The Smell of Sacramento is Blowing Northwest

The wind is blowing harder every week with a foul stench emanating from Sacramento—a cocktail of graft, collusion, and the pervasive influence of special interests buying a one-party vote. From the Oregon border to the Sonoma County wine country, voters are no longer silent about the lies and half-truths spewing from California’s leadership.

The manipulation has reached a fever pitch. Leadership is accused of deceptively titling propositions to allow the state to collect more taxes of hardworking citizens. Even our veterans are being used as pawns to increase bonds for unaccountable, non-profit housing programs.

Voters are tired of excuses and nondisclosure agreements. The Redwood Trail is a great example of the lies and half-truths spewing out of the money-burning smokestack in Sacramento. Representatives Rogers, McGwire, and Huffman must answer: How much will the Redwood Trail cost, and where is the "no accountability" funding coming from? Leadership claims these projects are funded by "grants," those grants are pulled directly from the pockets of taxpayers through gas and road taxes.

Projections of thousands of daily hikers revitalizing local economies are not just unrealistic, they have been called "stupid" by those who actually own the land. One must wonder if our democrat representatives are being honest about who is receiving the money or if the entire project is buried under a "need-to-know" clause in a money-scamming contract.

Another question that has been asked several times is the refusal of democrat candidates to engage in public debates or forums. From the gubernatorial race down to local partisan contests, it appears leadership is hiding in the basement to avoid questions from the voters regarding failed policies, budget mismanagement, and the decline of the education system.

Assemblyman Rogers, let’s set up a couple of debates in Santa Rosa, Ukiah, Eureka, Weaverville, or Crescent City!

An open forum is desperately needed to address bills that are destroying rural families and the "Sanctuary State and City" policies that lead to the release of criminals into our communities. A fair debate should include unannounced questions from candidates and the public alike—yet the current leadership seems terrified of such transparency.

To truly clear the air in Sacramento, we must address the problems in campaign financing. While some seek to limit corporate money, they conveniently ignore the influence of unions, lobbyists, and tribal resources. A bold solution is required: all candidates should be funded by the state at the same level, with a total ban on outside money.

Eliminating the influence of both Citizens United and union financing would lower campaign costs and potentially drive predatory consultants and lobbyists out of business. Furthermore, there must be strict consequences for those who attempt to circumvent the process, including the immediate forfeiture of the race to their opponent.

The voters at the fairs and rodeos have spoken; they want honesty, integrity, and transparency. Until our legislators find the integrity to act, the stench of Sacramento will continue to linger until the next inevitable scandal.