MIA: Candidates for 15th District

I’m a registered Democrat who votes for the person I think will do the best job, irrespective of party affiliation.

Congressman Mike Honda is my representative, but I rarely see him. I attended two town hall meetings a few years ago, but I have not seen him since then. Oh, I receive his emails and have explored his blog, and it’s interesting but insufficient.

A few months ago, I was at home and received a robo-call. The recording indicated that I could join a teleconference in progress, and I did so. It lasted about an hour, but I joined 10 minutes late. I saw something about another teleconference, but it was during the day and I had to work.

I contacted Congressman Honda’s office several times, asking when he would make public appearances. I’m on the mailing list for announcements, but he hasn’t been around. I’ve called regularly and written to the Congressman’s office. Given the state of our country, I believe he should be communicating with his constituents in person on a regular basis.

I looked at the resolutions he sponsored, and can’t say that this is a distinguished or visionary representative. You can review the resolutions at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/R?d110:FLD003:@2(rep+honda). Do you know what he co-sponsored (one of 53 co-sponsors) that was passed in July, 2008? House Resolution 415, honoring veterans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent who fought in the United States Civil War. This, at a time when people are losing their homes and their jobs. It’s an outrage! It isn't enough to be a nice guy. We need a real representative who will work to improve our nation.

As this is an election year, I researched to learn who was running against him. I found Joyce Stoer Cordi, a Republican. Her website looks interesting, but she had no information about public appearances. I emailed via the website, and Luis Buhler replied, “Joyce has been making regular public appearances.” Later, Ms. Cordi wrote, “I am anxious to debate Mike and am hoping the legal of women voters will be willing to stage such an exchange – In the meantime, my website = www.cordiforcongress.org – And the other items I mentioned should give you an idea of how I think etc.. Also, I am happy to sit down over coffee and have a conversation if that helps you to decide – ”

I also found a Green Party candidate, Peter Myers, and he did not respond to my email.

I have not seen notices about any appearances or debates, and do not understand this in an election year. Does Congressman Honda believe that he has an easy re-election due to the number of Democrats in the district, so much so that he is not answerable to us at all? Did Ms. Cordi basically give up on a decent run for this seat for the same reason?

Are we truly in a democracy when our sitting and potential representatives do not feel the need to speak directly to our district?

As it stands, I cannot vote for any of these candidates.