Placer County Young Republicans

LaMalfa and McClintock Move to Protect Private Property Rights

2005-07-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

In response to the attack on private property rights made by the Supreme Court in their decision on Kelo vs. The City of New London, California Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa and State Senator Tom McClintock have introduced a California Constitutional Amendment to limit the taking of private property in California. The following is a statement released by Assemblyman LaMalfa regarding ACA 22 and SCA 15.

Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa Statement regarding ACA 22 – The Homeowner & Property Protection Act

The Legislation addresses the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision of Kelo V. City of New London, Connecticut permitting government to seize the property of ordinary citizens for private gain.

"As a farmer, I hold the value of property ownership and enjoyment as a paramount right and with the recent Supreme Court decision occurring in such close proximity to the celebration of our independence 229 years ago, I wonder if those farmers, colonists and settlers that rose up then would not expect the same of us now, especially those of us elected and sworn to protect these and our other constitutional rights.

The notion that government can place a higher value on one person’s activity and use of their own assets over someone else’s is an elitist and dangerous enterprise that connotes the totalitarian thinking of a few making value judgments over the masses. I believe this is contrary to our most fundamental constitutional rights.

By accepting this ruling, we would all essentially become renters and not owners of our property. No one is safe in their home or with their possessions. The abuse of the process of eminent domain allows the government, all too frequently, to declare a property blighted and take it on a whim, with little or no justification whatsoever.

The Constitutional Amendment that we are introducing today, ACA 22 and SCA 15, will protect private property owners and homeowners in California from the arbitrary use of eminent domain. It sets a high standard for establishing what is a legitimate public use and provides remedies if the government entity that executes a taking does not follow through with that stated public use. This is a critical measure that we are hopeful all of our colleagues in the Legislature will support so that we can place it before the voters as soon as possible.

I want to thank our colleagues that are joining us today. I also want to thank Senator McClintock for his leadership on this issue and the Pacific Legal Foundation for their guidance in helping us craft a measure that will accomplish this vital protection for all Californians. Thank you."

Raising taxes hurts our children!

2005-05-18T09:28:00.000-07:00

A letter of mine appeared in the Auburn Journal today regarding Measure D, which is an initiative put forward by Meadow Vista's Placer Hills School District.

Raising taxes will shoot up costs and hurt children
Wednesday, May 18, 2005 12:15 AM PDT

Raising taxes hurts our children.

I don't think the supporters of Measure D understand how raising taxes will hurt the community and the children in it.

Raising taxes will shoot up the cost of living in Meadow Vista. Families will have less money to provide important necessities for their children.Instead, their money will be spent not to provide for new services, but to keep locked in place the failing policies that got the district into its current problems.

By reducing cost and overhead in Meadow Vista's schools, school officials will have more money available to spend where it is needed most - in our classrooms and for our children.

Meadow Vista's schools are not having problems because they don't have enough money. They are having problems because they are misusing the money that they do have.

Spend the money right! That is what will help children most.
Chris Mays
Roseville

http://www.auburnjournal.com/articles/2005/05/18/opinion/letters/04letters.txt

Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces Full Funding of Proposition 42 Transportation Funds

2005-05-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

You heard it here first...

For Immediate Release: Contact: Margita Thompson
Wednesday, May 11, 2005 916-445-4571
H.D. Palmer/DOF
916-323-0648

Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces Full Funding of Proposition 42 Transportation Funds

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced today that his revised 2005-06 budget proposal will include $1.3 billion in restored transportation funds for Proposition 42 at a speech to the League of California Cities.

"It's time for California to build again in the cities, the counties and everywhere across our state," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "On Friday, I will present a budget for California that will fully restore Proposition 42 and put more than $1.3 billion into transportation. This will allow us to move ahead with new projects that were approved for construction years ago and finish or expand current projects that have been stalled by the lack of funding."

