Update: Lee McGroarty receives endorsement

It appears that 42nd Congressional candidate Lee McGroarty has received his first endorsement from an elected official. Chino Valley Unified School District Board Member Michael Calta posted this comment on a Daily Bulletin story about Lee.

Lee, It’s a bold move challenging an entrenched incumbent for a
Congressional seat. I applaud it. We need our elected officials to be more
responsive and remember they are one of us, elected by us to be our voice – not
just the voice of the special interests or big money donors.“We, the People”
need to matter again. You’ve got my support!

Michael Calta
CVUSD Board
Member: 2004 to Present

Yes, it is possible that this was not Mr. Calta. If so, I will fix this story.

It will be interesting to see what other endorsements Lee will receive between now and June.

UPDATE: Mr. Calta confirmed in a comment to this story that he is supporting Mr. McGroarty for Congress.

Hagman endorses Norby

According to his post on FlashReport, Assemblyman Curt Hagman has endorsed Chris Norby for Assembly.

I think Chris Norby will be a fighter for Republican principles. During
this break from the legislature I hear more and more how people are mad.
While they are mad at Obamacare and tax increases, they are also mad at the
Republican Party.

Norby understands that frustration and I will never have to worry about
him voting for big government or a tax increase. He gets that. Chris Norby is a
grassroots Republican. I may not agree with him on every issue, but we need more fighters from the grassroots in Sacramento.

Sen. Bob Huff's End of Session Legislative Update

From Sen. Bob Huff,

I’m pleased to announce that four pieces of my legislation were signed by Governor Schwarzenegger this month.

Senate Bill 136 provides for the sale of state property that is no longer needed. By getting unused and not needed property back in the private sector, we save maintenance costs, score new taxes, and in many cases, facilitate new private sector jobs.

The second bill, Senate Bill 548, is a measure that helps protect veterans from fraud and abuse. Under California’s Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) program, state related projects are required to use certified disabled veterans for a portion of the work. Unfortunately, in all too many cases, once a veteran has been worked into a contract to meet the state’s requirements, contractors do not award the agreed-upon jobs. Worse yet, some contractors use veterans’ services on a project but do not pay them for their hard work. Senate Bill 548 will make certain that when a contractor hires a disabled veteran, they are awarded both the agreed upon work and pay.

Senate Bill 598 allows a drunk driver who has lost his driver's license, and who voluntarily installs an ignition interlock device (IID) to apply for a restricted license at an earlier time. An IID disables a car ignition if alcohol is detected. Many convicted drunks, needing transportation for work and family duties, drive without a license. By providing an alternative that legally allows them to drive, while ensuring they don't drive drunk, lives will be saved. Additionally, those who use these interlock devices, have a much better track record of not re-offending.

I applaud the Governor’s efforts in proactively fighting drunk driving and joined Governor Schwarzenegger and many leaders in the law enforcement community at a press conference and bill signing ceremony to highlight this important measure.

Also in attendance was Assemblyman Mike Feuer, who authored a companion piece of legislation that creates a mandatory ignition interlock device for first time drunk drivers through a pilot program in four California counties, including Los Angeles County.

Lastly, jointly authored by myself and Senator Romero, SB 680 gives parents and students more quality public school options beyond their home district. Traditionally, students are bound to their neighborhood schools that may or may not meet their individual needs. Confronted with this, parents who are able have put their children in private schools or home schools. The District of Choice program creates opportunities for parents to keep their children in public schools, and also creates a healthy competition for schools to implement innovative education programs to attract and keep their students.

It is an honor to have authored these measures.

42nd Congressional FEC Update

The FEC filings through September were due by last Friday. The totals for the 42nd Republican primary were as expected, Congressman Gary Miller led the fundraising.

Miller raised $30,900 for a total this year of $155,425. He spent $27,461.98 this quarter. His cash on hand is $906,953.57.

Challenger Lee McGroarty raised $5100 in his first quarter as a candidate. However, it should be noted that one person donated $2400 for the primary and $2400 for the general election.

The McGroarty campaign shows no money spent but $9427.47 in debt. The explanation given for the debt is "administrative/salary/overhead:campaign events and supplies."

It is odd that these types of expenses are listed as debt and not itemized as required by law. Usually candidates list the expense, and then list it as debt if there is not enough cash on hand. Expenses including salary, administrative costs and events are suppose to be itemized if over $200. That way citizens know where the money is going.

I wouldn't be surprised to see an FEC letter go out in the next few days asking him to explain it. McGroarty is new to politics, so these types of mistakes are probably to be expected by the campaign as they learn election law.

