Danoodle seeing Broadway, at half-price

Okay, this is the "See Broadway shows" trip. Forget politics. See as many shows as possible.

Of the 18 shows I've seen, most have been half-price via the TKTS booth behind the Marriott Hotel on Broadway. As of now, there are still lots of available tickets for everything except "South Pacific."

I dragged a visiting friend to "Top Girls" last night - one of the WORST shows ever! Even my half-price ticket, $55, was too much to spend for this stinker. Theatre was only half-full. our seatmates left during the 1st intermission (yes, there were 2, count 'em, 2! intermissions). We bravely endured the endless feminist claptrap, thinking "it might get better." NOT.

Favs so far are "Gypsy" (Patti Lupone), and "Xanadu" (Cheyenne Jackson, best eye-candy on Broadway).

Props 98 and 99 - vote June 3rd

Thanks to Nan Paget, who emailed info below on April 30:

Subject: Two important competing propositions on June 3 ballot

Dear Republican friends, Sample ballots are here for the June 3rd ballot. Some of us will be voting soon by absentee. If you have been undecided re competing Propositions 98 and 99 (wording below), remember that the major difference is that 98 is being strongly promoted by the Prop 13 people, it is stronger and eliminates rent control, but may be more likely to be challenged in the courts.

If 99 receives more votes, 98 will not go into effect. So if you want 98, it seems it would be better to vote No on 99, and let the chips fall where they may as to court challenges.

Proposition 98

1248. Government Acquisition, Regulation of Private Property.
Constitutional Amendment.
Proponents: Doug Mosebar, Jon Coupal and Jim Nielsen (916) 444-9950

Bars state and local governments from condemning or damaging private property for private uses. Prohibits rent control and similar measures. Prohibits deference to government in property rights cases.

Defines "just compensation." Requires an award of attorneys fees and costs if a property owner obtains a judgment for more than the amount offered by the government. Requires government to offer to original owner of condemned property the right to repurchase property at condemned price when property is put to substantially different use than was publicly stated. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Increased costs to many governments due to the measure's restrictions. The fiscal effect on most governments probably would not be significant. (Initiative 07-0015.) (Full Text)

Proposition 99

1251. Eminent Domain. Acquisition of Owner-Occupied Residence.
Constitutional Amendment.
Proponents: Christopher K. McKenzie, Susan Smartt and Kenneth Willis c/o Steve Lucas (415) 389-6800

Bars state and local governments from using eminent domain to acquire an owner-occupied residence, as defined, for conveyance to a private person or business entity. Creates exceptions for public work or improvement, public health and safety protection, and crime prevention. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: The measure would likely not have a significant fiscal impact on state or local governments. (Initiative 07-0018.) (Full Text)

Danoodle still on vacation

I'm monitoring Politics here in Washington, DC, and there is plenty to monitor! Walked past the White House and waved to George and Laura (God bless 'em). Will post some relevant Op Eds and articles that I found in Washington Times when time permits.

SF Repubs host Dr. Vicki Murray May 7. Free event.

SF Republican Party's Monthly After Meeting Speaker Series features Guest Speaker Vicki E. Murray, Ph.D, Senior Policy Fellow, Education Studies, Pacific Research Institute, May 7, 2008, immediately following their 6:30 pm business meeting at SF's Hiram Johnson State Office Building, 455 Golden Gate Ave., Lower Level. NO CHARGE EVENT. Vicki E. Murray is Senior Policy Fellow, Education Studies, at the Pacific Research Institute for Public Policy (PRI). Dr. Murray’s research focuses on education reform measures to improve academic accountability at all levels, promote a competitive education climate, and increase parents’ control over their children’s education. Her research areas include district and charter school choice, early education, education tax credits and savings accounts, English Language Learners, special education, standards and testing, teacher pay and quality, vouchers, higher education reform, and education finance, both K-12 and postsecondary. Dr. Murray is the former director of the Goldwater Institute Center for Educational Opportunity in Phoenix, Arizona, and the author of more than a dozen education policy studies. She has advised the U.S. Department of Education on public school choice and higher education reform. She has also advised education policy makers in nearly 30 states, provided expert testimony before state legislative education committees, and served on two national accountability task forces. Dr. Murray’s research helped advance four parental choice voucher and tax-credit scholarship programs in Arizona in 2006, and she provided expert affidavits as part of the successful legal defense of choice programs for low-income, foster-care, and disabled children. Dr. Murray’s research and writings on market education policy have been widely published and cited in state and national media and research outlets, as well as outlets in Canada, Great Britain, Mexico, and New Zealand. Prior to her career in education policy, Dr. Murray taught college-level courses in American politics, English composition and rhetoric, and early British literature. She has lectured at universities nationwide, including the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, and she has presented her academic research at annual meetings of the American Political Science Association, the Southwest Social Science Association, the Northeast, New England, and Midwest Political Science Associations. Dr. Murray received her Ph.D. in politics from the Institute of Philosophic Studies at the University of Dallas, where she was an Earhart Foundation Fellow.

