Local Issues

Many local issues are not things that Congress should be meddling in, but I am happy to address some of them here anyway to help you better understand my positions.

All Saints
Until the IRS starts investigating every church that has been engaging in political action, including those that blatantly supported George W. Bush, I stand with the rector and the congregation of All Saints Episcopal Church in stating that the current IRS investigation is tantamount to totalitarian scare tactics, and must stop.

710/110/2 Completion/Extension
All the money we've spent on these freeway projects has been wasted on study after study after study. It's time to stop studying. We either need to start building or declare public opposition too strong and walk away. Either way, compromise and goal-oriented communication is needed, and I'm prepared to work with all sides to find solutions that work for everybody.

Local Federal Monies
It would be very hypocritical of us to go on a crusade to balance the budget and continue to accept lots of government pork (as long as it comes to our district). Yes, that means we need to tighten our belts. Sorry, no new footbridges for a while. No block grants to wealthy business owners, either. We're all going to have to learn to live on a budget.

Terrorism Preparedness
The biggest obstacle to our terrorism preparedness is all the unfunded government mandates we've been given. Local authorities know better where our strengths and weaknesses are, and they need to be empowered to respond appropriately.

Perchlorate Cleanup
I'm a firm believer in "if you mess it up, you clean it up" and the government cannot be excepted from that. Despite public opinion to the contrary, however, these cleanups are going very well, and in many cases can and should be declared done.

Raymond Theatre
The Pasadena City Council cannot and should not disregard its own laws for one wealthy and/or well-connected person. Either historic preservation laws apply to everyone or they need to be repealed. Selective enforcement is always unjust.