Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 -- VOTE !

This national election will have historic results, no matter which ticket wins ! On the Republican side we have the oldest first-time presidential candidate (who's mother is very active at 94), and a state governor who has climbed her own ladder towards the vice-presidency. I suspect that she, no matter the outcome, will be a force in the Republican party for the next generation. Even though the President tends to be blamed or congratulated for everything that happens, the position really has little actual power! So the long-term impact of this election is Sarah Palin!

On the Democrat ticket we have a young, inexperienced black who does have a pretty decent education! His veep choice is a mirror image of McCain! Barack Obama has, without question, energized the Democrat party far beyond anyone since FDR. Some have compared Obama to Kennedy, but that isn't a very good fit, convenient and buttery, not just not accurate! It is interesting to watch Bill and Hillary accept an uncomfortable back seat in the party. They must have believed that they were creating a dynasty. It appears that Americans aren't too keen on dynasties. So, as with Palin, Barack will be THE major force for the Dems for their next generation. Oddly, the Clintons now seem old.

I voted for McCain - Palin becasue I prefer an old capitalist with a young female veep, over a young socialist with an over the hill foot-in-mouth left over. Capitalism builds jobs, socialists builds government!

LOCALLY ???? For the same reasons stated above, I have voted for Tofanelli and Tryon. They have each made it clear that Calaveras is dead without economic development that brings in good paying jobs. To do that we need an educated and prepared workforce and a welcome mat in the building and planning departments (including fast-tracking!). The Soops set the tone! Do we continue to create obstacles and time and money consuming roadblocks, or do we make the desperately needed changes in county policies and messages????

Please don't misunderstand ! I very much like and respect Both Mrs. McDaniel and Lee Seaton. They are each very well qualified and could bring valuable assets to the Board of Soops ! But as with the national elections, sometimes you must look at the background of supporters. Obama would have Nancy Pelosi and Harry Ried. Sarah Palin has the NRA. Similarly, with both Ms. McDaniel and Mr. Seaton, I have been concerned about their financial backers. Particularly Zerral McDaniel ! She seems to be strongly supported by 'no-growth' factions.

That worries me. Under the guize of "infrastructure", people are trying to block every project that could bring desperately needed money and jobs into Calaveras County! A couple of the current soops are already in that camp ! If you were on the Board, what would you (not Reagan, not Jesus, but what would you do), on this critical question? Think about that before you vote. After a lot of research and personal interviews, I have made my decision!