June 25, 1999
By Daniel H. Muñoz
NALEO Elects New Board of Directors
Philadelphia _ The Board of Directors of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) elected a new Board of Directors and officer for the 1999-2000 term. The Honorable Raymond G. Sanchez, Speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives was elected President of the Board, succeeding Edward R. Roybal.
Other officers elected at the Association's 16th annual conference in Philadelphia were Denver City Council member Ramona Martinez as Vice President, Southern California Edison executive Gaddi Vasquez as Secretary, and Rockford School Board member Gloria Cardenas-Cudia as Treasurer.
"I am honored to be selected by my colleagues to head the premier leadership organization devoted to political empowerment. I hope to build upon the visionary work of our founder Congressman Edward Roybal," said NALEO President Sanchez.
GOP Wants to Change Winner Take All State Primary
Ontario - The California Republican Party leaders voted to change their presidential primary from a "winner take all" system to a district by district winner format. Under the proposed change, candidates would fight for the 156 state Republican delegates district by district, with a district victory worth three delegates, with up to two dozen at-large delegates probably going to candidates based on their statewide vote.
Backers of the change say that it would make candidates focus their campaigns earlier and thus help produce stronger party support for the eventual presidential nominee. This is also seen as a victory for minor candidates who had no reason to come to California other than fund-raising.
A bill implementing the change would have to pass the state Legislature and be signed by Gov. Gray Davis by July 1, the national GOP's deadline. The prospect of the bill passing through both houses and getting signed in 12 days, appears very unlikely.
Assembly backs $2.8 Billion in Bonds
Sacramento - State lawmakers approved nearly $3 billion in park, housing and crime bonds, saying California needs to spend money to maintain its quality of life and expected huge growth.
The $1.5 billion park bond bill was approved 54-15. A $750 million housing bond was passed 45-29. A $500 million to build and remodel local and state crime labs won approval 55-8.
The park bond if approved by voters will provide $704 million for local parks, particularly urban projects; $322 million for state parks; $200 million for beach access and other coastal projects; $168 million for wildlife habitat projects; $15 million for the California Conservation Corps for disadvantage youths; and the rest for various conservation projects.
The housing bond bill would be aimed at financing homes and apartments for low- and moderate-income Californians. The third bond bill would attempt to upgrade the 19 local and 11 state forensic laboratories that analyze evidence from crimes.
All three bills are aimed for the year 2000 elections. They still need approval by the Senate and governor.
Lower Fees for Community Colleges
The proposed $1-per-unit fee reduction for next fall, sailed through the Legislature and is expected to approved by Gov. Gray Davis. The new per-unit fee of $11 a unit is the second straight year that Community College fees have been reduced. The average yearly fees for a full-time student would fall from the current $360 per year to about $330. The measure was supported by Republicans and Democrats alike.
Pool Fees, It Depends On Your Perspective
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor agreed to eliminate fees charged for using the county's 30 public pools, Wednesday, citing a robust economy and the right thing to do.
At the same time Los Angeles mayor Richard Riordan has proposed eliminating the 75-cent fee at city pools this summer, citing this as one way that local taxpayers benefit from the economic boom.
On the same day the San Diego City Council was taking a different tact, instead of considering eliminating fees they were considering a proposal to increase the fees for public pools. City council rejected the fee hikes. Local residents will continue to pay $2.00 per adult and $1.50 per child.
Bush Comes to California
Texas governor, George W. Bush, will make his initial appearance as a presidential candidate next week when makes a three-day swing through the golden state. This trip is seen as an opportunity for Bush to get specific about his policy agenda for California voters. Hispanic voters will also be taking a look to see how Bush proposes to include the minority communities under the big tent.
Bush seen as the shiniest star on the horizon, carried Texas' Hispanic community in his last election victory. Bush who is fluent in Spanish will make only one truly public appearance which will be in San Diego, June 29, at the Del Mar Fair. The rest of the trip will be comprised, mostly, of fund-raising visits.
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