Alameda County, Voters must learn from their mistakes!

BREAKING NEWS, it has been reported by Matier & Ross that law enforcement sources report the Lockyer's eight year old son was with his mother (Nadia) at the Newark motel at the time of her alleged assault. In an earlier statement, Bill Lockyer stated his wife went to a motel late in the evening to help an ex-boyfriend who was a low level drug dealer with a criminal record during a difficult period. This new information raises serious questions which would seem to merit an investigation by Child Protective Services. It has also been reported the Alameda County DA has turned the entire matter over to the State Attorney Generals Office due to conflicts. It would also appear The State Attorney Generals Office might also have a few conflicts to deal with. We would not be surprised to see this matter turned over to the FBI for further investigation to avoid any question of political favoritism or meddling.

In August of 2011 when our first installment was written, we would never have predicted that in less then 6 months many former Alameda County politicians mentioned in our “Welcome” installment would find themselves again in the spot light. Furthermore, a number of current Alameda County politicians followed with shocking front-page headlines of their own.

It did not come as a complete surprise that Bill Lockyer, the most senior political power player from Alameda County had political connections with a few of the unflattering disclosures, the most shocking being his wife Nadia’s scandalous activities. Let us not forget Elihu Harris and the Peralta School District and questions of corruption. Don Perata interestingly kept a rather low profile after losing the Oakland Mayors race, though the long-term FBI investigation into his business dealings has taken its toll on the likelihood of any future political office. Bob Knox, who seemingly has taken refuge far from Alameda County, though continuing his close ties to Bill Lockyer, is himself in serious hot water, as the State of California’s Environmental watchdog is seeking to collect millions from him and his company(ies) for environmental damage and a resulting clean up. And of course Mary Hayashi and her shop lifting while texting and being treated for a brain tumor.

Is it any wonder when you analysis the history of some former Alameda County politicians, that current Alameda County politicians have taken to blatant criminal activity, drug abuse, lack of basic common sense and a general disregard for moral and ethical boundaries that most citizens of Alameda County understand and abide by.

Who is to blame, undoubtedly, the politicians are directly to blame for their transgressions, however, these troubled individuals would never be elected public servants if it were not for voters who elected them. The taxpayers of Alameda County have obviously been slow to learn from prior mistakes. If you were to look back and seek a potential reason why voters are slow to learn, it would be that voters wrongly associate the best candidate for the job with the amount of money the candidate spends “buying” their faith and trust.

Ironically, in California as a whole, this trend of candidates spending ridiculous amounts of money to buy voter faith, trust and their respective vote is showing signs of a revolt. The battle for Governor is a prime example. Meg Whitman by a large margin out spent Jerry Brown, though voters solidly elected Jerry Brown on his simple and much less expensive platform of solid reputation and track record.

Regrettably, the voters of Alameda County do not yet appear to be following the lead of California voters as a whole. The data that is available indicates that Nadia Lockyer’s campaign spent more per vote then Meg Whitman spent in her failed run for governor. Furthermore, over 90 percent of Nadia’s campaign funds came from OUTSIDE the district she was seeking election. The largest single funding source for Nadia’s campaign came from her husband Bill’s campaign war chest…nearly $2 million dollars. Apparently, Nadia’s campaign spent more money per vote then any campaign in California history. This was foreshadowed by Bill Lockyer’s promise during Nadia’s campaign to do whatever it took to get his wife elected. We would guess Bill might be having second thoughts right about now?

What can the people of Alameda County, especially those in District 2, learn from the unfolding scandal that surrounds Bill and Nadia Lockyer? Perhaps that local grass root candidates with a proven track record of leadership along with moral and ethical standards are more inclined to be the best person for the job, then a candidate whom mails dozens of glossy campaign packages that through mud at others, imply you are a Deputy District Attorney when you are not, and mention endorsements that are false.

We would suspect that voters and grass root candidates from District 2 are at this moment brainstorming on possible recall efforts of Ms. Lockyer. There is no question there is solid justification for such efforts.