By Cheri Rae
The contentious race for the 35th State Assembly seat between Das Williams on the left and Mike Stoker on the right is a perfect example of why Sacramento—and California—no longer works.
Both ideologues seemed to barely contain their contempt for one another, and their opposing viewpoints on almost every topic, at the recent candidates’ forum. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara, and held at the Goleta Valley Community Center, the event attracted less than 100, but was videotaped for broadcast on Santa Barbara Channels for a wider audience.
The stark differences between the two were most apparent with Williams repeating his support for green jobs, alternative energy and composting, while Stoker referring to Obama-care, cutting wasteful spending and jobs lost to over-regulation.
These two polar-opposites speak in code guaranteed to whip up support—and opposition—with every syllable. The termed-out Council Member and the former County Supervisor; one speaks of single-payer health care, the other of Obama-care; one speaks admiringly of unions, the other regards them as impediments to budget reform; one stands up to establish his dominance, the other remains seated, with voice rising, and word count doubling.
They offer thinly veiled jabs at the other’s position in one statement after the other.
They do agree on securing the borders, but not on a guest worker program; and on the significance of this election to the economic future of California. Stoker reduces it to a single question, “Do you think we have a spending problem or a revenue problem?” while Williams speaks of a “balanced approach of cuts and sin taxes.” He mentions taxing cigarettes and alcohol, but not a word about marijuana—and no one asks a follow-up.
But under the constraints of what is now considered a “forum,” candidates were not allowed to interact, question their opponent or show any sign of spontaneity at all. When Stoker questioned Williams about whether or not he has changed his position on Proposition 13, he was admonished both by Williams and the moderator—who warned the exchange might have to be edited out.
In closing remarks, Williams repeated a story about how a Ventura official likened him to a firefighter running into a burning building—apparently to save the state—and recounted how the 95-year-old Selma Rubin encouraged him to run, saying “Das Williams, we’re not through with you yet.”
Stoker, who described himself as an empty nester, recounted how California faces one of its greatest challenges ever—and how he is willing to step up to the plate of public service one more time, taking a pay cut if elected.
This Native Californian left the forum feeling wrung-out and hopeless for the future of the Golden State. If we can’t get past partisan bickering in Old Town Goleta, it’s not going to happen in the State House in Sacramento.
On that night, neither candidate gave me any reason to believe in his ability as a member of the State Assembly to work with members of the opposition party, or to represent a moderate, middle-class point of view.
Fixed, thank you.
You have such a delicate and professional way of putting things, Cheri. Clumsy old me would just blurt out that it is apparent to many past Das supporters that he sold out totally some time ago to the unions and schools that fund his campaigns, and the “little folk” are just so much chopped liver to him now. While Stoker just seems to be harsh and always has. At least with Stoker, what you see is what you get and you have to give him considerable credit for being consistent and for not being afraid to be real. It’s a refreshing quality in this race – and I speak as a lifetime Democrat.
Just vote 4 Das. Everybody does no matter what the race.
The other day I heard Dashing Das say he was in this “for the little school children”. My bet is he’ll still be running for some office by the time their able to vote.
Glad I wasn’t there to hear the running into the burning building – and the Selma Rubin tripe. It would have been hard to keep from barfing. This voter is very definitely through with Das and regrets ever having voted for him.
Those remarks really do confirm my impression that it is all about Das. It sounds as though there was little substance to this “forum” — it’s a pity, but the LWV format has gotten very tired …and tiresome. There needs to be a back and forth between the candidates rather than the same old, same old trotting out of campaign statements with no follow-ups. I suppose no one asked Williams if, if elected, he would stay in the Assembly if, for instance, Capps should retire in two years?
I think there’s some hope that Stoker can work with those with whom he disagrees. Williams has shown conclusively in the last years on the city council that he can not work with anyone with a different point of view. (“with” is the operative word, implying a mutual respect.) Although I don’t agree with all of Stoker’s points, the last thing the tarnished golden state needs is another polarizing self-centered feeder.
if you don’t know please don’t vote
Vote for an adult- VOTE MIKE STOKER!
Enough of this whining from Das and has anyone been watching the City Council hearings? If you have, you will have noticed how many times Das loses his temper when the vote does not go his way. It is absoutely childish. Enough of that behanvior. Let’s not encourange that silly stuff.
Vote for an adult- VOTE MIKE STOKER FOR A GOOD CHANGE!