Hagman introduces gun rights protection amendment

Latest Press Release from Assemblyman Hagman.

Assemblyman Hagman's bill will take back the rights of gun owners in California

Assemblyman Curt Hagman will amend his AB 373 to be an immediate repeal of AB 962 by Assemblyman De León. AB 962 requires individuals purchasing ammunition be fingerprinted and registered at the time of sale, mandates that dealers keep these records and make them available for inspection by the California Department of Justice. Ammunition retailers would also have to store ammunition in such a manner that it would be inaccessible to purchasers and mail order ammunition sales would be prohibited.

"The laundry list of new requirements in Assembly Bill 962 treats law abiding citizens like criminals. The only people this bill will affect are those already following the law," stated Assemblyman Hagman, "My bill will ensure that California's responsible gun owners are not punished by this excessive regulation from Sacramento."

Rep. Miller on Senate Finance Committee Health Care Bill

From Rep. Miller's Office

Senate Health Care Bill Will Increase Taxes and Hamper Consumer Choice

Washington, Oct 9 - According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the Senate Finance Committee’s health care mark, like the House health care bill, would mandate health insurance. Specifically, beginning in July 2013, the proposal would establish a requirement for individuals to obtain insurance and would in many cases impose a financial penalty on people who did not do so. Moreover, the Senate mark would allow the government to decide what health care insurance policies are acceptable, thereby limiting consumer choices and increasing government intrusion in personal decisions. Although CBO estimates the modified Senate Finance Committee healthcare overhaul bill would cost $829 billion over 10 years and will decrease the deficit by $81 billion, this is accomplished by raising taxes by $500 billion on employers and those who already have insurance, as well as by cutting Medicare and Medicaid benefits by over $400 billion. Furthermore, according to CBO and the Joint Committee on Taxation, at least 71 percent of the individual mandate tax penalties in the Senate Finance bill would be levied on Americans earning less than $250,000. Congressman Miller is deeply concerned about Congressional health care proposals that increase taxes and slash benefits for our nation’s seniors and will continue to fight for effective health care solutions.

Would Chris Norby's Brother be allowed as his Chief of Staff?

I don't want this blog to turn into a Norby-bashing blog, but I wonder if he can bring his brother up to Sacramento to be his COS there, too?

Latest NorbyWatch Email

From NorbyWatch,

It is a bad day for the Norby for Assembly campaign. Things are starting to crumble as people find out more about him.

First, Frank Mickadeit has a column in the Orange County Register today that includes a claim by former Fullerton City Councilwoman Linda LeQuire that Norby had sexual harassment issues on three occasions with City of Fullerton employees.

Here is the key passage in the Mickadeit piece --
The other thing that turned off Ackerman, he says, is that on three occasions he was told by the city manager that a female city employee had complained about Norby's "touchings and inappropriate comments." No lawsuits were filed, Ackerman says, because "that's not the way things were handled then." Instead, he says, the city manager told Norby to knock it off. The city manager has since died. Of the two former council members I was able to reach, one, Buck Catlin, said he doesn't remember having an issue with Norby's voting habits or hearing about any sexual harassment. The other council member, however, Linda LeQuire, said she remembers both. "His voting was not always consistent with what he said before the public meeting," she said. On harassment: "There were several instances where the council was apprised something had happened. S There were warnings to Chris not to do things S to curtail activities that might be seen as harassing in nature."

Everyone knows about the problems he had as an Orange County Supervisor with a former employee....but now we can see this is a pattern of behavior. Then last night the California Republican Assembly has a debate. Some new guy that no one has ever heard of named Richard Faher goes after Norby for the sexual harassment on the county employee. What would Faher have done if he had known about the incidents in Fullerton?

Here is the passage from Martin Wiskol's coverage of the debate --
Political newcomer Richard Faher displayed a down-home, everyman delivery coupled with a solid knowledge of the issues facing the state and the workings of politics. He also was unafraid to bring up a past sexual harassment complaint - dismissed by an appellate court - against Norby. The complaint could become a factor in the race - particularly since the Nov. 17 election has been called to replace Mike Duvall, who resigned amid a sex scandal.

The candidates were asked about personal integrity and Faher didn’t hesitate with delicacies. “Chris Norby had a sexual harassment charge against him,” Faher said. “The judge was quite harsh. That’s the elephant in the room.” While the court dismissed the complaint, it called Norby’s behavior “rude, inappropriate and offensive.” Norby responded by pointing to the proliferation of nuisance lawsuits, and said this case fell in that category. “I had only three encounters with her, all in public, all when she approached me,” he said.

