As you know it’s election season, and things are getting a little spicy, and has the community just a bit discombobulated. Once again, candidates are playing musical chairs and leaving their seats vacant, prompting the need for special elections and more taxpayer dollars to be spent.
Nothing different this election season, candidates have sought the endorsement of the different local democratic clubs in their communities and now they are competing for the big dog with the money… The California Democratic Party’s endorsement.
As a Delegate for the largest Democratic State Party in the nation, tonight I cast my ballot for two candidates that I believe will make extraordinary representatives for my communities. I cast my pre-endorsement ballot for both Congressional District 37 and California Senate District 28.
I believe that region 14, CD 37 and AD59 constituents will be happy with the two candidates that I have chosen for the party to endorse, if elected.
I chose to endorse former Los Angeles City Councilwoman, Jan Perry to replace departing Congresswoman Karen Bass, and underdog Jamaal Gulledge to replace departing Senator Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who happens to be running against Jan Perry.
Everyone knows that I am wild card and will vote with my heart and the needs of the people of my community. I know that the majority may support Senator Kamlager-Dove to replace Congresswoman Karen Bass, however, the Senator’s voting record in the California State Legislature, along with her abstentions on important policies like protecting renters in the State of California worried me when over 70% of Angelenos are renters.
Here are some of the things that I have taken issue with regarding her voting record…
- AB2501 – The Senator did not cast a vote to protect homeowners and renters from foreclosure and eviction due to COVID-related circumstances – However the Senator received $99k from Real estate entities. Hmmmm. Makes you wonder right?
- AB1366 – The Senator voted in favor of eliminating critical oversight of telecom companies…. Extremely bad policy overall.
- AB2364 – The Senator didn’t cast a vote to protect tenants from pointless evictions.
- SB298 – The Senator did not cast a vote to protect seasonal workers’ savings from debt collectors
I did offer to speak with the Senator like every other candidate to offer her a chance to explain her abstentions, however a meeting was not entertained.
Councilwoman Jan Perry has a strong plan to address housing insecurities which is desperately needed.
Perry not only presents progressive policies, but she also isn’t afraid of specifically calling out the communities that these policies will affect. The Black community.
Another reason I didn’t cast my vote for the Senator, who was just elected March 2021, she hasn’t even served one full term in the California State Senate before seeking higher office.
To be frank, I’m sick of Politicians doing this.
If we are to grow and expand as a party, there must be consistency and continuity within the ranks. Greed and overt ambition have no place in the representation of our community.
Therefore, we are forced to question the objectives of every candidate bidding for a position.
