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Political Philosophy for Jim BensonCandidate for Member, County Council; County Committee; 4th Supervisorial District; Reform Party
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DRUGSOur current policies have not had their intended effect. We have spent billions on enforcement yet reduced drug use only marginally. Druglords have become richer and more powerfull, neighborhood dealers have gone underground and hi-tech.We need to refocus, investing in treatment, education, and neighborhood empowerment with reduced penalties for personal use and respect for the will of the people (i.e. Prop 215). Focus on keeping drugs out of schools and jails where they do the most long-term damage. People have, and always will use mind mind-altering substances; we cannot condone it, but we must focus on those who have addictive problems and prevent others from falling prey (especially our children). All programs must be pilot-tested: a) Do they reduce demand and profit b) Are they cost-effective. SCHOOLSReturn to Local Control. Empower local teachers and parents to be creative in solving our many problems. The only job the state should have is to set goals and share information on programs that work. Too much time and money is spent on one-size-fits-all solutions, administrative costs, paperwork, etc. Such resources should be spent on textbooks, schools, etc.A first-class education is the cornerstone of equality for all people. At present we are holding back the progress of our limited-English students by focusing on non-English skills. They must be brought into our multi-ethnic culture that uses English as the common language. REDEVELOPMENTRedevelopment Is Not Magic - there are high costs. Property tax revenue that should go to schools, the county, etc., is diverted to pay long-term bonds. While promoted as a cure-all, in the end usually only the developers and politicians benefit. Any future redevelopment program must be fully explained to the people and voted upon.Some redevelopment is necessary to ensure continued growth - we must change how it is done. Full disclosure of costs and obligations, competitive bidding, and voter approval must be included. VOTER FRAUDAll citizens should be concerned when there is fraudulent voting. It is not just a unique problem as portrayed in the recent Dornan/Sanchez race. There have been pets, deceased individuals, and others found to have voted in other elections (e.g. Hawthorne, California about four years ago).We need to quit pointing fingers and find a solution that encourages citizens to register and vote. I believe it is an important part of our civic duty to get out and vote for the candidate that best represents our views. A few suggestions: 1) Regular reviews of rolls to remove inactive voters 2) Photographic identification of voters at the polls (Driver's License, State I.D., etc.) 3) Informative brochure explaining procedures and qualifications of registration. I do not favor Social Security numbers on voter registration forms, or ending absentee balloting nor "Motor Voter" programs. Somewhere there is a solution that is fair and it's our job to find it. GENERALWe must establish respect and communication between all groups and cultures.Pilot-test all new programs. "Sunset" and review provisions in all legislation. Review all current programs, codes, and laws to verify their effects. Keep out of people's personal lives and promote equal opportunity for all. The founding fathers did not envision a government that uses 40% or more of working people's money to fund never-ending bureaucracies. Cut spending by eliminating agencies. |
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Created from information supplied by the candidate: May 25, 1998 15:07
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