Danoodle on vacation

Still in NYC. Weather great (for NYC). New Yorkers are friendly, upbeat, helpful! All of the Broadway shows (and I mean all except South Pacific) is at the TKT booth half-price. Wonder if that means tourism is down. Quite a few Brits here. Having Fun. No politics except New Yorkers escaped the Congestion Charge that Mayor Bloomberg, et al, wanted to enact. Go New Yorkers!

Mark Hill: Marin faces financial tsunami

THE NEAR-bankruptcy of Vallejo, Marin's neighbor, reads like the script of a teen horror movie.

Greed, stupidity and lack of adult supervision means even the slowest-moving zombie (or slow-developing financial crisis) can inflict a lethal blow....

"Today, governments in Marin have more than $1 billion in unfunded liabilities - a time bomb like the Social Security Trust Fund with its enormous obligations to future generations and an inadequate funding structure. Recently, a number of early retiring public union members have literally hit the "lottery jackpot," receiving the equivalent of a $10-plus million lifetime payout over the next 25 years from Marin taxpayers. Upon retiring in their early to mid-50s to collect their accrued pension and health-care benefits, these ex-county employees are free to pursue new careers or employment, adding thousands more to their already guaranteed incomes.

"As the rolls of these retired public employees grow, the costs will escalate and quickly swamp the budget, resulting in funding reductions ahead for our roads, wastewater plants, flood systems, seniors, the environment and recreation and libraries for our youth..."

See Mark's Marin IJ Opinion piece posted 3/25/08.

New American Legion Post 911 started in SF; Event May 9

Republican Friends: Yesterday I met with Captain Michael Gerold, U.S. Army Special Forces who has recently returned from Afghanistan. (with a Purple Heart ) He's undergoing physical therapy and doing great) Mike is now a ROTC instructor and an MBA student at USF. Capt. Mike is also the founder of the new American Legion Post 911 here in San Francisco It is dedicated to helping our young GI s returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Membership in Post 911 is growing rapidly. Post 911 is dedicated to assisting GIs returning from the Middle-East with: 1) educational benefits under the GI Bill, 2) career coaching, resume writing and job placement 3) matching medical care support programs. Additionally, the Post sponsors Boy/Girl Scout programs and ROTC events t we sure need help with our High School ROTC in San Francisco). IMPORTANT: American Legion Post 911 is sponsoring a "California American Heroes AwardsCeremony"on Friday, May 9, 2008 from 6 to 8 PM at the War Memorial Veterans Building, 401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco. There is no charge and I hope you can attend. These men and women are our new greatest generation They deserve our support Lets welcome them and help them build Post 911 right here in SAN FRANCISCO to stand proudly like our esteemed American Legion CATHAY POST American Legion Post 911 is less than 6 months old. They need funds to get started I am sending my personal check tomorrow. Please help them any amount will be greatly appreciated. Please send your check to: Captain Michael Gerold,American Legion Post 911, 401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102. I Thank You. Mike DeNunzio

Golden Goose is dying

Mark Hill, Danoodle's Pension Go-To Guy, forwarded this link to me, with his comment:

And the goose is killed by union greed - a travesty; Marin is next.

Recall my “the unions will kill the goose” op ed piece three years ago in the IJ….and here we are. The virus is already here in Marin..its called public union employee bullying and, sadly, its probably too late now to do anything about it.

From SF Chronicle, March 10:

..."Vallejo has been hogtied by its police and fire unions," Moore, a local businessman, said later. "The unions are killing the goose that laid the golden egg. Do I need to bring a dead goose to next week's meeting? I hope not."...

Yes, Mark, I do recall your Golden Goose article, and I'm refreshing everyone's memory:

Killing the Golden Goose
By Mark D. Hill, VP, Marin Republican Party
Published Monday, Aug. 16, 2004, MarinScope papers.

Our public employees and the unions that represent them face a compelling case for restructuring. Public employee unions have had so much success in taking care of their members that they are now risking killing the goose that lays the golden egg because their excesses threaten the fiscal solvency of the very public they serve.

For example, in our own Marin County, our Fire Chief oversees a modest 85 firefighters and has responsibility for fire prevention throughout the County. He earns over $200,000 a year in salary and benefits. Many taxpayers are astounded that a "public servant" can receive this type of compensation. The truth is that, their public employees union negotiated these and many other huge contracts. Worse, the compensation is only one component of the largess, which has been largely kept quiet by the politicians who have conveyed them and the union leaders who have negotiated them.