If the people of the 72nd Assembly District want someone in the Assembly that has this sort of a record with women -- let's bring Duvall back. He was actually not as bad as this Norby guy.

72nd Republican Differences

The OC Register showed some political differences between the three republicans running for the 72nd.

Abortion
"Faher was the only Republican candidate not to oppose abortion rights - he said he would not take a public position on the issue."

Medical Marijuana
Ackerman was the, "only one opposed to medicinal marijuana."

Illegal Immigration
"Norby was the sole GOP candidate to oppose employer sanctions for undocumented workers."


I found Faher's abortion comment interesting. He is running for public office but refuses to take a public position on an important issue.

Ackerman-Norby History

The Orange County Register has an interesting story on the history of the Ackerman-Norby feud. It contains a new allegation by Dick Ackerman of sexual harassment by Norby.

The most interesting part of the story.

Ackerman says the two had a friendly beer at Elmer's after Norby won.
"I said, 'Hey, things are going to be good. We've got five conservatives.' But
the votes kept coming out 4-1," with Norby dissenting. While it didn't affect
the outcome, it did irk Ackerman, who believed Norby was pandering to the "vocal minority" that would come out to protest whatever issue happened to be on the
agenda on a given night."He'd just count the people in the audience and that's how he voted. He was the populist."

The other thing that turned off Ackerman, he says, is that on three occasions he was told by the city manager that a female city employee had complained about Norby's "touchings and inappropriate comments." No lawsuits were filed, Ackerman says, because "that's not the way things were handled then."

Instead, he says, the city manager told Norby to knock it off. The city manager has since died.

Of the two former council members I was able to reach, one, Buck Catlin, said he doesn't remember having an issue with Norby's voting habits or hearing about any sexual harassment.

The other council member, however, Linda LeQuire, said she remembers
both.

"His voting was not always consistent with what he said before the
public meeting," she said. On harassment: "There were several instances where
the council was apprised something had happened. … There were warnings to Chris not to do things … to curtail activities that might be seen as harassing in
nature."

Rep. Gary Miller on TARP Anniversary

From Rep. Gary Miller

While last Saturday marks the one year anniversary of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) being signed into law, questions continue to linger regarding the future of this controversial program. As the current Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, is considering whether or not to extend TARP past its December 31, 2009 expiration, hundreds of billions of dollars in existing commitments will remain on the government’s books for the next several years.

Last year, our economy faced historic and unprecedented challenges that posed a clear threat to our country’s economic underpinnings. The housing markets experienced significant upheaval and increased delinquencies and defaults among borrowers contributed to turmoil in the mortgage finance sector. As a result, our entire economy was affected—banks stopped lending and everyday Americans were affected by this severe credit crunch. Following these sobering events, then Treasury Secretary Paulson, Federal Reserve Board Chairman Bernanke, and President Bush warned repeatedly that an economic crash would be imminent if Congress did not swiftly pass legislation to address the financial markets crisis. After the House failed to pass an economic rescue package the first time, not listening to their warnings proved to be dangerous, as evidenced by the subsequent $1 trillion loss in the stock markets in the days that followed. After meeting with Secretary Paulson, Chairman Bernanke, and President Bush’s economic advisors, I heeded their warnings and voted for the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (EESA), which established the TARP, in order to prevent a catastrophic collapse of our economy. This $700 billion economic rescue plan granted $250 billion in immediate authority to the Department of Treasury to purchase assets from financial institutions, with an additional $100 billion after the Secretary reported to Congress. Congress then had the authority to withhold the remaining $350 billion.

While some viewed this as a bailout for the fat cats on Wall Street, my sole reason in voting for this legislation was to ensure Americans with good credit could continue to access home, auto, and student loans and small businesses would be able to access the loans they need to keep their businesses open and their employees paid. While the legislation was being considered, it was my understanding that TARP funds were to be used to finance the purchase of troubled assets, such as residential and commercial mortgage-related assets, including mortgage-backed securities and whole loans, in order to alleviate the credit crunch and stabilize the overall economy. However, mid-October, after this legislation was signed into law, the Department of Treasury changed the rules of the game for TARP and used funds to purchase shares in a broad array of financial institutions.

