California’s New Voting Policy-You now have a choice!

California’s

New Voting Policy in 2012

 You now have a choice

The June 5, 2012 Election

Voters can vote for any Candidate running for office in their District.

• Ø  There is no primary election.
• Ø Top two vote getters go to a runoff election in November.
• Ø If only two candidates running, whoever receives the most votes win!
• Ø You can vote by mail if you request a form to do so.

David Hernandez is a Candidate for the New 29^th Congressional District.

If you live in the Communities of Sylmar, Sun Valley, North Hollywood, Arleta, Pacoima, Van Nuys, Panorama City, Mission Hills, (parts of) Valley Village, Valley Glen, West Toluca Lake and the NoHo Arts District or the City of San Fernando, you can vote for David.

• Ø A dedicated Volunteer for the communities for over ten years.
• Ø Served on the Mission College Foundation Board for five years.
• Ø Past President of Mission College Foundation Board.
• Ø Former Board member of Sun Valley Neighborhood Council.
• Ø Former Board member of North Hollywood North East Neighborhood Council.
• Ø Participated in formation of Van Nuys Neighborhood Council.
• Ø Served as Board member of Youth Services Network for seven years.
• Ø Led the effort to save the Cross on the LA County Seal.
• Ø San Fernando Chamber of Commerce.
• Ø Vietnam Veteran – United States Navy 1967-1971

I pledge to remain dedicated to bringing the resources to our district we deserve and have a right to expect. My name is David Hernandez and I am asking for your vote and the opportunity to represent our district.

www.davidhernandezforcongress.com

Paid for by the Committee to Elect David Hernandez for Congress  2012.

The new 29th Congressional District has changed the Immigration Debate.

The new 29^th Congressional District has changed the

Immigration Debate.

 In an attempt to give Hispanic Voters more of a voice in Congress, the 29^th Congressional District was created.

It is comprised of the communities of Sylmar, Sun Valley, Pacoima, Arleta, Panorama City, Mission Hills, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Lake View Terrace, Valley Glen, Valley Village, West Toluca Lake, and the City of San Fernando.

The district is home to seven hundred two thousand residents with sixty eight percent being Hispanic. This equates to almost five hundred thousand Hispanic residents in District 29.

The Hispanic population covers the financial spectrum from the very poor to the very rich. But the majority of the Hispanic residents are in the ‘Middle Class”.

Given the number of Hispanic residents in the district, this Congressional District contains one of, if not the largest number of “Hispanic Middle Class” residents in Los Angeles County, if not the State of California.

The Hispanic Middle Class are for the most part second and third generation. They were born in the United States and are American Citizens. They come from a work ethic which allowed them and their family to work hard, get an education and enjoy the rewards of that effort. Their effort…

Many reside in modest homes, drive modest vehicles and live paycheck to paycheck. Just like most other middle class residents.

Like other non Hispanic Middle Class families, they earn enough of an income, which places them and their children beyond the income level requirements of the social programs which those at the bottom of the income ladder qualify for and receive.

Rather than qualify for those programs which include everything from medical treatment to higher education, the Hispanic Middle Class finds itself in the position of having to pay for the programs.

The Hispanic Poor, many of which have come to the United States for work and opportunity for their families, find themselves able to access the social programs being paid for by the Hispanic Middle Class.

Several factors have contributed to the change in attitude and debate when dealing with the Illegal Immigration Issue.

Many politicians, especially Hispanic, find their continued efforts to provide more and ever expanding social programs and financial aid to those in the Country illegally are being questioned and challenged by the Hispanic Middle Class.

The challenge is coming from Americans of Hispanic Descent who see the current and non -wavering increases in benefits to the illegal Hispanic poor as an unfair burden to the very life style they worked so hard to achieve.

Due to their income level which by far, is modest, they are forced to take out loans and go deep into debt in order to send their children to the very schools they are paying for others in the lower income levels to attend.

Remember, these programs are paid for by those who pay taxes and enjoyed by those who pay little or none.

The argument being presented by those who encourage more social programs is that even the poorest illegal immigrant pays taxes. This is not playing well with the Hispanic Middle Class.

The argument is no longer legal vs. illegal; it is fairness and the challenges and financial burdens being placed on the shoulders of the Hispanic Middle Class.

