is happening on the way to the Obama coronation. Americans are waking up and asking some basic questions, like:

Does anyone seriously believe our health care is going to be improved by handing it over to the same people who run the DMV and the Post Office?

Does anyone seriously believe that a House leadership that places William Jefferson on the Homeland Security Committee after he was caught with $90,000 in bribe money in his freezer has the best interests of our nation at heart?

Does anyone seriously believe that socialism will work any better in America than it did in the Soviet Union ?

Nobody here does - and fewer and fewer people across the country do either as they begin taking a closer look.

And once they began asking those questions, the political tide began turning in our favor. Just since the energy debate began in Washington last month, the Rasmussen poll has tracked a five point shift toward Congressional Republicans. Last week, John McCain pulled even with Obama for the first time in the Gallup poll.

Another thing is happening: Americans are awakening to the fact that the Luddite Left of the Democratic Party has been blocking development of America's vast energy resources and we've had enough.

Last month, my friend Charlie Brown announced that he was marching in lock step with Nancy Pelosi by opposing opening the 97 percent of our offshore and 94 percent of our onshore land that is currently off-limits to American oil production. At a time when our families are struggling to afford a tank of gas, we have more than 800 billion barrels of American oil under American land that is off-limits to American production. That's three time the known petroleum in Saudi Arabia and enough oil to meet American needs for the next century.

But that's just part of the damage they've done to American energy independence. We Californians are already paying the highest electricity rates in the continental United States - and the utilities have just filed for another rate increase.

The cleanest and cheapest possible way to produce electricity is from our dams. Hydroelectricity costs about 1 1/2 cents per kilowatt-hour (compared to 28-cents for solar energy). At 1 ½ cents per kilowatt-hour, your average household electricity bill should come to about $90 - per year.

Meanwhile, water rationing now threatens our region although we have the most abundant water resources in the nation.

And yet, a short distance from here is the site of the Auburn Dam. The footing was carved for that dam more than 30 years ago, but it was suspended because of opposition from people like Charlie Brown.

The Auburn Dam would generate 800 megawatts of the cleanest and cheapest electricity on the planet - enough for nearly a million families. And it would conserve 2.3 million acre feet of water - enough for more than two million families. And all this at a time when we can't guarantee enough electricity to keep your air conditioner running or enough water to keep your lawn green.

And yet Charlie Brown has vowed to block the development of this vital local resource that promises both cheap electricity and abundant water for the people of this region.

Ronald Reagan was right: Government is not the solution to these problems - government has been the cause of these problems.

And this week Charlie Brown sent out an e-mail to supporters demanding that I vote for the state budget. Ladies and gentlemen, that state budget contains the second biggest tax increase in the history of California . It will cost an average family some $550 of additional taxes at a time when they're struggling to pay their electricity bill, their gasoline bill and a tax burden that is already one of the highest in the nation.

That shouldn't surprise us. Charlie has already proposed an $18 billion tax increase on oil companies. There's only one problem with that. Oil companies don't pay oil company taxes. WE CONSUMERS pay oil company taxes as they pass them along to us as higher prices.

An $18 billion tax increase at the federal level is nearly $200 of additional taxes an average family will pay at the pump.

So it should also come as no surprise that Charlie refuses to take the "No Tax Pledge" to protect the people of the 4th Congressional District from the massive tax increases that the Pelosi Congress is already preparing to unleash.

They have refused to make the Bush tax cuts permanent - and they have refused to repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax. And it is important to understand that their refusal to do so makes those tax increases automatic. If they just sit there and do nothing those tax increases will take effect. They are already set in motion.

That's why the election is so important. That's why the no tax pledge is so important. And that's why Charlie Brown's insistence on passing a budget with the second biggest tax increase in the history of California is so appalling - and why it's important to understand what it would do to our economy.

The current state budget proposal that he demands be passed includes more than $5 billion of new taxes that will boost California 's sales tax to nearly 10 percent.

The last time we did this was in 1991, when Pete Wilson increased the California sales tax to almost 9 percent.

The first thing that happened is that retail sales in California fell faster in the next quarter than they had fallen in the previous thirty years. Remember that 2/3 of economic growth depends on consumer spending - and a sales tax strikes at the heart of our economy.

And that's exactly the next thing that happened. The tax increases of 1991 sent California into an economic nose-dive. The new taxes produced only a fraction of the new revenue that had been promised, and then produced two consecutive years of billion-dollar-a-year declines in state revenues as our economy imploded.

And that was at a time when the rest of the country was heading into an economic boom - imagine the damage that will be done to our economy at a time when the nation's economy is faltering and our own unemployment rate is running frighteningly ahead of the national unemployment rate!

At least people can escape bad energy and tax policy in Sacramento by moving out of California . Where can we go to escape bad energy and tax policy in Washington D.C. ?

So here is my response to Charlie Brown: Sorry, Charlie, I will not raise taxes. I will not raise taxes in California. I will not raise taxes in Washington D.C. I will not raise taxes, period. And that is something the people of this district can take to the bank.

A year ago, Sam Aanestad and I and several other Senate Republicans warned that the state budget was dangerously out of balance and that we were running out of time to fix it. We offered billions of dollars of spending reductions that would have prevented this fiscal meltdown. Where was Charlie Brown then? I know where his fellow Democrats were: they were crisscrossing the state assuring everyone that the budget was not only balanced but included the biggest budget reserve in the state's history!