Since its enactment, I have repeatedly expressed frustration with the way TARP has been implemented and consequently voted against releasing the additional $350 billion in TARP funds. From the outset, the program has been implemented with far too little transparency and in a manner inconsistent with the way it was presented to Congress last fall. After reports of financial institutions using TARP funds for unwarranted bank acquisitions and other questionable purposes, I sent a letter to then Secretary Paulson urging Treasury to prohibit them from doing so. I continue to believe that these practices are an improper use of taxpayer dollars, anti-competitive and was not the intention of Congress during consideration of the EESA. To ensure that participating institutions are adhering to the program’s purposes, I encouraged Secretary Paulson to closely track the usage of TARP funds and to report the Department’s findings to Congress. I also sent a letter with several of my colleagues to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors requesting greater transparency of the lending facilities they have authorized to ensure accountability to the nation’s taxpayers. Further, last December the Department of Treasury again changed the rules of TARP by unilaterally deciding that it would make $13.4 billion in TARP funds available to certain domestic auto manufacturers. These troubling actions clearly were not the intent of TARP.

I am extremely disappointed with the way TARP has been managed and am working vigorously in Congress to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and most efficiently. Subsequently, I voted against the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which was passed earlier this year. Rather than enact policies that save, protect, and create jobs, this so-called stimulus package has been growing government while the private sector has continued to lose jobs. In fact, nearly three million jobs have been lost since the enactment of this bill. If another stimulus is brought up for a vote, you can rest assured that I will vote against any measure that wastes valuable taxpayer dollars on frivolous government programs.

As TARP recipients are beginning to repay these funds, I have requested that Treasury use these taxpayer dollars to pay down our enormous national debt. It is crucial that Congress put an end to a borrow-and-spend philosophy and get our nation’s fiscal house in order. All in all, we must reform the areas of our nation’s financial sector that led to this crisis and we must make sure our economy fully recovers and this never happens again.

Hagman Op-Ed on Water

From Assemblyman Hagman's website.

Democrats And Water Don't Mix Well

In the past year, our communities have been hit hard with the housing crisis, followed by the state budget crisis, and now another huge challenge looms ahead. The cascading water crisis is here now, so how can we protect the future of the Chino Valley?

Replenishing our dwindling water supplies in the Chino Valley must be a top priority for lawmakers in Sacramento. Our existence, our economy and the jobs of millions of Californians are now at stake. The crisis is so bad that a local water agency, Monte Vista Water District, has enforced mandatory conservation and has prohibited the watering of landscapes during daytime hours. Other agencies like the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power have also allotted less water to customers to use at current rates, leading to higher bills for many families. Chino Hills and Chino have instituted a non-mandatory water conservation program and hopefully they will not have to move to a compulsory program.

The causes of the water crisis are straightforward. As California's population has grown by roughly half a million people each year, the demand for water becomes greater. However, supplies have been drastically reduced. Our state is experiencing a third straight year of drought. To compound the problem, a federal judge strictly limited the water we receive from the San Joaquin Delta in Northern California to protect a fish. This is significant because the Delta provides water to most of Southern California. Any more reductions will affect our quality-of-life by requiring mandatory conservation and rationing. This leads to more browned lawns, higher food prices, and a deeper recession. The water crisis is not just a Delta or Chino Valley problem; it/s California problem.

That's why the Legislature needs to pass a comprehensive water plan soon. Unfortunately, Sacramento Democrats put forward a plan that mandates more conservation and creates more government bureaucracy. Their plan requires cities to cut water use by 20% by 2020, a laudable but unrealistic goal for Southern Californians who have little left to conserve. Democrats also want to create an unaccountable "Delta Stewardship Council" that will decide our water future without a vote of the Legislature or the people. This will only make the crisis worse as they would have the authority to impose stricter regulations that would make it practically impossible to increase supplies. Making government bigger won't give anyone one extra drop of water.

Not surprisingly, the Legislature failed to reach an agreement before the end of last session. As talks continue, my Republican colleagues and I are fighting for a comprehensive solution that will boost water supply and reliability.

We want to create new groundwater storage to capture more rainfall and snowmelt. About 40% of Southern California's water supply is stored in groundwater basins. Building more of this type of storage is essential to a balanced solution. We also want to improve the delivery of water received from the Northern part of the state. By upgrading delivery, we can bypass the Delta and its restrictions, helping to ensure enough water for the future.

Californians deserve better from Sacramento than an unbalanced plan that only caters to extreme coastal environmentalists at the expense of working families. We need a plan that works for everyone, and I am committed to doing everything I can to pass a water solution that works now and in the future.

California State Assemblyman, Curt Hagman (R) represents the 60th District, including Anaheim, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, Industry, La Habra, La Mirada, Orange, Rowland Heights, San Dimas, Walnut, & more. He can be reached at (909) 627-7021.