This issue transcends political party affiliation, a fact, most political operatives have yet to realize. This is very apparent as both major political parties rush to create dialogue and programs to legitimize the Hispanic Poor who are in the United States illegally. These efforts do not take into consideration the frustration and anger being felt by the Hispanic Middle Class.

In an attempt to garner more Hispanic Votes, Republican and Democrat Party Leaders are inadvertently driving a wedge between their parties and those who have to pay for these programs.

It is not about Race, Legal vs. Illegal or Poor vs. Rich; it is about fairness and equal protection under the law. It is about an unlimited number of individuals needing social programs and a limited number of Middle Class Hispanics having to pay for them.

The Hispanic Middle Class in the 29^th Congressional District have been given a voice and they are using it.

The time has come for our Elected Representatives to protect the Middle Class and in the 29^th Congressional District, that overwhelming means the Hispanic Middle Class.

David Hernandez

Candidate for Congress District 29

www.davidhernandezforcongress.com

 

Opportunity Comes to the North East Valley

Politicians picking their voters have become a way of life in California. The term
Gerrymandering has become a common and often accepted way of insuring the same
political machines maintain the same stronghold on the residents of the districts they control.

No other example demonstrates this reality more than the North East San Fernando Valley. For almost two decades the same
power base has kept a tight rein on some of the poorest communities in Los
Angeles.

Those involved in this process, know this was not by chance and was a design for gaining power and keeping it at all
levels of government.

The plan was to secure not only a political position but to achieve the position of leadership from Los Angeles
to Sacramento.

Those in other political positions were often content to sit idly by no matter what the consequences to the communities
as long as it served to keep them in a position of power.

With the ability to muster vast sums of money due to their politically connected projects, those behind the scenes,
directing their stable of politicians; combined with a voter base that was apathetic at best and downright disheartened at worst, they have been able to gain a stronghold with a very minimal number of votes.

One only has to research the number of votes received by these individuals to see the reality and frailty of their
hold on the districts they control.

The individual credited with drawing the district lines which determined which voters were in which districts and who
they could vote for, was the brother of the congressman who has been in office for decades.

With the political machines supplying the funding, the politicians in higher office going along to maintain their power
base and finally the manner in which the districts and voter base were manipulated, the voters had no real opportunity for prosperity.

With the creation of a new Congressional District in the North East San Fernando Valley and coupled with a new election
process; a window of opportunity has opened for those in the new 29^thDistrict.

At the onset, those in power rushed to use the same politically race based rhetoric which has served them in the past.
After one and a half decades of control, that method of gaining political advantage is lost, as they have been the ones in control. In spite of that
control and hundreds of millions of dollars flowing through their fingers, their community is still suffering.

As a final parting effort to gain some last ounce of benefit from a position of support, the political machine and its
candidate have been given the nod of approval by the outgoing politician.  Not unexpected, but a further case in point.
As his brother was no longer in a position to draw the district and pick the voter base; did he believe he could insure the seamless transfer of political power and thus receive some support for him?

As one newspaper put it, this was the last obstacle in keeping the candidate from going to congress.

I believe all are mistaken; the next congressman for the 29^th District will not be chosen by the political machine which has held a strong hold over the North East Valley, or the politically connected special interest or even the outgoing congressman.

No, the Congressman for the 29^th District will be chosen by the voters from the communities of Sylmar, Sun Valley, North Hollywood, Valley Village, Valley Glen, Van Nuys, Panorama City, Arleta, Pacoima, Mission Hills, Lake View Terrace and the City of San Fernando.

It will not be determined by political party or the amount reflected on a campaign finance reporting document.

No, this election will be based on the turnout of individuals who are informed and aware of the tract record and level
of interaction between the candidates involved.

The voters of the 29^th District have been given an opportunity and from all indications on the ground, they
will seize it.

Counting them out of the process will be a mistake and will result in an upset on the level we have seen across the
country…

David and the 29th Congressional District

The ink is drying on the final map of the new 29^th Congressional District and the Commissioners are ready to
cast their final vote to set it in place.

The 29^th District includes the communities of Sylmar, Sun Valley, Lake View Terrace, North Hollywood, Valley
Village, Valley Glen, Van Nuys, Panorama City, Arleta, Mission Hills, Pacoima and the City of San Fernando.

