21st Assembly District Candidates' Voting Records
Last fall, gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman faced a hail of criticism for her spotty voting record. First time candidates often fail this modest test of civic engagement by running for office with a history that demonstrates a lack of interest in civic affairs, a very busy life or a combination of both.
In San Mateo County, there are several competitive races for many important local offices and the voting records of many of these candidates deserve some review.
In general, most candidates have solid voting records with some interesting exceptions.
In the 21st Assembly District Race, there are three candidates vying for the Democratic Party nomination in the June 8, 2010 Primary Election.
These include San Mateo County Supervisor Rich Gordon, former Palo Alto Mayor and Councilmember Yoriko Kishimoto and Silicon Valley venture capitalist Josh Becker.
The good news is that all of the candidates maintain a good voting record with Gordon and Kishimoto maintaining unblemished records. Becker, who resides in the unincorporated Menlo Park area, oddly, did not cast a vote in the most recent election in which he was eligible to vote which included races in the Sequoia Union High School District and the Menlo Park Fire Protection District according to county records.
Becker’s record is relatively solid going backwards but beginning with the 2004 Primary Election Becker’s record is hit and miss. Between 1999 (the last year for which there are records available) and 2004, Becker was eligible to cast ballots in 11 elections but did not vote in 5 of them of them including two Presidential Primary Elections and many smaller elections such as school boards and special district elections.
Becker’s skipping of the 2000 Presidential Primary Election is particularly interesting as Becker once posted a photograph on his campaign Web site of himself standing shoulder to shoulder with former Vice President Al Gore who appeared on the 2000 Presidential primary Election ballot. A photograph on the web of both men is still visible online
While failing to vote in elections is certainly not a disqualification for running for office, it does call into question the commitment of candidates to the civic life of their respective communities and to certain policy issues. By not voting in school board elections or for or against local school board measures or tax levies, it does make it difficult for candidates to argue legitimately that they will care about these issues in Sacramento.
Becker’s record as a San Mateo County resident is about 75% so it does not reflect the kind of indifference expressed by Whitman but it does leave something to be desired for a candidate for State Assembly.
More on local candidates to come…
A nod to Betty Schultz
The Jefferson Union High School District community – and communities beyond – are mourning the loss of veteran activist and community leader Betty Schultz who died on May 1, 2010.
Schultz was best known for her 22 years on the Jefferson Union High School District Board of trustees. For her service to the district, the Westmoor High School Theater was named in her honor. While on the Board, Schultz helped to create the Daly City Youth Health Center, a non-profit venture that works in coordination with the Jefferson Union High School District and the San Mateo Medical Center to attend to the health needs of area teens.
The one of a kind operation is an invaluable resource and owes much to Schultz for helping to get it off the ground.
In addition to her work with the schools, Schultz was active in many community organizations and was a well known advocate for her community frequently penning letters to the editor in the local press.
Schultz was regarded as the Grande Dame of North San Mateo County Politics and was broadly respected for her intelligence and her quiet but passionate commitment to good causes.
An obituary for Betty Schultz can be found online.
A memorial is planned for June 5th at the Betty Schultz Theater at Westmoor High School, time and details to be posted later.
Contact Bruce Balshone at bruce.examiner@gmail.com
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