What is a PAC?

clairek: A PAC is a Political Action Committee. It is formed in support or opposition of a candidate or a ballot measure.

Definition: A political action committee, or PAC, is the name commonly given to a private group, regardless of size, organized to elect or defeat government officials in order to promote legislation, often supporting the group's special interests.

There are two local special interest PAC's; Friends of Fillmore and Fillmore Citizens for Responsible Planning. These PAC's are funded and maintained by developers and their lawyers and contractors.

PAC's are usually the ones responsible for the dirty tricks in a political campaign. They usually choose names that are the opposite of what they represent. For instance the Fillmore Citizens for Responsible Planning is primarily made up of Griffin Industries, their lawyers and their contractors.

They have contributed large sums of money to defeat candidates or measures that try to limit growth. In fact Ken Smedley and Ernie Villegas were supported by these PAC's. These PAC's also worked very hard to defeat Patti Walker in the last election.

Patti Walker and I have vowed not to accept any special interest money from developers. Our only source of funds is local individuals and small businesses. We are truly a grassroots campaign. We will be outspent 20 to 1 or more. I hope the citizens of this town can see through all the dollars to see what's at stake.

Right now, in this current campaign, they have already expended a large amount of money conducting a "survey" about the City Council race. You may have participated in this telephone survey. I was even polled.

The questions were so targeted and twisted that I would hope anyone with a modicum of intelligence can see right through the tactics...more tomorrow.

Campaign Trail....

Hi everyone. Sorry I've been neglecting the blog...a candidate's work is never done.

Here's an update on what's been happening with the campaign.

Last Tuesday(19th) we had our volunteer committee meeting. What a great turnout! Thanks to all of the Walker - Washburn Walkers for coming. We have a great group of volunteers ready to take to the streets. I personally feel very grateful and fortunate to have you all on my side.

On the 20th, myself, Patti Walker and Linda Roberts participated in the Santa Clara Valley Democrats City Council debate at the Senior Center. For the most part, it all went very well. The candidates were all grilled on various topics including; North Fillmore, Referendum, sewer plant, crime, etc. There were some entertaining moments when I got heckled by a spectator who didn't agree with my answers on the sewer plant issue. No one in attendance knew who the gentleman was - which seems strange if at least someone from town doesn't know who you are. Hmmm....who was that man?

The Santa Clara Valley Republicans debate will be on October 17th at 6:00 pm at William L. Morris.

In the interim, if you have any questions for the candidates just ask on this blog post and we will be happy to answer them for you.

New Topic...small business

I've heard a lot of horror stories about people wanting to start businesses. Is this true? I know of some small developers who have tried to get through Planning Department and City Council for years. They don't have the deep pockets of the large developers to pay for the carrying costs and revisions so they make very little profit.

I've also heard that some businesses have been rejectecd for various reasons. Do you know of any? Have any of you tried to start a business? Share your stories with us.

In Colorado the costs of starting a business were: $15.00 for filing with Secretary of State, $25.00 for incorporating, $15.00 for Trade Name(City), and $25.00 for Sales Tax License. That's it - what you would call small business friendly. Here the cost is $170.00(home business) just for the City. I don't know what the State costs are.

Open House

You are all invited to our campaign kick-off party on Thursday, September 14th, from 5-7 at Central Station (345 Central). Free appetizers and soft drinks.

Hope you can make it and we can all have a good time. If you are interested in volunteering on the campaign there will be sign up sheets.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

What's the best option for North Fillmore?

North Fillmore. That's what's been on everyone's mind for several months. This is a controversial issue. Where do you stand? What is your vision for North Fillmore?

Would you like to see high-density multi-family housing? Single family homes with yards? Patio homes for retirees? Ranchettes? A park?

How many? 100, 300, 500, 700, 900?

Let's hear some thoughts and ideas...