It is a diverse district and one filled with opportunity.

In 1955 I moved with my family to a new tract home in the northern part of North Hollywood. My mother still resides in
the same home. It was a new community and the 170 Freeway was not yet built. I attended Saticoy Street Elementary School and Madison Middle School.

Weekends were spent at Fernangles Park and Sun Valley Park. We would also ride our bikes to Hansen Dam to fish and swim.

We would go to the Lankershim walk-in theatre on Sunday afternoons for a double feature and cartoon. If we had more
money we went to the EL Portal Theatre in North Hollywood (Pre NOHO). On occasion we would be able to afford going to the Fox Theatre on Van Nuys Boulevard. Friday Night was spent at the Roller Skating rink on Hart Street in North Hollywood.

I learned to ride a horse at the stables around Hansen Dam and always wanted one of my own.

My first job was at the Valley Plaza Car Wash, cleaning cars in July wearing an old, used orange jump suit.  On the weekends I would borrow the family Mercury Comet and go to the Van Nuys Drive In or the Victory Drive In.

Wednesday Night was cruise night on Van Nuys Boulevard, from Sherman Way to Bob’s Big Boy.

I graduated from Poly High school in 1966 and went to the Recruiting Office located in the Valley Plaza, just down from
Woolworths. I enlisted in the United States Navy and spent just about four years in the service.

I was assigned to an Air Squadron Vaw-122 and made three cruises with the first being a nine month west pack off the
coast of Vietnam. I worked the Flight Deck and spent about fifteen months at sea in total.

I returned to North Hollywood and rented a small apartment in Sun Valley. This was just in time for the 1971 earthquake.

I began working for the Los Angeles Police Department in the Garage at the Foothill Station in Pacoima. After working
there for two years, I was transferred to the Van Nuys Station where I worked Morning Watch for two more years.

I attended Valley Community College at night. Using the G.I. Bill I purchased a small home in North Hollywood near the Valley Plaza.

I then went to work for a family business as an Independent Insurance Adjuster. I worked as an Adjuster for about 25
years.

I served on the Sun Valley Neighborhood Council for a year or so and also served on the North Hollywood Northeast
Neighborhood for a year. I worked with the Van Nuys Neighborhood during their formation period.

Giving back to the community has always been important to me. I served on the Foundation Board of Los Angeles Mission
College in Sylmar for five years and served as President for one year.

For five years I served and continue to serve on the Board of the Youth Services Network, providing shelter, education,
and life skills for young boys who have been neglected, abandoned and abused. We have three homes for boys eight to eighteen.

For the past two years I have been working with the San Fernando Chamber of Commerce in the City of San Fernando.

I am currently on the Board of the Fourth of July Celebration at Hansen Dam and working with others on the Board to bring
some positive changes to the community.

As one can see, I have been a stake holder in the district since 1955.

Working with individuals from every walk of life, ethnicity, religion and political party, I have a tract record of service and dedication to the communities which now make up the 29^th Congressional District.

I am now asking you for the opportunity to represent the district in the United State House of Representatives.

I believe that by working together we can and will bring opportunity and prosperity back to the communities which make up the district.

 

Thank you,

 

David Hernandez

www.davidhernandezforcongress.com

 

 

 

 

Community Representation in Washington-Federal Oversight in the Community

The People have a right to know their Federal Tax Dollars available to be invested in their community are being spent
in their community.

As Local Services are being cut and Local Fees being raised, it is vital we insure the Federal Dollars available to
support those services are not diverted by local politicians.

More often than not, Bond Money and Federal Funds which were targeted for specific projects to benefit the
community as a whole are funneled to special interest or politically connected individuals and companies to enrich their coffers.

The general public is most often not aware of the Federal Funding available and has no say in keeping the money in their
community.

The City of Los Angeles has been and will continue to receive Federal Funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Today one and a half billion dollars are coming to the City of Los Angeles. Over six hundred and thirty million have already been given to the city. These funds are to be invested in Job Creation and Infrastructure within the communities of Los Angeles.

The Audits performed by the Los Angeles City Controller have clearly shown, the City of Los Angeles is not dealing with
these funds any better than they have with the budget and other funding streams.

