After recent accusations of being an “avowed socialist” and “Marxist” by running mate Forest Baker and his infamous sarcastic comment “who are you going to kill today?” about federal border security to Minuteman Steve Kemp, California’s 13th District Representative Pete Stark is not, shall we say, on the best of terms with his constituents.
His recent Tour De Town Halls in Hayward, Freemont and San Leandro is an excellent thermometer for voter sentiment. They have turned from outright hostility following the border security remark to a nice mix of harsh comments and Thank You signs. Still, not exactly where you want to be before an election.
I’d like to think the politician in him would innately try to smooth out the rough edges during these pre-election times. Not surprisingly, Stark was bombarded by a line of questioning on the failing economy and resulting deficits. Stark is focusing on cutting defense spending, the removal of the Bush-era tax cuts, and short term Social Security cuts.
As for starting at the root of the problem and reworking the budget, The Bay Area Citizen reports that Stark is hands off:
“I don’t want to touch that!” he says.
He seems to be focusing on cuts rather than incentives. What are his plans to stimulate the flailing economy? What are his plans for economic development? Although I appreciate his time and attention to health care reform, what about our jobs??
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If Alameda Watchdog is such a proponent of open government, why does he hide behind this blog?
ReplyDeleteIt is widespread rumor in the community that this blog is run by council candidate Jeff Mitchell. The political positions of the person who runs this blog are almost identical to that of council candidate Jeff Mitchell, who advocates for open government and describes anonymous bloggers as gutless.
Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteMore than one person, maybe even a whole group of people, can believe in the same political ideas, advocate for open government, and describe anonymous bloggers (and commenters) as gutless. If Jeff Mitchell is running for City Council, he probably has a website with an email address -- so instead of spreading rumors about him, you could just ask him if he's the Alameda Watchdog.