For this election was approximately 67%  for San Carlos.  I had expected a much higher turnout.  Any thoughts why it was this low?

As the president-elect stated – the election was not about him – it was about our country.  Last night we made a choice to hold our ideals as a  nation high.

This election has been a long time coming.  I personally feel excited and proud of the choices our country made in this election.  So many of our fellow citizens chose to be active in their citizenship by casting their ballots.

As the child of immigrants – my parents always said this is a country which rewards hard work.  This is a country where a person can stand on their own feet and rise as high as their aspirations take them.

Last night we stated clearly why so many in the world look longingly to the US as the beacon of liberty.  Personally I will not dwell on the past and throw stones.  There is work in front of us and a future to prepare for.

Last night said a lot of who we as Americans are – and what kind of people we aspire to be.

This morning – the sunrise was definitely brighter.

Former Secretary of the Treasury William E. Simon once said, “Bad politicians are sent to Washington by good people who don’t vote.” As you prepare to perform your civic duty – here are my endorsements.

Candidates:

• President: Barack Obama
• US Representative District 12: Jackie Speier
• US Representative District 14: Anna Eshoo
• US Representative District 15: Mike Honda
• State Senator District 11: Joe Simitian
• Member of the State Assembly District 19: Jerry Hill
• Member of the State Assembly District 21: Ira Ruskin
• Member Board of Trustees | San Mateo County Board of Election Trustee Area #7:
  Memo Morantes
• Member Midpenninsula Regional Open Space District Ward 7: Cecily Harris

Propositions

• YES: Proposition 1A Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train
• YES: Proposition 2 Standards for Confining Farm Animals
• NO: Proposition 3 Children’s Hospital Bond Act. Grant Program
• NO: Proposition 4 Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor’s Pregnancy
• NO: Proposition 5 Nonviolent Drug Offenses, Sentencing, Parole and Rehabilitation
• NO: Proposition 6 Police and Law Enforcement Funding. Criminal Penalties and Laws
• NO: Proposition 7 Renewable Energy Generation
• NO: Proposition 8 Eliminate Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry
• NO: Proposition 9 Criminal Justice System. Victims’ Rights. Parole
• NO: Proposition 10 Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Renewable Energy. Bonds
• YES: Proposition 11 Redistricting
• YES: Proposition 12 Veteran’s Bond Act of 2008

Measures:

• YES: Measure Q Commercial Parking Facilities | County of San Mateo
• YES: Measure R Vehicle Rental Business | County of San Mateo
• YES: Measure S Parcel Tax | San Carlos School District

Thank you for all your kind thoughts regarding my dear friend and mentor from the National Youth Science Camp,  Haywood McCallum.  Haywood was severely injured during a robbery outside his home in Richmond, Virginia on October 11, 2008.    Haywood is still in the ICU and an arrest has been made.  As you can see – progress is slow – but it great to see him smiling!

Last night I had the pleasure of joining the San Carlos Lions Club in their annual Tri-tip Supper. A few hundred folks were served some terrific food by the hardworking kids from the 4H. All this was in the effort to raise money for Healthy Cities Tutoring program. One highlight of the evening was our own Park & Recreation Director Barry Weiss serve as auctioneer.