Business as usual cannot and will not be tolerated.

The money, your money, is here and more is coming. As your Representative in Washington, I pledge to you that I will bring
Federal Oversight to the city and insure your Federal Tax Dollars are not wasted and mismanaged.

Using our position in Congress, together we will be the voice for investment in your communities, on your streets,
sidewalks, in your blighted business districts and as a tool to promote opportunity and prosperity.

Many folks have asked me, “What happened to the Lottery Money that was to go for our schools?”  I am certain you remember those promises made by the same type of carrer politicians. Just do this and we will have more money for our schools.

Well what happened?

The same is happening to your Federal Tax Dollars now coming into the city. Unless you and I take an active role in
making sure the money goes into our communities, it too will be diverted to the pockets of special interests.

Join me, in holding City Hall accountable and protecting YOUR FEDERAL TAX DOLLARS!

People who work hard and pay taxes have a right ….

People who work hard and pay taxes have a right to know their money is being used wisely.

In order to fulfill that criterion there must be accountability, transparency and prioritization.

This can only be accomplished if those entrusted with the responsibility and stewardship of investing those public funds, are held accountable to the tax payer.

Career politicians are by their nature looking ahead to the next elected office. Depending on the office, the voters who can hold them accountable will increase or decrease. The one constant are the special interest groups who by their financial influence maintain a grip on the coat tails of the politician.

As a result, the pet projects of these special interest and the politicians who do their bidding seldom take a back seat to the taxpayers who fund the project.

When the money becomes less available, it is the core services to the Taxpayers which see the first cuts, rather than the pet projects.

As true accountability would require a transparent and accurate accounting of the funds diverted to these pet projects, they are often held immune from such scrutiny by creative and deceptive political maneuvers. 

Whether one is examining a local or state project, once the funding stream is locked in as “Dedicated” there is seemly no willingness on the part of those elected to do so to look any further to re-evaluate the project, agreements and or contractors.

Hence the cost over runs are exacerbated by intentional low bidding, by politically connected contractors who are assured their increases will by seem as business as usual.

In addition to the financial influence, a major motivator in some of these projects is often due some ideological or philosophical idea on the part of the politician.

Whether the case is Rewarding Special Interests or fulfilling an ideological dream, this must be kept in check.

Time has come for an elected official willing to be a sounding board for the Tax Payer and bring true reform to the way California does business.

My name is David Hernandez and as a Candidate for the California State Assembly District 42, I pledge to be the Tax Payers Voice in Sacramento.

The morning after another Republican Election

 

The Morning After

Its Wednesday; another Wednesday after a Tuesday Election in Los Angeles County.  No matter how long I have been in the political arena, I just can not get used to the feeling that I have after watching another opportunity slip through our fingers.

If it were ball game, then it would not be so bad. But it is politics and there are dire consequences for another opportunity lost.

There will be those who will attempt to put a positive spin on the day and will congratulate themselves and their friends on just how close they came to Victory. Kind of like celebrating swimming three quarters of the way across the lake and feeling content as you sink to the bottom.

They will no doubt immediately look to the next opportunity in June as a second bite at the apple. Except this time the bite on the other side of the aisle will be three times large as it was on Tuesday.

 Justification and rationalization has become common place in Republican Party Politics.

The Republican Candidate for the 43^rd State Assembly Special Election Sunder Ramani has a history of dedication to the community.

His dedication to the community and his participation in so many deserving causes brings a new level to the political arena.

 As we look back at the results, it is important to know some facts about the 43^rd State Assembly District.

The 43^rd District is the home of the California Republican Party of California which is located in the community of Burbank. The Republican Party of Los Angeles County is also located at the same location.

There are over one million registered Republicans in Los Angeles County. The Republican Registration in California is about 5.3 million.

The 43^rd District is the base of operations for 5.3 million Republicans. One would think it would be the Stronghold of the GOP.

There are 48,290 registered Republicans in the 43^rd District. The number of Democrats and Decline to States is immaterial for the purpose of our debriefing.

Given the wonderful candidate and all that you now know about the 43^rd District, how did we lose?

Yes, lose.

 With the final votes in SUNDER RAMANI received only 10,403. Over 37,000 Republicans did not vote in Tuesdays’ election.

 Why?