Becoming an officer in the US military is an incredible achievement. A Brigade Commander in the US Army, a Colonel, who oversees approximately 5000 men and assets, including tanks, infantry, and artillery, worth billions of dollars and can be shipped to war overseas at a moment's notice, makes a grand total of $92,000 a year. . His active duty benefits would include some small kickers like combat pay and a housing allowance should there be a war or special duty assignments But, he is a soldier. He can't be home with his family weeks or months at a time during deployment and field exercises; forcing real hardship on this "public servant" and his family which they endure on our behalf. If we compare his pay to what we compensate our County Fire Chief, the differences raise some serious questions.

Yet, the Fire Chief's $200,000 plus compensation are only part of the story. In Marin County, our retiring Fire Chief (or any other position deemed "hazardous") after working 25 years, will receive over 75% of his final salary annually for the rest of his life (today, would be about $150,000 to $175,000 annually plus cost of living increases). And, if he stays on for another few years, the compensation could be up to 100% of the compensation he received at retirement ....for life!! Compare that to our Colonel, who, after twenty five years of service, will receive $60,000 a year with annual cost of living increases.

Firefighters are indeed heroes. However, once one lifts the cover of the bureaucratic semantics, and sees the incredible generosity that our elected leaders have bestowed upon these servants, the glow of righteousness pales. Indeed, today, we see on a daily basis, our valiant military heroes in Iraq paying the ultimate sacrifice on America's behalf. Yet, an enlisted soldier in the military in fire suppression with four years of service makes about $20,000 per year, a Marin County fire engineer ,makes $104,647 in total compensation.

The system that allows this in Marin County is flawed. Why? Because the Public Employee Unions are one of the most active influencing bodies on our public leaders in California. They vote. They faithfully volunteer for campaigns and write big checks with union dues (paid for by taxpayers) and as individuals to their candidates, almost all with a narrow and manipulative view of their own self interest.

For Democratic candidates, the endorsement of Public Employee Unions, particularly in Marin County where all the Supervisors are Democrats, is one of the most coveted, for it means, with certainty, a huge advantage against political opponents. The promise a politician makes to the firefighters and other public service unions, is their "understanding" (aka: "vote") on compensation and retirement issues. The net effect of this dance is that these Public Employees are literally choosing and hiring their own bosses who, once elected, give the Public Employee Unions what they ask for at great financial peril to our County.

Today, the fiscal pressures on our schools and transportation network is overwhelming, yet, the County is paying over 10% of their $192 million budget , $21 million, on employees who aren't there (they are "retired"). Further, the County is preparing taxpayers for the bad news that two-thirds of our current County employee workforce, will be retiring in less than five years further straining our ability to fund for current needs. The Marin County Supervisors just passed a measure to allow some public employees to retire EARLIER so that their lifetime IOUs will kick in sooner (at a lower annual payout) so that these public servants "can move on to other careers".

The end result for Marin County is a fiscal time bomb set to go off in four or five years. At that time, we will need to figure out how to pay for these expensive and lifetime IOUs while trying to hire more even more expensive "public servants" to replace the very ones we just gave early retirement . Sadly, most, if not all of our Supervisors will have departed their positions by then, so accountability will be non existent. Which makes "gaming the system" by the unions possible.

These giveaways are bankrupting this State and will, with certainty, impact the County at the expense of our schools, transportation needs and environment. Taxpayers need to look for leadership capable and willing to restructure this mess or, these one sided giveaways will result in the Public Employees Unions killing the Golden Goose.

Virginia Fuller runs for Congress, CD 7

I am Virginia Fuller. I am an immigrant, and I have resided in California for 30 years. I am a divorced mother of two; both college graduates. I was trained in The Netherlands, Europe, as a registered nurse.

Having experienced the unequal and limited access to long term nursing care for poor children, in 1989 I established and operated two pediatric care facilities. One was a 24-hour, Emergency Home for abused and neglected children, located in Oakland and the other was an Intermediate Care Facility, licensed by The State Health Dept., in Richmond.

I decided to run because Mr. Miller has demonstrated over 33 long years that he is out of step with the needs of a significant portion of his constituency and that many of his neglectful policies are disastrous to our communities.

I’m a proud, Reagan style conservative and am running for Congress in the 7th District as a citizen politician.

www.fullerforcongress.org

California's 7th congressional district covers half of Contra Costa County, Solano County and a tiny portion of Napa County. Major cities in the district include Richmond, Pittsburg, Vallejo, Vacaville and portions of Concord. It is currently represented by Democrat George Miller.

CANCELLED - SF GOP Lincoln Day Dinner March 20

Updated 3/8/08: SF's Lincoln Dinner has been cancelled due to upcoming McCain fundraiser. The SF Republican Party is holding its annual Lincoln Day Dinner on March 20, 6:00pm, at CA Culinary Academy. The Guest Speaker is nationally respected pollster & strategist Stephen M. Kinney, "Presidential Politics 101 & Election 2008." Invitation is at SFGOP.org.