How I'm voting, June 2016

Here's a summary of how I'm voting in the June 2016 primary. Since this is a relatively short ballot, I'll put it all in one post, starting with the bottom of the ballot and moving up to the top (I know, most people do it the other way, but I think my biggest value-add is the down-ballot races that you're less likely to research). 

On the local elections, I feel very strongly about Scott Jackson for Judge (Seat #1).

I also put some thought and research into the Alameda County Democratic Party Central Committee, 15th Assembly District (vote for 9 of 17): Brett Badelle, Elizabeth Echols, Bonnie Wheatley, Vincent Casalaina, Andy Kelley, Floyd Huen, Kate Harrison, Dianne Martinez, and Cecilia "Ces" Rosales.

On the state & federal elections, I’m voting Democrats. In contested races, I'm voting Harris (U.S. Senate) and I'm leaning towards Swanson over Skinner (Senate D9).

For details of these and lots of other races, see the rest of this post.

As always, thoughtful comments welcome, and I encourage you to sign in so I know who's commenting.

Judges

Superior Court Judge #1: Scott Jackson

I strongly endorse Scott Jackson. He has an excellent professional background: law school professor, private practice, prosecutor in Alameda county, high school teacher, on the board of an organization that provides free legal aid to low-income people. As a trusted friend of mine (and colleague of Jackson’s) says, “he is also deeply (and sincerely) committed to issues of equality and fairness in the justice system.” I’ve met him -- he’s super smart. And, as his ballot statement says: “we need judges for who reflect our community’s diversity. Currently, only 6 of 72 Superior Court judges are African-American men.” Elect Jackson to make it 7. He’s got lots of great endorsements, including 15 judges. If you want a lawn/window sign or pamphlets, let me know and I can hook you up.

Superior Court Judge #2: Jennifer Madden

On this one, I’m mostly going off of their ballot statements and websites. I was way more impressed with Madden than with the other candidate. Madden has an impressive background, compelling argument for why she wants to be a judge, and a long list of endorsements.

Superior Court Judge #14: Fujioka

Running unopposed, and ballot statement sounds pretty good.

Alameda County Elected Officials:

Democratic Party Central Committee, 15th Assembly District -  Brett Badelle, Elizabeth Echols, Bonnie Wheatley, Vincent Casalaina, Andy Kelley, Floyd Huen, Kate Harrison, Dianne Martinez, and Cecilia "Ces" Rosales (my votes, in the order they appear on my ballot)

This is always a tough race to research, unless you're involved in Democratic Party politics (which I'm not). There are 17 candidates for 9 seats. Some of these (Martinez, Echols) are people I know and respect through my transportation work. Some (Badelle, Casalaina, Harrison, Huen) were endorsed by the Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club. And some (Wheatley, Kelley, & Rosales) are ones where I am impressed by their ballot statement and what I can see on SmartVoter profiles. Some of the candidates I'm not voting for didn't bother to submit ballot statements -- not impressive.

County Supervisor, District 5: Carson

Running unopposed, and has been a great supervisor for a long time.

Ballot Measures

State Proposition 50: YES for good government

This is a pretty simple measure. It allows the legislature to suspend a state legislator without pay; currently they can suspend a legislator, but have to continue his/her pay. As my son said, this seem like a good idea they should’ve done before. The League of Women Voters says Yes. So do I.

Bay Area Measure AA: YES to restore wetlands and protect the bay

Funds from this $1/month parcel tax will pay to restore wetlands and protect wildlife habitat for future generations throughout the Bay Area. It was sponsored by Save the Bay, is endorsed by a wide range of elected officials and organizations (including the place I used to work, TransForm).

Federal & State Elected Officials

There’s been enough media about the Presidential race that I figure you probably know who you’re voting for. The Clinton-Sanders race is interesting, and I think I know how I'm voting. But I’m more interested in the down-ballot races. So ...

U.S. Senate: Kamala Harris

Among the 34 (!!) candidates in this race to replace Senator Barbara Boxer, there are two Democrats with any chance of winning: Kamala Harris is the Northern Californian (from Oakland & SF, currently CA Attorney General). Loretta Sanchez is the Southern Californian (from LA, currently a Congresswoman). I’ve voted for Harris before and think she’s terrific. For more info, see Votersedge.org pages for Harris and Sanchez or see Harris' website or Sanchez's website. Harris is almost certain to be one of the top-two that makes it to the November general election, and the second spot will probably go to either Sanchez or the top Republican. So you might be able to decide between Harris & Sanchez again.

US Congress, 13th District: Barbara Lee

She’s great.

CA Senate, 9th District: Slight preference for Swanson over Skinner 

The top two Democrats are Sandre Swanson and Nancy Skinner, and they’re both likely to go on to the general election in November. Both would be great State Senators who I would be proud to have represent me. I slightly prefer Swanson. He was Barbara Lee’s Chief of Staff during 9/11 (if you stood with Barbara Lee, you stood with Swanson too). As his bio says, he’s “passionate about the plight of at-risk and troubled youth.” We need more of that in Sacramento. 

Skinner is also good -- I’ve voted for and endorsed her before, she’s a strong environmentalist, she's sharp on policy, and she's a neighbor. 

But I think Swanson would bring an important voice to Sacramento. He’s also endorsed by Loni Hancock, the current State Senator for the 9th District. For more info, see Votersedge.org, Swanson's website, or Skinner's website.

Oh, and BTW -- these two are almost certain to be the top-two from the primary, and face each other again in the general election in November, so you'll likely have a chance to learn more by then.

CA Assembly, 15th District: Thurmond. 

He’s great. I'd vote for him even if he weren't the only Democrat in the race.