The $1.3 billion would be distributed as prescribed by Proposition 42, as follows:

$678 million would go to the Transportation Congestion Relief Program (TCRP)
$254 million to the State Highway Account (SHA) for State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) projects
$254 million to cities and counties for deferred maintenance of local roads ($127 million to cities, $127 million to counties)
$127 million to the Public Transportation Account, with half ($63.5 million) of those funds available for STIP projects and half ($63.5 million) for State Transit Assistance (STA)

The Governor credited an improving economy for reversing the need to borrow money earmarked by the voters for transportation.

"Our economic recovery plan is working and as a result we have more revenues coming to the state," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "We're going to create an infrastructure that reduces the gridlock on our roads, builds the facilities that our cities need, speeds up the movement of goods in our state and creates more jobs. I want a California where people spend less time sitting on the freeway and more time with their families at home."

Proposition 42, passed by the voters in 2002, requires that state sales and use taxes on the sale of motor vehicle fuel be used for public transportation, city and county street and road repairs and improvements, and state highway improvements. Proposition 42 was partially suspended in the 2003-04 budget and fully suspended in the 2004-05 budget.

The Governor's current legislative budget control proposal, ACA 4X by Assemblymember Rick Keene (R-Chico), would prohibit further suspension of Proposition 42 beginning in 2007-08. Furthermore, ACA 4X provides for repayment of all Proposition 42 suspensions in equal annual increments by 2021-22.

Governor Schwarzenegger will announce his full May budget revision on Friday, May 13.

Attached are lists of STIP and TCRP projects approved by the California Transportation Commission that may receive money with the full funding of Proposition 42.

###

LA Unified School District Applaud at Governors Attempts to Help Failing Schools

2005-05-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

LA Unified School District is providing a clear example of who bureaucrats care about – THEMSELVES.

In a proposed change to school regulations the Governor plans to make it easier for parents and teachers to unite and take habitually failing schools away from the district and create charter schools. Under the new provisions all funds would go directly to the charter school and not be siphoned off at the district level.

Ultimately, what seems to worry the LAUSD the most is not that these schools are habitually failing but that they will loose the opportunity to control the money that rightfully needs to fund these schools.
From LA Daily News:

“This proposal would allow parents at those struggling schools to more easily convert their campuses to charters, perhaps by a simple-majority vote, LAUSD
officials said.
"It's a very drastic, big move," school board Vice President Marlene Canter said.
The LAUSD would not have authority over the new charter schools, which would divert millions of dollars from the school district, officials said.”

This sounds like a great program where involved teachers and parents can unite and reform habitually failing schools. The only thing that LAUSD seems to care about is that it will loose the authority to spend the dollars from those schools and require those teachers to be in the teachers union.
Now, the money quotes from the fear mongering teachers union and LAUDS thugs:

"This can produce chaos in this district," Superintendent Roy Romer said. "I'm
trying to warn people about it."
"These schools could be taken from the district," said Peggy Barber, coordinator of the LAUSD's Office of Legislation Implementation.
"This is a crisis for public education, said school board
member Julie Korenstein."

All I can say is, “go for it Arnold!”

$2 billion windfall may ease Placer County Traffic Woes

2005-05-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

A recently discovered windfall of $2 billion dollars may help ease Placer County woes.

It's hoped that Governor Schwarzenegger will use this money to replace the Prop 42 funds that he raided earlier in his term. Those monies, which were generated from tax revenues specifically earmarked for transportation and infrastructure development, are currently being diverted into the general fund.

What does all this mean?

Right now the government is spending our gas tax revenues, which are supposed to be for transportation, on pretty much anything. As a result, there is less money in the transportation fund than there ought to be. Places with dire need, such as Placer County, are forced to look elsewhere for funds to solve their funding needs.

Some in Placer County are vetting the possibility of a sales tax increase to support road construction and maintenance in Placer County, specifically in regards to the Placer Parkway project (a mini-highway that would connect highways 65 and 99).

If the Governor decides to replace these funds, there is a good chance that we will see state revenues for important projects such as Placer Parkway and the widening of Highway 80.