72nd Deadline Passes

As of 6pm the Orange County Registrar's Office shows that five candidates have filed to seek the former seat of Mike Duvall. The new additions since Friday are Democrat John MacMurray and Republican Richard Faher.

They join Republicans Chris Norby, Linda Ackerman and Green Party candidate Jane Rands.

Nine candidates pulled papers to run but only these five filed.

The Orange County Register has more.

FBI visits Ex-Assemblyman Duvall's Staff

According to the LA Times, two former staffers, including past Chief of Staff have been interviewed by the FBI. Duvall's boasting of sexual exploits with energy company lobbyists has brought about scrutiny from the State Assembly itself and now the Feds.

One little question that is still being debated is who sent the committee recording of Duvall and Assemblyman Jeff Miller to various media outlets? Speculation has pointed to the possibility that one of Assemblyman Miller's own staffers did it as a sort of dirty trick / political payback against Duvall.

72nd Special Election Filing Update

The filing deadline for the 72nd Assembly district is Monday, October 5. As of close of business Friday, nine candidates had pulled papers and three had qualified for the ballot.

Qualified thus far are Republicans Chris Norby, Linda Ackerman and Green Party candidate Jane Rands.

The primary election date is November 17. A general election will not be held if a candidate receives 50% or more of the vote.

Rep. Miller honors Kimberly Felder as Angel in Adoption

Rep. Gary Miller's weekly newsletter had an interesting story. I am glad Congress has an award like this.

####
Kimberly Felder Honored as Angel in Adoption

Washington, Oct 2 - Congressman Miller was honored to nominate Kimberly Felder as his 2009 Angel in Adoption. The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute each year administers the Angels in Adoption program which allows Members of Congress to honor the good work of one person or family in their district who has enriched the lives of foster children or orphans.

Kimberly Felder has an unparalleled career in adoptive family development, spanning 20 years and two agencies in Southern California. She has shepherded thousands of children into loving adoptive families, giving them the opportunity for a more promising future. Kimberly and her husband Carl have two birth children and seven adopted children who joined the family as infants, toddlers, and adolescents. Congressman Miller commends Kimberly for being a real Angel in Adoption. On Wednesday, Kimberly was honored in a ceremony at the Angels in Adoption Gala in Washington, DC.

To nominate an Angel for 2010, please contact his Brea office at (714) 257-1142.

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Water board director Xavier Alvarez sentenced to five years' prison

From the SGV Tribune


By Wes Woods II
Posted: 10/01/2009 11:43:57 AM PDT

Three Valleys Municipal Water Board Director Xavier Alvarez was sentenced to five years in state prison Thursday for insurance fraud, misappropriation of public funds and grand theft.
He was led out of court in handcuffs after the sentencing in Pomona Superior Court.

Alvarez, 51, was convicted for registering his ex-wife, Juanita Ruiz, for health benefits with the water district from Jan. 24 to Oct. 31, 2007. The action cost the district about $4,000.

He will lose his position on the water board and will not be allowed to run for public office again, said Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Sandi Roth.

Alvarez's term on the water board has been drowned in controversy.

He was fined and sentenced to probation in July 2008 after he was convicted of federal charges for falsely claiming he won the Medal of Honor.

Alvarez represents south Pomona on the water board.

Rep. Miller appears on Fox Business to discuss Neighborhood Preservation Act

Rep. Gary Miller appeared on the Fox Business Channel to discuss his bill, H.R. 2529, the Neighborhood Preservation Act.

http://garymiller.house.gov/Multimedia/Default.aspx?MediaID=1499

The legislation passed unanimously by voice vote.

Assemblyman Curt Hagman Demands Audit And End To Any California Funding For Acorn

From Assemblyman Hagman.

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Assemblyman Curt Hagman Demands Audit And End To Any California Funding For Acorn

Today, Assemblyman Curt Hagman (R-Chino Hills), Vice-Chair of the California State Assembly Public Safety Committee, sent a letter to Governor Schwarzenegger requesting an Audit and the suspension of any state funding currently being provided to the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN).

"The United States Congress and Governor of Minnesota saw fit to withdraw funding in light of recent improper activity," said Assemblyman Hagman. "I support Governor Schwarzenegger's request for an investigation by the State Attorney General. I also believe recent reports and activities in California give good cause to audit and suspend any state funding for ACORN pending this investigation.

ACORN has so many tentacles only an audit can ensure no funding is going to this questionable organization."

####

72nd Filing Deadline

The filing deadline for the 72nd Assembly district special election is fast approaching. October 5 is the last day to officially enter the race to replace Mike Duvall. The 72nd district includes Yorba Linda, Brea and part of La Habra.