October 28th 2008
East Bay Politics - One Week To Go Until CNN Finds New Issues To Daily Dissect!
Next Tuesday will culminate the most historic event in U.S. politics with either an African American as president, or a woman as Vice President!
Obama/Biden vs. McCain/Palin - I don’t know about you, but I am exhausted with the 20 month marathon of this campaign. I can only imagine that the CNN reporters are in the same condition - exhausted, given they work very hard each day to come up with the “newest best thing” to report on daily. What in the world is CNN going to do after Tuesday for their daily entertainment? Here are some of my suggestions to consider for the next Presidential election;
Anyone running for President who currently holds an elected political office must resign that office so someone else can be appointed who will serve their constituents during their campaign. A person running for President is out of the Congress, Senate, or as Governor for 20+ months campaigning and it is not fair to those who elected her/him to be without representation.
The Republicans and the Democrats need to be provided equal Federal campaign funds to spend on their race for the White House. NO other campaign funds are allowed to be spent by either candidate. Then a level playing field will be created so the Presidency will not be able to be “bought” by whomever has the most money.
NO negative advertising will be permited; print, mailers, newspaper, or television. The candidates will only be able to address the topics of their Presidency if they are elected. The question addressed by each of them during their campaign will only be, “Why should I be elected President?” Not, “Why you should NOT vote for my opponent?”
All campaign promises made by a Presidential candidate will be logged into a website that will be managed by the Federal Election Committee. This website of promises will be updated for the entire four years of the winning candidate’s Presidency. The results of how they delivered on their promises will be posted monthly for all to see. Accountability seems to be a deadly word in Washington today.
I am sure you will have many more ideas that need to be considered, too, so leave a comment about how our next presidential election will be more beneficial for our entire country. My next political observations are the State and local races, and issues that can boggle the minds of any voter. Here are some of my observations…
Local city council elections can be as negative and mudslinging as any of the National 
elections. Once a person becomes an incumbent they usually want to stay in their elected office. Some incumbents do amazing things to make sure they stay in office. There must be a “nasty campaign school” that is hidden from the public where candidates can learn how to sabotage opponents. You may want to vote for the new person on the ticket and see if they bring new ideas to local issues. And, anyone running for office needs to checkout the California Campaign Fair Practices site.
Carefully consider initiatives that impact your personal pocketbook and determine if you really want to spend the money that the initiative is promoting. Next support issues of human and civil rights. Vote No on issues that take away any rights of privacy, or civil rights.
Support initiatives that assist with education and roads. We need more financial support of our schools in order to regain a world class position of our schools in California. And, our roads are falling apart Statewide with little end in sight. They need our help, too.
OK, enough of my political ramblings. The bottom line is I am mentally worn out with this election year. So, let’s turn off the TV, stop the newspaper deliveries, and work on the local needs of our communities instead of believing the sky is falling and running for cover. It is not, and we will continue to create a magnificent local, State, and National experience. But, we will all need to work on it together. Until next time, let me know your thoughts…
2 Comments »
Marianne Bordogna on 29 Oct 2008 at 12:20 am #
Jim,
I read your recent blog about the presidential candidates’ campaigns and I agree - it has been exhausting to watch. I can’t imagine what the candidates must be feeling, after 20+ months at this, and their constituents back home, who have basically been unrepresented during this time period. I think we need at least a couple new rules, 1) that you can’t start fundraising & campaigning until 6 months before an election - keep it short & sweet (less time to get your message out, so less time to revert to the negative), And, 2) limits on campaign funds raised/spent … the amount of money raised and spent in this presidential race, along with other ballot initiatives, is absolutely obscene. The thought that “he who raises the most money wins” is a scary thought. And we wonder why the “normal, highly qualified” individuals from the private sector in this country do not toss their hats into the ring?
My campaign for the Danville Town Council is into its third month and I’m ready for the finish line! It has definitely been an experience. I’ve learned a lot about local “backroom” politics and the role of the media, even in our small town of Danville - AND I’ve had the opportunity to meet many new residents who have turned out to meet Marianne Bordogna, the “New Voice for Danville.” Putting it in perspective - it’s all good!
Thanks for your thoughts - and for getting the word out. It is greatly appreciated.
Marianne
Jim Walberg on 29 Oct 2008 at 2:22 am #
Hi Marianne,
Thanks for checking in! Your entire real estate community is so proud of what you are doing by stepping up and running for a seat on the Danville Town Council. ( Brilliant website address, too! http://www.DanvilleTownCouncil.com ) The process is a challenge, but if one is committed to making a difference in their communities one has to step up and say, “I am here to serve!” Congrats on your commitment. It is only six days away from the finish line!