Now, I know how many of you (including me) are loathe to consider any sort of government project as beneficial; but, the simple fact is that in the 90s the voters of California approved a gasoline tax that would be used to build roads; no new roads are being built. We have been paying all this money to the government for something that hasn't happened. Now, I'm no fan of government, but I do believe in getting what I paid for.

And I paid for roads.

We'll know more on Friday when the Governor's May Revise is announced.

Volunteers to Patrol San Diego Border

2005-05-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

Click here for the story.

Volunteers will begin patrolling the California-Mexican border this Summer. This is an excellent example of private citiziens taking up a duty that the government has failed in.

Far too often, Government fails - at taxpayer's expense - in the duties its sets upon itself. We can look not only at the issue of border security, but in the many failed and flawed domestic programs that Big Government has sponsored throughout the years.

The Minuteman project is the ideal example of how local communities can often come together to be more effective than Federal or State agencies.

The opposition will claim that the minuteman project didn't accomplish anything during its brief deployment along the Arizona-Mexican border. They say that the reduced number of illegal crossings was accomplished by a combination of increased border patrol agents, sheriff deputies, and other law enforcement agencies.

What the opposition fails to realize is this is the exact point that the Minutemen have been making: that increased people along the border will have an effect in reducing the number of illegal aliens coming into our country.

Our government should greet the Minutemen with open arms. They should help provide them with training and deputization. These people will supplement the numbers of our border patrol agents, and they will do it for zero cost to the government.

Comments now allowed on blog!

2005-05-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I've enabled public comments on the blog. You can now post anonymously! The PCYRs want to encourage everyone to post comments to our blog entries, so go post!

Conservatives prepare to take on "all-powerful" public employee unions

2005-05-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

Did you know that you are a contributor to the Democrat Party?

It's true, and here's how:

You pay money to the State of California in taxes. Some of those taxes are used to pay the salaries of state employees. By law, state employees are required to join a union and pay dues. As part of their compulsory membership, those employees pay dues to their union [author's note: legislative employees are exempt from joining a union, thank God]. The union then spends part of those dues making political contributions, a vast majority of which go to democrat politicians and parties.

Taxpayers and state employees are being held hostage and forced to help fund the coffers of the democrat machine here in California. Fortunately, one group is standing up to do something about it.

Lew Uhler, President of the National Tax Limitation Committee, is turning in signatures to the Secretary of State for an initiative which will curb obligatory contributions to unions' political funds. The initiative, called "paycheck protection," will require public employee unions to acquire annual written consent from union members before any portion of their dues can be put towards political causes. Many union members, especially those in law enforcement, support conservatives and conservative causes; this initiative would help protect them (and us) from having their union dues put towards causes that they inherently oppose.

This initiative, once it is on the ballot, is going to be the magnet for a massive portion of union money. Win or lose, it will help divert the liberals' attention from other key initiatives, such as Parental Notification.

There have been many articles on this in the past few days throughout the state. Here's one.

Doolittle Endorses Gaines for Assembly; way paved for Gaines victory in 06

2005-05-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

Ted Gaines announced last week an endorsement from Representative John T. Doolittle in his bid to succeed retiring Assemblyman Tim Leslie from the 4th Assembly District (Placer, El Dorado, and Sacramento Counties).

Doolittle's endorsement follows on the heels of retired State Senator Rico Oller, who endorsed Gaines in mid-April.

The endorsements of Doolittle and Oller completed the list of Republican officials which have gotten behind Ted. He now has been endorsed by every Republican legislator, both Republican Congressmen that share boundaries with AD 4, and nearly every sitting Republican Supervisor and City Councilmember in all three counties. Ted has also picked up the endorsement of Placer County's Democrat Sheriff, Ed Bonner, and Sacramento County's Republican Sheriff, Lou Blanas.

Barring any surprise candidate that pops up between now and June 2006, expect Gaines to be the next member of the California Assembly from District 4.

