Now that the primary is over we can see just what the “top two” process an produce here in this sea of “red” that is Yakima. We have a very limited choice between two candidates for the State House of Representatives in the 14th district- Norm and Michele. I have known Norm for almost 40 years and although we differ in many ways politically I know him to be an honest and dedicated public servant, an active participant in the democratic process of being a patriotic American. With Michele, well I am not so sure of anything. Perhaps with Michele being one of the top two we will actually get some information on her as a political person upon which to make a comparative and informed decision.
I have read her signs and ads but know nothing of her other than “patriotic and principled” but I don’t know how that translates into a history of behavior:
Patriotic – what makes her stand out as more patriotic than anyone else- her self-declared patriotism or her history of behaviors as a citizen? The basic in patriotic participation in the American political system is more than flying a flag on July 4, more than a flag lapel pin, more than just words – THE base of patriotism is VOTING in the democratic process. THAT demonstrates patriotism – It is my understanding that Michele does not have a strong history of active involvement in the system: voting. So then how does Michele demonstrate by her life history the patriotism she claims? How is she more or less patriotic than her opponent or anyone else?
Small business owner. Ok how about some information here on that small business to demonstrate first hand understanding of the challenges of a small business owner: staff, payroll, deductions, taxes etc. How many employees does she have? What is her monthly payroll look like? How do the “government’s” rules and regulations affect her personally as a small businessperson? Come on let us know about her small business.
Principled. Well that is nice but how is that unique to her over any other person? What does that mean in terms of legislating for the whole state? What principals does she possess to a greater degree than Norm Johnson or Charles Ross with whom Norm voted 98% of the time? The only item that seems to come from her in this area is Norm’s vote on the “everything but marriage” bill that passed both houses and signed by the Governor. Is her point of view the only one to qualify as “principled”? She needs to understand that particular item is over, done with and will not go away. She has no chance even if elected to roll back that vote of both houses of the legislature and the governors’ signature. It is history Michele, so how do your “principals” make you stand out more than Mr. Johnson – other than beating the dead horse of domestic partnership?
Intelligent. Now this one really confuses me, for to date I have seen, heard or read NOTHING but clever sound bites, snappy clichés common to the party of “NO” none with substantive proposals or any detail- in short, nothing that would indicate either normal or above average or any intelligence. Letters to the editor and others consistently claim that Michele is an intelligent person. Ok let’s see some of that intelligence demonstrated. She chants the Republican mantra of lower taxes but gives no indication of what services, protection or processes in the state will be sacrificed on the altar of reduces, restricted, limited or no funding. What are her priorities, beyond nice general statements? What services will give way in exchange for her to support lower taxes? Some logical and realistic specifics please? How about providingsome insight, specific opinions and possible solutions to some of the more outstanding issues in the State: education, public safety, roads and infrastructure, law enforcement, water, agriculture, and quality of life? Her only issue of domestic partnership is history in this state so how about looking forward to the future and showing her intelligence with some thoughtful and realistic solutions or proposals??
I am faced with a choice between two Republicans the incumbent and the usurper. The incumbent has a history, a record of involvement, participation and achievement regardless of whether or not I agree with him. The usurper has so far put out only words with nothing to substantiate them so I have no idea if I agree or disagree on any point for I have seen nothing specific.
So there is my take on this election. I have to vote for a Republican which is bad enough and even if it does not seem so I am open as to whom to vote for, BUT so far Michele has provided nothing solid upon which to seriously consider her a viable, prepared or knowledgeable candidate. All I see is a religious crusader wanting to infuse her beliefs into the American Political system. I want to see some substance not just the fluff and clichés and mantras that sow discontent and divisiveness but addresses no realistic challenges or solutions.
This is where I am at present. I would like Michele to respond to my concerns, which are shared by many others. If she cannot respond maybe one of the strong supporters can put forth something to base her campaign on. Let’s see…
Now that the primary is over we can see just what the “top two” process an produce here in this sea of “red” that is Yakima. We have a very limited choice between two candidates for the State House of Representatives in the 14th district- Norm and Michele. I have known Norm for almost 40 years and although we differ in many ways politically I know him to be an honest and dedicated public servant, an active participant in the democratic process of being a patriotic American. With Michele, well I am not so sure of anything. Perhaps with Michele being one of the top two we will actually get some information on her as a political person upon which to make a comparative and informed decision.
I have read her signs and ads but know nothing of her other than “patriotic and principled” but I don’t know how that translates into a history of behavior:
Patriotic – what makes her stand out as more patriotic than anyone else- her self-declared patriotism or her history of behaviors as a citizen? The basic in patriotic participation in the American political system is more than flying a flag on July 4, more than a flag lapel pin, more than just words – THE base of patriotism is VOTING in the democratic process. THAT demonstrates patriotism – It is my understanding that Michele does not have a strong history of active involvement in the system: voting. So then how does Michele demonstrate by her life history the patriotism she claims? How is she more or less patriotic than her opponent or anyone else?
Small business owner. Ok how about some information here on that small business to demonstrate first hand understanding of the challenges of a small business owner: staff, payroll, deductions, taxes etc. How many employees does she have? What is her monthly payroll look like? How do the “government’s” rules and regulations affect her personally as a small businessperson? Come on let us know about her small business.
Principled. Well that is nice but how is that unique to her over any other person? What does that mean in terms of legislating for the whole state? What principals does she possess to a greater degree than Norm Johnson or Charles Ross with whom Norm voted 98% of the time? The only item that seems to come from her in this area is Norm’s vote on the “everything but marriage” bill that passed both houses and signed by the Governor. Is her point of view the only one to qualify as “principled”? She needs to understand that particular item is over, done with and will not go away. She has no chance even if elected to roll back that vote of both houses of the legislature and the governors’ signature. It is history Michele, so how do your “principals” make you stand out more than Mr. Johnson – other than beating the dead horse of domestic partnership?
Intelligent. Now this one really confuses me, for to date I have seen, heard or read NOTHING but clever sound bites, snappy clichés common to the party of “NO” none with substantive proposals or any detail- in short, nothing that would indicate either normal or above average or any intelligence. Letters to the editor and others consistently claim that Michele is an intelligent person. Ok let’s see some of that intelligence demonstrated. She chants the Republican mantra of lower taxes but gives no indication of what services, protection or processes in the state will be sacrificed on the altar of reduces, restricted, limited or no funding. What are her priorities, beyond nice general statements? What services will give way in exchange for her to support lower taxes? Some logical and realistic specifics please? How about providingsome insight, specific opinions and possible solutions to some of the more outstanding issues in the State: education, public safety, roads and infrastructure, law enforcement, water, agriculture, and quality of life? Her only issue of domestic partnership is history in this state so how about looking forward to the future and showing her intelligence with some thoughtful and realistic solutions or proposals??
I am faced with a choice between two Republicans the incumbent and the usurper. The incumbent has a history, a record of involvement, participation and achievement regardless of whether or not I agree with him. The usurper has so far put out only words with nothing to substantiate them so I have no idea if I agree or disagree on any point for I have seen nothing specific.
So there is my take on this election. I have to vote for a Republican which is bad enough and even if it does not seem so I am open as to whom to vote for, BUT so far Michele has provided nothing solid upon which to seriously consider her a viable, prepared or knowledgeable candidate. All I see is a religious crusader wanting to infuse her beliefs into the American Political system. I want to see some substance not just the fluff and clichés and mantras that sow discontent and divisiveness but addresses no realistic challenges or solutions.
This is where I am at present. I would like Michele to respond to my concerns, which are shared by many others. If she cannot respond maybe one of the strong supporters can put forth something to base her campaign on. Let’s see…