Issues
Taxes & Revenue
More taxes = less personal freedom.
Even though California is on the brink of bankruptcy (a.k.a. insolvency) thanks to out of control government spending (state spending is equal to ¼ of the wealth of the state), it still can be fixed. We don’t have a revenue problem; we have a spending problem. See Earl’s signed tax pledge.
As we tighten our own belts, we need to rein in the tax-and-spend liberals (we are $42 billion in debt) who have been serving themselves rather than the people and learn to live within our means. I absolutely will not spend more than our revenues bring in. California has the highest income tax and is the most regulated in the nation; we need to cut taxes and streamline regulation to bring businesses and jobs back to California. Inspired individuals and hard work through private enterprise and the free market, released from undue government meddling, hold the key to prosperity and returning California to its former grandeur as the Golden State.
Earl defeated Measure U, a ½ cent sales tax increase in San Bernardino County saving taxpayers millions of dollars and will never vote to raise taxes, fees, or bonds. (Bonds are taxation without representation on our children and grandchildren.)
Second Amendment
Earl is vice chairman of West Valley Friends of the National Rifle Association, the educational branch of the NRA, raising funds for gun safety programs for adults and children and protecting our gun rights. Earl was the proud winner of a Taurus 357 revolver at a Friends of the NRA fundraiser in February when he beat out 20 other contestants in a game of heads or tails! Earl has received many other awards for his work in the Friends of the NRA.
The California Rifle and Pistol Association has given Earl an “A” rating!
Schools
Not so long ago, California was the promised land, but California schools have gone from best to worst in a generation; education of our children needs to begin with parents getting involved, and control of our schools needs to be local, not dictated by bureaucrats from Sacramento. I support school choice through an increase in charter schools (remove the cap), deductions for tuition, and merit pay for great teachers: choice, competition, and accountability will yield great schools.
AB32
AB32 is a hair-brained job-killer, and Earl will work to support Prop23, which will suspend AB32 until unemployment reaches 5.5%. Yesterday’s politicians haven’t helped create the jobs we must aquire to restore California. The way to grow the economy and create jobs is to create a business friendly climate. That’s the only climate change California needs!
Pro-Life and Traditional Family
Over the years, Earl and his family have sheltered in their home over twenty homeless, pregnant women and their children at no cost to the women or the taxpayer (for free). Earl supported Prop 8 (marriage between a man and a woman) and Prop 4 (parental notification if a minor child receives an abortion) with time and money. Earl is unashamedly pro-traditional family and pro-life, and is endorsed by the California Prolife Council. Listen to Earl’s wife, Judy, in a recent radio interview here.
Water
Restoring contracted water supplies to our farmers and ending the government imposed drought is a priority in our state! The Central Valley feeds the rest of us. Relocate the smelt if we must, and turn the water back on!
Less Foreign Oil Dependence
Safe, sensible drilling for oil would bring jobs and revenue to California. It is unconscionable that we give money for oil to countries in the Middle East and Venezuela; we need to ensure energy independence from foreign countries.
Border Security
Earl is a native Californian, son of poor Dutch immigrants who waited in line to enter the country legally (didn’t take cuts) and worked hard once they got here, without relying on government programs. Every nation has the right to secure its borders against threats of drugs, weapons, and human smuggling.
Recently Earl and his family and friends spent a short vacation waterskiing in Arizona to show his support of the Arizona law.
Crime & Punishment
The solution to crime is a moral one involving personal responsibility and accountability as well as strict law enforcement, not cutting prisoners loose. California spends $47,000 per prisoner per year while Arizona spends $19,000.