“Save Clover Valley” Eyes Tax Increases

2005-05-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

The fight over Clover Valley in Rocklin is heating up as proponents consider creating a local ballot measure to finance the purchase of the valley. The cost of purchasing Clover Valley from its current owner is estimated at $90 million. Local environmentalists have formed a foundation called the Clover Valley Foundation which has received grant funding from the liberal Rose Foundation of San Francisco, to “support protection and preservation of Clover Valley from urban sprawl and development pressure.”

Currently, The Clover Valley Foundation is trying to influence the Environmental Impact Report on a project to build houses in the valley. If the foundation can negatively influence the report they may try to force the City of Rocklin to limit or veto the project. For the City, this can place them in a difficult position.

"My personal position is I'd be just as happy if (Clover Valley) is preserved.
But, the city doesn't have money to buy it. I don't foresee the city getting
money to buy it," Rocklin Mayor Peter Hill said. "We can't just say no. There's
a law regarding 'takings.' If we were to deny the developer of this agreement we
would be forced to buy the land from them at market value. We can't afford to do
that." (link)

While the City doesn’t have the money to buy it, people interested in “saving” Clover Valley are not above raising your property taxes to collect the $90 million.

Doug Brewer, a five year Rocklin resident and biologist said he would "love
nothing more than to save Clover Valley as open space. …It all comes down
to money. I'd love to float a bond measure and see if people would pay $100
extra in taxes [to purchase the Valley]” (link)

If the foundation can find a generous benefactor with deep pockets to buy the valley I don’t have a problem. However, I think most folks in Rocklin and Loomis will have big problem if we are forced to pay for the purchase of this valley. If these people want to “save” Clover Valley they need to find someone to buy it… not increase taxes.

Rockholm to Run for Supervisor

2005-05-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

The announcement that we've have been waiting for.

Rocky Rockholm, Mayor Pro-Tem of Roseville, announced this weekend his intentions to run for the Placer County Board of Supervisors. Rockholm will be running for District 1, which includes West Roseville.

This is an exciting announcement that many Placer County insiders have been waiting for. The only other candidate in the race thus far is Pauline Roccucci, considered by many to be a liberal Republican. Rocky is a former police officer and small business owner. He lived in District 1 for many years until redistricting in the 2002 election re-drew him into District 4. Rocky is, however, returning to the District that he lived in for many years.

Rocky is a stand-up guy and a good strong conservative. He has served as Mayor of Roseville and, having garnished the largest number of votes in the 2004 City Council election, will serve as Mayor once more in 2006.

At our meeting this Wednesday I am going to ask that the Placer County Young Republicans endorse Rocky for Supervisor. It's the duty of conservatives in this county to support principled conservatives for public office that will fight to uphold what the Republican Party stands for.

Rocky Rockholm is that man.

On a side note, Rocky has already received several key endorsements for this election - Rep. John T. Doolittle, Assemblyman Roger Niello, and outgoing Supervisor Bill Santucci (who represented District 1 for many years and served on the Roseville City Council before that).

To read the full article, visit:

http://www.rosevillept.com/articles/2005/04/29/news/top_stories/02rockholm.txt

See you Wednesday!

Lockyer to Run for Treasurer, Not Governor

2005-04-28T14:09:00.000-07:00

In a surprising twist one of California’s most ambitious democrat’s backs off bid to become the Governor. – LAT

Essentially the article states that Bill sees the writing on the wall and feels he’ll be left our in the cold come the primary or general election. Arnold’s poll numbers, while recently taking a bit of a slump, are still relatively strong. He is still a major celebrity with a lot of cash behind him. Arnold is a major force and the Attorney General does not feel he has the political Capitol to battle Arnold and win.

This raises the stakes dramatically on the treasurer’s race which had been dominated by former GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Bill Simon and to a lesser degree Assemblyman Keith Richman. The other democrats in the race are all relatively unknown democrat legislators with little name ID and fundraising difficulties.

Fed’s Stop Illegal Alien Drivers Licenses

2005-04-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

“Congress this week will adopt a measure denying driver's licenses to illegal immigrants…” – LA Daily News

California has been fighting the battle over illegal alien drivers’ licenses for years and finally it has taken the Federal Governments intervention to bring an end to this debate.