Here's the good news: Americans are paying attention and they understand what's at stake. And I'm not just talking about Republicans. Our voter ID calls in this Congressional race now indicate that we're bringing in one in five Democrats who reject the Pelosi-Brown obstructionism on energy and who don't share their exuberance for higher taxes.

I am confident that this district is now poised to send a clear and powerful message to Nancy Pelosi and her minions just 73 days from now: We want our country back. We want our Constitution back. We want our freedom back. We want our energy independence back. We have had it with your high taxes, your bloated bureaucracies, your empty promises and your endless obstruction of every attempt by American enterprise to restore American abundance and prosperity.

Ladies and gentlemen, what has happened to our country has happened on our generation's watch, and it is our generation's responsibility - and our generation's destiny -- to set things right.

And when history looks back upon this period, I believe it will record that just when it looked like our American rights might be consumed by the bureaucratic state, this generation of Americans rose to the defense of our liberties and when we were done, we had produced a new era of American freedom, prosperity and energy independence and abundance for generations to come.

OTT: Latest Duck by Brown Team - $30K in Effigy

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:58:20 -0800

Blogger's Notes - Did Charlie stand with the effigy? This is what the voters in the 4th CD want to know. The absurdity of Charlie Brown's charges against Tom McClintock are punctuated by Charlie Brown's Anti-War Activism.

Late in the 2006 campaign, Charlie abandoned Cindy Sheehan and Steven Pearcy, dispatching his wife to try and talk them out of a Code Pink rally at the Capitol late summer 2006. Pearcy was quite angry that someone he saw as a friend would abandon his core principles in pursuit of political gain.

Could the "Promises Kept" be another attempt at political redemption for Charlie Brown? Think of it, it is a perfect storm - the Brownies can say I am a mean-spirited political attack dog and continue to avoid answering for Charlie's own contempt for our soldiers serving in Iraq.

Did Charlie Brown stand with the effigy? The silence from the Brown camp is deafening - it is time for Charlie to man up and either emphatically deny or proudly stand up with his anti-war allies that he spurned in late 2006.

Charlie's E-mail follows:

Dear Friend,

With less than 75 days to this historic election, I wanted to send you a special video message about why this campaign is so personal, and why we aren't waiting until January of 2009 to make a difference in District four.

Today, we're launching the second round of Promises Kept Veterans Charity Challenge voting. We'll be giving away another $30,000 next week. And between now and 11:59 PM on Monday, September 1st, you will determine how much each of our 3 worthy beneficiaries will receive.

CLICK HERE TO MEET OUR FINALISTS AND VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE!

As a veteran, a wife, and a mom, I am so proud of the military tradition in our family. A big part of that tradition is ensuring all who defend America around the world are also able to pursue their dreams here at home. Despite plenty of election year words to the contrary, history shows us that this is all too often not the case.

For example, recent reports show housing foreclosures among military families are occurring at 4 times the national average .

The support services offered by community based providers can make a huge difference for veterans and families most in need and most at risk. Like our previous beneficiaries, our newest finalists-- Rebuild Hope , Cottage Housing , and the Greater Oroville Homeless Coalition are offering innovative solutions to help meet needs ranging from financial crisis, to homelessness, to emotional readjustment.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FINALISTS, AND VOTE HERE!

A new generation of American warriors is already beginning to come home. The Promises Kept Veterans Charity Challenge is about much more than supporting service providers in our community---it's about giving veterans and military families a voice.

Since we launched the program last September, we have been inundated with phone calls and letters from fellow veterans across the country. Many are dealing with overwhelming financial, physical, and emotional hardships---lasting costs of war that no carefully staged photo op or well intentioned sound byte can possibly repay.

These voices are a reminder of why taking action in our communities today is so important, but they are also a reminder of why we need a strong voice for our military, our veterans and their families in the next Congress.

VOTE HERE IN THE PROMISES KEPT VETERANS CHARITY CHALLENGE!

Over the next few weeks, the public spotlight will shift to the national political conventions and what will be an historic election in November. Together, through this unprecedented program, we are making history right now.

Thank you again for your commitment to a higher standard of leadership.

Very Sincerely, (Brown's Signature)

I leave you with the Sacramento Bee Story from Late 2006:

"Anti-war activist Stephen Pearcy, who gained attention from his Sacramento home in February when he hung a human-shaped form dressed in a military uniform and adorned it with anti-war messages, charged that the retired Air Force officer is distancing himself from the protesters who had come to regard Brown as one of them.

"He's back-pedaling," said Pearcy in an interview. "He was initially holding himself out as an anti-war candidate, someone who vehemently opposed the war and supported immediate withdrawal. Now I am not so sure he supports that ... This is an example of the kind of Democrats we've had who have acted basically in a spineless manner."

Pearcy said the Roseville Democrat had appeared at his house in February when his dangling protest symbol was generating crowds of pro-war activists. Pearcy said Brown was dressed in his Air Force uniform to show his solidarity with him and his wife."

-- Sacramento Bee - David Whitney - Bee Washington Bureau

Published 6:39 pm PST Tuesday, October 31, 2006