Candidate for
Lieutenant Governor

What I Believe

I advocate for pragmatic, common sense, centrist-oriented politics where rational solutions trump ideology and integrity trumps impunity.

Fundamental Philosophical Tenets:

INDEPENDENT THINKING, I generally try to practice independent critical thought and am against ill-conceived public policy that does not represent the will of the People. Today, we witness policy debates based on ideology, not on concrete solutions. Critical thinking means challenging all assumptions, and mapping and analyzing all possible solutions based on facts and potential outcomes, not on party ideology. We need to stop political debate that is mearly people "parroting" others' opinions without reliance on facts or self-discovery.

The best solutions are still waiting to be discovered by an empowered and engaged electorate. Moving past black and white partisan views, an undivided electorate who can approach issues with an open mind, without prior prejudice, is what we need to forge bold new solutions built on firm common ground.

MERITOCRACY, a belief that society should reward merit, which is a combination of intelligence, talent, competence and hard work. Merit is determined through an objective evaluation of an individual's professional accomplishments, educational achievements and personal character. Similarly, solutions to problems should be formed and judged in a rational manner based on a process of discovery, analysis and proposed solutions based on their merits, not on prior prejudice, pure self-interest or false beliefs.

INTEGRITY, (Should be a fundamental a pillar to any politics, sadly it often isn't.) Integrity means honesty and a commitment to an ethical approach to politics. Integrity in thought, integrity in action. I will practice what I preach, live up to the promise I make and not make promises I cannot keep. Integrity also means accountability: no one is above the law and everyone lives by the same rules.

I am neither Conservative nor Liberal and do not wish to be confined to the traditional left-right political spectrum. In our current political reality, this seems like nonsense doesn't it? It is, however, patently true. How? To borrow a slogan, slightly altered, from President Clinton's campaign, "It's the system stupid!" Over time, the two party system has morphed into an impediment to a proper functioning democratic Republic, including its need to parse down important debates to two simplistic opposing viewpoints, or false binaries.

Beyond philosophical tenets, I would like to promote a concrete platform of political ideals and policies which I believe are the most critical issues to the welfare of our state and country. These principles unify us as Americans and Californians, and come from a place of inclusiveness, not division.

1.Fiscal Responsibility -Any action of the government must respect principles of fiscal responsibility and public accountability. Every dollar we give to the state should be spent wisely for beneficial programs which protect and develop us as a state. If we can do more with less, we should. If we can bolster the private sector for a healthy economy, we should.

2.Energy Independence- Develop practical domestic energy sources and economically viable alternative energy to reduce dependence on foreign energy sources and strive towards energy independence. We need to take another look at what new energy technology is available, the power plants of yesterday should not be the guide for tomorrow. If we do not build up our energy infrastructure we will be in trouble soon.

3.Inward looking economic focus - It's about time we refocus on ourselves and discover and implement policies to grow domestic demand and our manufacturing base. Only this can provide an environment which can create the kinds of jobs that will support Californian families within the context of a globally interdependent world. A Renewed American System (RAS) is a holistic and sustainable set of interdependent policies that defines America's first true industrial policy.

4.State's Responsibility- Each state can generally determine its course of action based on local values and unique needs. I believe in a strong government at every level and separation of powers. Yet, strong and competent local and state governments are important, as they are the level of government where the people can get most involved. All citizens need to ensure the Federal government doesn't usurp its Constitutional authority. Over the last twenty years, Federal authority has been allowed to creep into areas where it may not be appropriate, making an open honest dialogue about what we expect from government a future necessity.

5.Social Acceptance -When the government is compelled to legislate morality (laws), every citizen should be considered as equal. Our Constitution empowers us to be the vanguard of social acceptance, and here we should be leading the world BY EXAMPLE.

6.Education and Scientific Advancement- Increase public and private emphasis on math and science to promote American innovation to compete in the global economy, while keeping in mind the interdependent relationship with the arts.

7.Veterans Affairs -Vigilant advocacy relating to the medical, financial, and overall well-being of our military families and veterans.

8.Electoral & Government Reform- Support efforts and work for governmental reform that makes the American government efficient, fair, and responsive at all levels. Support efforts and work for electoral reform to allow all Americans to have their voices heard and make it rational for citizens to participate in the government and electoral processes. To this end I support the adoption of Approval Voting ballots at all levels of government, eliminating the "least bad" choice many of us face at election day while at the same time serving to un-polarize the candidates.

I do not want to tell you what to believe. This may be a very un-politician concept, as most of today's political parties make you "buy in" to their belief set. I prefer civic ethics combined with self discovery which fosters true open minded dialogue and critical thinking even among citizens that have historically been at odds and a practice that uses methodology not ideology, to solve problems and find the best path forward.