|
The Recall? Just say no
By the time you read this, I may have already voted (absentee) in the
Recall election. It will come as no surprise to my regular readers that I
plan to vote NO on the recall. It's not out of unalloyed admiration for
Gray Davis. Oddly enough it's his persistent efforts to read and follow
opinion polls I find most disturbing. If only he'd ignore focus groups and
follow his conscience, I'd be happier with him. However, if I'm troubled
with Gray Davis, I'm furious with Darryl Issa. His car alarms are often a
pain, but the recall election he's bought is worse.
After voting NO, I plan to vote for Cruz Bustamante. I'd prefer to vote for
Gray Davis, since he has the most legitimate claim on the office, but the
law is badly written, and the result is that Gray Davis could get 49
percent of the vote and lose, and some actress who goes only by one name or
perhaps doesn't wear enough clothes to flag a train (to use a really
outdated phrase) could become Governor with one percent of the vote.
Bustamante is a decent human being. He'd be a better Governor than most of
the candidates, including Arnold, Gary and Arianna, and he has a good
chance if we all get behind him. On our ballot in Pacifica, which is San
Mateo County style number 1 (used throughout the 19th Assembly District)
Mr. Bustamante is at the very bottom of the front, in the center column.
Incidentally Arnold Schwarzenegger is in the third column, several
candidates down from the top. You'll find him with the rest of the Esses.
Don't forget to review all five columns of Gubernatorial candidates, as
well as the two propositions in column number six. And don't wait until you
get into the booth to make your choice. I suggest you take a felt tip
highlighter pen, review and mark your sample ballot at your leisure at
home. It will be easier to find your choice when you get to the polls. I
won't see you there unless I happen to be assigned to your polling place on
Election Day. By voting ahead of time and absentee, I've more flexibility
on Election Day. I've once again volunteered to serve as an emergency
backup for any Precinct Inspector who has a last minute problem on election
day. If there are no problems, I may wind up with no precinct, but I've
never been put into that position since I filled in the first time in
Portola Valley. I've been given the opportunity to serve in Redwood City,
East Palo Alto, Burlingame, Daly City, Foster City, and of course,
Pacifica. Since I've been retired, I've really enjoyed being a poll worker,
in spite of the 15 hour day.
Incidentally, if you aren't registered at your current address, don't waste
any time. Get to City Hall, post office or library, or call 312 5222 for a
form, but get yourself registered by Sept. 22. There are only four marks to
make on this horseblanket of a ballot, but they are important marks. You'll
be choosing to vote either Yes or No to remove Governor Gray Davis. Then
you'll be picking from one of 135 potential replacements. Then you can
choose to vote for or against Props. 53 and 54. If you're smart enough to
mark your sample ballot ahead of time, it won't take you long at all. I
hope you follow my suggestions, but it's more important to follow your own
best judgment and vote the way that satisfies you.
Paul Azevedo continues to express his own opinions in "The
Reactor." Those opinions are not necessarily those of his readers, his wife
Lydia, or the Tribune's. His e mail address is Paul@thereactor.net.
Check The Reactor's website at www.thereactor.net.
|