Many people will remember that in 2003, Then Governor Gray Davis signed into law SB 60 (Cedillo – D) allowing illegal aliens California Drivers Licenses. Due to the Recall and the firestorm that swept the state the people were able to have that legislation overturned. That process, however, has not stopped Senator Cedillo and California Democrats form continuing to propose laws which would allow illegal aliens’ access to California Licenses. This year Senator Cedillo has proposed SB 60 and has the complete support of the Speaker of the Assembly Fabian Nunez. Despite being vetoed numerous times this legislation continues to be introduced every year.

Our nation has taken a positive step forward in protecting its citizens from terrorists and identity theft by creating this federal law. Under the new law states will be required to verify that the person applying for a license is who they claim to be and is a citizen of the United States or are legal residents of the country.

Richard Riordan Resigns as Secretary of Education

2005-04-27T16:38:00.000-07:00

Statement by Governor Schwarzenegger Regarding the Resignation of Richard Riordan as Secretary for Education

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today made the following statement regarding the resignation of Secretary for Education Richard Riordan:
"With deep regret I have accepted Richard Riordan's resignation as my Secretary of Education. I am profoundly grateful for his service to California, and for leading my administration's efforts to strengthen our commitment to our public schools and the children they serve.
"With Dick's help, we have been able to increase spending for education, encourage innovation in public schools, push for more local control, guarantee greater equality in school funding, and much more.
"Dick is a dear friend and someone I have always admired for his achievements, his sincerity, and an adventurous spirit that is distinctly Californian.
"Dick has always been very successful, but what is truly amazing about him is that he has always looked at the world around him to see what problems we face, the people who need our help, and what he could do to make a positive contribution. And that is exactly what he has done in so many ways, as Mayor of Los Angeles, with the Riordan Foundation, and through his fantastic programs, including after-school programs, to help children learn the basic skills to do better in school and in life.
"My father-in-law Sargent Shriver taught me that public service is the highest calling. And no one I know is more committed to the power of service than Richard Riordan.
"Dick discussed with me his intention to step down a month ago, but agreed to remain in my cabinet until I could begin a process to find a new Secretary of Education. I am saddened by his departure, but thankful for his tremendous leadership and contributions to the people of California, and Maria and I wish him all the best."
Secretary Riordan will continue to serve as secretary for education through June 30, 2004.

Transportation woes lead to possible local ballot initative

2005-04-27T15:39:00.000-07:00

Last week's article in the various placer county newspapers highlighted potential solutions for a lack of funding in local transportation.

The Placer County Transportation Planning Agency (PCTPA) is investigating various options for attaining the funds necessary to contruct the Placer Parkway, a stretch of highway that would connect highways 65 and 99 north of Roseville.

The agency is looking at two solutions. The first is to vette a ballot initiative authorizing a 0.25% sales tax increase (from 7.25% to 7.50%) within the county. Such an initiative would require a 2/3s supermajority approval by the voters of Placer County. Be on the lookout for such an initiative.

The second solution is to make Placer Parkway a toll road; meaning you pay $.50 or $1.00 (the price has not been determined) each time you use the road.

Toll roads have been used succesfully through the United States and should be seriously considered as the most viable option in play. As a conservative, I am loathe to support any tax increase at any level, even if the funds go directly to my local community. The simple fact is that we in California are already over-taxed, and get far fewer benefits than we pay for. County officials should work with the legislature and the Department of Transportation in shoring up the funds that Placer County's taxpayers are already paying for through the gasoline tax we pay at the pump. This, coupled with a pay-per-use toll, could provide necessary revenue streams not only for construction of the Placer Parkway, but for ongoing maintenance costs.

http://www.rosevillept.com/articles/2005/04/20/news/top_stories/05funds.txt

California Democrats call for Higher Taxes

2005-04-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

“State Senate leader Don Perata asserted Tuesday that Senate Democrats will seek higher taxes if necessary to boost school spending…” – Sac Bee

According to the proposed state budget California will spend $10,084 per student in the fiscal year 2005-06. This represents an increase in spending of $221 per student from the 2004-05 budget. Spending on K-12 schooling for the first time has reached the $50 billon dollar mark, and that is not enough for state democrats.

