Election Endorsements

Candidate and Proposition Recommendation
November 4, 2008 General Election

CAPA is nonpartisan. Our Board's candidate recommendations are based on, whenever feasible, candidate interviews, qualification analyses, and various debate forums. Our Board Members also studied, analyzed, and debated the merits of each Proposition. We make our recommendations in the interests of CAPA and its members. A 2/3 majority vote of the Board is required for each endorsement. These results are published as guidelines for your use.

Candidates

President/Vice President of the United States - Barack Obama/Joe Biden
Both presidential candidates promise change. Each has his own unique background, strength and weakness in dealing with the many challenges that the nation is facing. The Obama/Biden ticket offers the stronger experience. But the critical difference is that Barack Obama and Joe Biden have both signed statements committing to enforce fairness in employment and to nominate qualified Asian Americans for federal judge positions. John McCain did not sign such statements despite being urged several times. During tumultuous economic times, minority issues are often overlooked and minorities can become easy targets for discrimination. The Obama/Biden's commitment to Asian Americans carries more significance these days.

United States Congress, District 7 - George Miller
George Miller has been an active supporter of CAPA's mission and programs for many years. His seniority and seasoned leadership in the U.S. House of Representative in these difficult times is needed.

United States Congress, District 10 - Ellen Tauscher
Ellen Tauscher has been a good advocate for the Bay Area. Her career in running her own business and her role in the congressional armed services committee will provide just the right background to tackle today's pressing problems.

United States Representative, District 11 - Jerry McNerney
Jerry McNerney's expertise in wind power and passion in alternative energy is a great asset to making changes in the energy policy which is urgently needed. In addition, in his first term he has worked hard for the tri-valley area. He also has made effort to connect with CAPA despite a busy congressional schedule.

State Senator, District 7 - Mark DeSaulnier
Mark DeSaulnier is an independent thinker and is known in Sacramento for working well with his colleagues across the aisle. He has actively participated and worked with CAPA and the Asian American community on numerous occasions. DeSaulnier has been a long time active supporter of CAPA and is currently one of CAPA's advisors. His experience at the local level and his dedication, work ethic in the State Assembly make him well qualified to serve in the State Senate.

Member of the State Assembly, District 11 - Tom Torlakson
Tom Torlakson is running for his old seat. He has served as Contra Costa County Supervisor, in State Assembly and State Senate. Torlakson has extensive experience working on the policies that matter most to residents of this district. His work in getting BART to East County has been well documented and his has strong focus in education and schools. Torkalson is also a long time active supporter of CAPA and our internship program.

Member of the State Assembly, District 15 - Split
Both Abram Wilson and Joan Buchanan are very strong candidates with excellent records in their past positions as Mayor of San Ramon and as San Ramon Valley School Board Member, respectively. Both are well appreciated by their constituents for their accomplishments. The CAPA Board is unable to reach the 2/3 vote for either candidate.

Board Member, Mount Diablo Unified School District (2 to be elected) - April Treece, Jeff Adams
April Treece is a team builder and a skillful negotiator. She has demonstrated her dedication to education through her long tenure on the Board. Jeff Adams brings a fresh set of business skills and he projects spirit of collaboration. Both candidates have reached out to CAPA and the Asian American community.

Supervisor, County of Contra Costa, District 5 - Federal Glover
Federal Glover has paid extensive attention to solving many transportation problems in the District. He knows CAPA well and supports the CAPA programs.

Council Member, City of El Cerrito (3 to be elected) - Andrew Ting, Ann Cheng
Andrew Ting and Ann Cheng are very capable candidates. Andrew Ting is focused on public safety and infrastructure improvement. Ann Cheng has a background in urban planning and advocates environmental improvement. Both understand Asian American issues in their community which consists of 40% APIs.

Council Member, Town of Moraga (3 to be elected) - Karen Mendonca
Karen Mendonca is a proven consensus builder and team player. She also advocates for environmental sustainability. She reaches out for input from all members of the community including CAPA.

Council Member, City of Pleasant Hill (3 to be elected) - John Hanecak
John Hanecak, the popular current Mayor of Pleasant Hill, has proven to be the key cornerstone of Pleasant Hill's success. He was a former CAPA Board Member and has continued to actively support and advise CAPA.

Council Member, City of Walnut Creek (3 to be elected) - Bob Simmons
Bob Simmons supports sustainable and environmentally sound future projects and is committed to Walnut Creek's fiscal health and standard. He is a former attorney with the USDA and current part-time mediator, a rare talent in our divisive community.

Director, East Bay Regional Park District, Ward 1 - Norman La Force
Norman La Force is a long time activist for better environment and preservation of open space. He is a CAPA member and supporter of the CAPA programs.

Statewide Propositions

Proposition 1 Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train - Yes
Despite the requirement for a bond issue, this proposition offers a good way for California to take the lead to build environmentally friendly means of transportation. It will also lead to creation of construction jobs and development of new technology.

Proposition 2 Standards for Confining Farm Animals - No
The proposition does not balance the overall needs. Individuals keeping small numbers of animals can be subject to unnecessary rules and regulation.

Proposition 3 Children's Hospital Bond Act. Grant Program - No
A similar proposition (Proposition 61) was passed in 2004 authorizing the State to sell $980M in general obligation bonds. CAPA recommended Yes on Proposition 61. To date, there is still $347M left to be used for the same purpose. There is no need to raise yet another bond.

Proposition 4 Waiting Period and Parental Notification before Termination of Minor's - No
All parents want the best for their children, particularly health and safety. In most Asian American families, there is usually good communication between parents and minors. Laws cannot dictate nor improve communication. Similar propositions came up in recent elections (Proposition 73 in 2005 and Proposition 85 in 2006) and both propositions failed to pass.

Proposition 5 Nonviolent Drug Offenses, Sentencing, Parole and Rehabilitation - Yes
This is a reasonable way to provide treatment for non-violent offenders in this area and to reduce the likelihood of repeated offenses. In addition, early treatment can be more cost effective than later and repeated incarceration.

Proposition 6 Police and Law Enforcement Funding, Criminal Penalties and Laws - No
The proposition requires $965M from general funds. It does not offer proven programs to guarantee success, while displacing other programs. There are other priorities, such as education and health care, for the State to fund.

Proposition 7 Renewable Energy Generation - No
While good in principle, this proposition contains confusing provisions. The proposition is opposed by a rare mix of organizations: environmental groups (such as Environment Defense Fund, Natural Resource Fund, Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies) and utility companies (such as PG&E, Southern California Edison), as well as both the California Democratic Party and California Republican Party.

Proposition 8 Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry - No
Regardless of an individual's preference and how the word marriage has been commonly used in the English language historically, this proposition fundamentally discriminates against homosexuals and lesbians by denying them the same treatment as the rest of the society. Discrimination against any group violates the principles that CAPA advocates.

Proposition 9 Criminal Justice System, Victims' Rights, Parole - No
There are enough provisions in place to deal with the issues covered by this proposition.

Proposition 10 Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Renewable Energy Bonds - No
The proposition using general funds benefits mostly the heavy industry and large vehicles while doing little for the consumers. It is also costly and will displace funding for other more important programs.

Proposition 11 Redistricting - Split
The CAPA Board is unable to determine whether the existing process or proposed process will produce a fairer way to redraw district boundaries.

Proposition 12 Veteran's Bond Act of 2008 - Yes
California has issued similar home-loan program bonds for veterans in the past and the funds have been used up. It is important for California to continue to support the veterans. In addition, the costs associated with the Bond will repaid by the loan holders.