Candidate for
Supervisor; County of Contra Costa; District 5

My Philosophy is that in a representative form of government, the persons we elect to public office are to do just that, represent us, the people. However, what we seem to have at our local government level is an elitist form of representation where only those with money or power are represented.

As voters in East County we want a responsible government. Our elected officials are to represent our needs, not the needs of special interest. We need to use the power of the vote to ensure the future of east county is a future with diverse transportation, quality schools, good jobs and that our quality of life will be maintained not minimalized.

We need diverse planning that emcompasses all aspects of growth including water, sanitation and the environment in our unincorporated areas.

We, as individuals living in this country with a representative government, have a voice, this voice should always be respected, not silenced or discounted because of an individuals economic status.

The silent majority should not be discounted because family schedules prevent these citizens from attending meetings. Non attendance at a public meeting does not automatically constitute that these citizens do not care or that they are accepting decisions made on their behalf; silence is not always acceptance and should not at any time be construed as such.

I am not a professional politician but I am fed up, like many of you with the status-quo. Those who do not care what we as constituants need as they can only see as far as their next political office.

I am attempting to advocate a change for all of us at the local level. After all, this is what the framers of our Constitution fought so hard for 200 years ago, to give us, the people, a voice. A voice that should be heard in all aspects of our lives.

Although I will probably not win this election as none of you have heard of me and am not accepting contributions to pay for recognition, I could not just stand by and watch the status quo rhetoric go on around me without making an attempt to stand up and invoke what is one of our many rights in this county, the right to run for public office.

This is a local election and at this local level, big money should not be needed. I find the necessity to obtain "big bucks" for the purchasing of recognition, would leave the candidate for the most part beholding to the "special interest" contributors, not the constituancy. I ask that if you would have donated to my campaign, you give the money to your favorite charity, it will be utilized in a more positive and more rewarding manner.

We have a representative government, lets make sure the person we vote for will represent all of us not just a few of us.

I am asking for your vote on March 7, 2000, I will represent you, the constituant.