Monday, October 20, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Change Congress - Government Reform
The average person in America (and outside) knows we have deep, systemic problems as a nation.
There is a new website called Change Congress. Their website notes: "Change Congress is a movement to build support for basic reform in how our government functions. Using our tools, both candidates and citizens can pledge their support for basic changes to reduce the distorting influence of money in Washington."
They're on Facebook if you'd care to join them there, too.
Because our elected representatives won't fix this country on their own, we'll have to push them!
There is a new website called Change Congress. Their website notes: "Change Congress is a movement to build support for basic reform in how our government functions. Using our tools, both candidates and citizens can pledge their support for basic changes to reduce the distorting influence of money in Washington."
They're on Facebook if you'd care to join them there, too.
Because our elected representatives won't fix this country on their own, we'll have to push them!
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Response to Congressman Mike Honda's State of the District
I received an update from Congressman Honda and posted a response. Because responses are moderated, there is a chance my comments will not be published.
His email said: "Recent economic indicators are pointing to a slow down in our economy. By providing an economic kick start to the economy, it is possible that we can avoid further economic decline.
This week my colleagues and I in the House passed an economic stimulus package that will give a much-needed boost to our struggling economy and provide real assistance to lower- and middle-income families."
Personally, I don't think giving people a small amount of money is going to help our situation. We are spiraling downhill and our elected representatives are so far out of the loop, they do not understand everyday Americans. Yeah, yeah, I know they talk about us working class folk while running for office, but the reality is that millionaires in public office don't share the everyday life, don't know our real concerns, don't see public schools decline. The Lobbyists have a lot more power than the average American, and that's wrong.
There are a lot of things we can do to fix this country and when I wrote on the Congressman's blog, I only addressed these items:
1. Illegal immigration is expensive in every way and very unfair to those who followed the process.
2. Stop aid to Mexico (largest source of illegal immigrants) and instead offer incentives to companies to build factories/business there and train locals. They get to stay at home and we don't have increased expenses.
3. Companies outsourcing work should be taxed. They took jobs out of the USA for better profit margins, but it took jobs/income from people here and that lowers the tax base, increased the number of people who need public assistance.
4. Fix our trade agreements. No way in hell should most of our products be made in China, a place with just about no oversight at all. This can and should be done unless you favor lead in children's toys, prescription drugs with iffy contents, and more jobs sliding out of the US.
His email said: "Recent economic indicators are pointing to a slow down in our economy. By providing an economic kick start to the economy, it is possible that we can avoid further economic decline.
This week my colleagues and I in the House passed an economic stimulus package that will give a much-needed boost to our struggling economy and provide real assistance to lower- and middle-income families."
Personally, I don't think giving people a small amount of money is going to help our situation. We are spiraling downhill and our elected representatives are so far out of the loop, they do not understand everyday Americans. Yeah, yeah, I know they talk about us working class folk while running for office, but the reality is that millionaires in public office don't share the everyday life, don't know our real concerns, don't see public schools decline. The Lobbyists have a lot more power than the average American, and that's wrong.
There are a lot of things we can do to fix this country and when I wrote on the Congressman's blog, I only addressed these items:
1. Illegal immigration is expensive in every way and very unfair to those who followed the process.
2. Stop aid to Mexico (largest source of illegal immigrants) and instead offer incentives to companies to build factories/business there and train locals. They get to stay at home and we don't have increased expenses.
3. Companies outsourcing work should be taxed. They took jobs out of the USA for better profit margins, but it took jobs/income from people here and that lowers the tax base, increased the number of people who need public assistance.
4. Fix our trade agreements. No way in hell should most of our products be made in China, a place with just about no oversight at all. This can and should be done unless you favor lead in children's toys, prescription drugs with iffy contents, and more jobs sliding out of the US.
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Marcia and Sissy
I'm the one on the right.
About Me
- Marcia Stein, SPHR-CA, PHR
- Retired Recruiter, HR Consultant, Trainer and professional speaker, I'm interested in interviewing people, learning life stories and sharing information and resources. Book and article links are listed at www.tellmeaboutyourself.info. I am the founder and organizer of the Silicon Valley Women in Human Resources...and Friends group, a networking, mentoring and educational group.