Six weeks to Election Day in the open 76th AD, and North County voters are getting a better view of the three leaders trying to succeed the termed-out Martin Garrick. Thanks to this debate coverage by the Coast News key differences are emerging. Farrah Douglas and Rocky Chavez back a Part-Time Legislature, while Sherry Hodges is against. Chavez and Douglas oppose Prop. 29’s Tax increase on tobacco, but Hodges supports Proposition 29, the Coast News reports (see update below).
Update from Admin (April 20 – 10:18 am)… Hodges contacted SD Rostra to say the Coast News is incorrect, that she has always been opposed to Prop. 29 and has never said otherwise. “My consistent answer on Prop 29 has been, NO, with a capital N and a capital O.”
…..Candidates also Stress their Qualifications
Rocky Chavez emphasizes his experience as a US Marine Colonel and former California State Veterans Secretary. Councilwoman Farrah Douglas points to her work for fiscal reform in the city of Carlsbad. Sherry Hodges notes her Encinitas community activism and work as staffer for three state legislators.
…..$735 Million in New Taxes under Prop. 29
The report by the Legislative Analyst published in the State Voter Guide says Prop. 29 on the June ballot would raise a net $735 million in new State revenues with a one dollar-a-pack tax on cigarettes. The money is supposed to be spent on public health and education related to smoking issues.
…..How the 76th was Redrawn for this Election
The 76th Assembly District includes (from North to South) Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, and Encinitas. Martin Garrick represents most of the area now, but overall boundaries were redrawn by the State Redistricting Commission last Summer. The main change is to create an all-San Diego county district, rather than one overlapping into Orange County as in the past. San Diego’s lone State Redistricting Commissioner, Gil Ontai, deserves thanks for that logical revision.
The top two finishers in the June primary will advance to a November 2012 runoff finale.
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DISCLOSURE: Rocky Chavez for State Assembly 2012 is a client.