Senator Perata has proposed that California increase income taxes and create new taxes on services such as healthcare and merchants. Additionally, his proposal would lower proposition 13 requirements for raising local taxes. Thus, local cities and counties can increase property taxes without the mandated 2/3’s vote of the people. All of these tax increases will be introduced in order to give an additional $4 billion to schools.

It’s time to do the math on California’s school spending. Let’s assume that every classroom has 25 students. 25 X $10084= $252,100 per classroom in the state. It is obvious that nowhere near this amount every gets to the classroom. California needs to reform the way it funds and operates education.

Sacramento bureaucrats and unions are stealing our money and it’s time to make a change not increase taxes.

California Democrats Assault Individual Rights

2005-04-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

From SF Chronicle – Senate Panel OKs ID marks on bullets

The Senate Committee on Public Safety passed a measure on partisan lines to place unique markings on every handgun caliber shell casing and bullet sold in California. Additionally, every purchase of handgun ammunition would be registered with the Attorney Generals office. The office would track who bought the rounds, what caliber they purchased, are and how many rounds were bought.

This regulation will cause a massive increase in the cost of handgun ammunition and reduced availability. Ammunition manufactures testified that they would be put into bankruptcy if they had to comply with these regulations. In addition to the cost of serializing each casing and bullet, the company would have to assure that they are properly matched together the right casing and bullet which current technology does not allow.

Senate Democrats effectively are trying to reduce the availability of ammunition to law abiding citizens there by denying them their constitutional right to keep and bear arms.

Senator Dave Cox Hosts Roseville Identity Theft Prevention Town Hall

2005-04-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

Town Hall Meetings – Identity Theft

We will be holding two Town Hall meetings on Identity Theft in the month of May. These free events will give participants the opportunity to learn about the growing crime of Identity Theft and ways that they can protect themselves. Ms. Charlene Zettel, Director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs and Ms. Joann McNabb, Chief of the California Office of Privacy Protection will provide a brief overview of Identity Theft, how these crimes are committed, and provide simple ways that individuals can protect themselves.

Also on hand will be representatives from the California Credit Union League, California Bankers Association, Elk Grove Police Department and the Roseville Police Department to answer questions and to provide individuals with helpful information and tips.Below are the dates, times and locations for these meetings.

For more information please contact Vanessa McCarthy-Olmstead at 916-651-1528.

Elk Grove:

May 3rd, 2005 - 7:00pm to 8:30pmElk Grove City Hall Council Chambers8400 Laguna Palmas WayElk Grove, CA 95758

Roseville:

May 10th, 2005 - 7:00pm to 8:30pmMaidu Community CenterReception Room1550 Maidu DriveRoseville, CA 95661

Prop. 22 Born Again

2005-04-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

It seems as if the incessant push to have gay marriage in California will lead to another initiative fight in 2006. The backers of Prop. 22 are talking about putting forth a constitutional amendment to codify the definition of marriage as only between a man and a woman.

Click here for the article in the LA Times.

From the rest of the states, it looks like the constitutional amendment will be passed overwhelmingly, just like Prop. 22. Any guess as to the margin of victory?

Let’s just hope the Democrats just keeping on pushing. This will become a huge rallying point for Republicans and Conservatives.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 4 7pm

2005-04-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

The next meeting of the PCYRs will be Wednesday, May 4th, at 7pm at the Roundtable Pizza on Sierra College

Click here for a map and directions

We'll be discussing upcoming events in the county and planning social events for the next two months.

Placer County Young Republican Blog

2005-04-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

Welcome to the new weblog for the Placer County Young Republicans! It is our hope that you will visit our site to get interesting news and opinion on local politics, as well as information on our club!

Chris Mays

President
Placer County Young Republicans