 That, my friends is the key question which must be addressed. With the high profile Tea Parties and the level of excitement being expressed throughout the country, how did we lose again?

 Many individuals worked very hard these past few months to promote and help get Ramani elected. I am not discounting their efforts. My wife and I did our part to support this fine candidate, but in the end it was too little to late.

 If we as Republicans are to see a Regime Change in November and in 2012, we need to take an honest inventory of our Party and those at the Helm.

 “You can not fix a broken tool with a broken too.”

 It is 2010 and time is running out. Wonderful dedicated individuals have tried their best to make a difference. But the numbers do not lie. While we are at it let’s make one thing clear, the true number is just that, a number not a percentage. 30% of the vote may look better then 10,403 out of 49, 290 but the outcome is the same, you lose.

As a veteran of many post election Wednesdays, I have decided to apply my observations and experience to addressing the root of the problem.

 I have joined with six other individuals who have made a commitment to do just that. We are dedicated to doing our part to establish a foundation and structure which will resolve the current and ongoing declining Republican Party engagement among the voters.

 We are dedicated to establishing a year round system of engagement that includes but is not limited to the following:

 >Conduct & coordinate candidate research & development. Identifying & recruiting candidates that are strong enough to win over the Democrats.

> Develop fundraising for Republican candidates and develop a revenue stream to compete with the Special Interests Groups on the left.
> Educate, reform, & mobilize the electorate to make an informed vote. Meetings for the 42 District will be open forums/town hall style meetings for everyone to attend.
> Increase voter registration to all with specific outreach to younger people.
> Recruit new county central committee board members, alternates, & associate members.
>Operating local headquarters.
> Organizing precincts in the district 42 District.
>Represent constituents to the Republican Party rather than the other way around.  That is the commitment you receive from the men and women on the Freedom Slate.

 If this is something you want to see happen, then you must take action.

 We can not and will not do it for you, but we will do it with you.

 David Hernandez & The Freedom Slate.

www.freedomslate.com

What are you going to do for those who have been disenfranchised?

 A recent Candidates Forum was moderated by someone who has spent many years working with the Homeless and those on Skid Row.

The Candidates who were running for positions from Superintendent of Education to State Senate and Assembly were challenged by the Moderator to address the crowd on just what they would do for those who have been disenfranchised and have been ignored by the political masses. We were challenged to come up with real solutions and to avoid political rhetoric.

It was very interesting to listen to the Candidates as they attempted to present ideas to help those who the Moderator had been speaking of.

I come from a different perspective for several reasons and due to different life experiences, they had the most impact on my responses; responses which may have surprised our Moderator.

My Birth Certificate (yes, not only do I have one, but it is very easily produced) lists my father’s occupation as a “Banana Loader”. He was working at the produce market unloading freight cars of fruit. He was also going to school at night to get a better education. The opportunity to work and get an education in order to improve ones lot in life is a precious thing. This opportunity is not available to many in other countries but it is available to everyone in the United States.

After becoming a Vice President of a Major Insurance Company, he went on to form his own company and was in business for twenty five years.

I have been working with men and women who have been homeless and living on the streets for twenty four years. While it goes beyond some people’s ability to comprehend, there are some who choose that life style. A choice to use drugs and alcohol and be free of any responsibility is a choice some make. I believe they have a right to make that choice. They do however; have to suffer the consequences for those choices.

Given those two experiences, my response was very clear and direct. The best action I can take for those on skid row is to protect and defend the system which gives them the opportunity my father had.

I must fight for the Middle Class American who is at present under siege from every level of government. It is not the responsibility of the Middle Class to sacrifice their life style in order to subsidize the life style of those who make a choice to drop out of society.

I must fight for the middle class who are struggling to keep their homes in the face of raising taxes and the elimination of Prop 13. It is the Middle Class which provides the tax base which generates the revenues to fund the services for those who are truly victims of circumstance.

I must fight for the Small Business Man and Women, who place it on the line to open a business, employ others and create revenue for them and their families. Small businesses in California are in need of more proactive individuals who are willing to fight for them and not exploit them to the point where they are forced out of business or out of California.

What will I do for those on Skid Row? I will fight to protect the opportunity to do better should they choose to avail themselves of it.

David Hernandez

Candidate for State Assembly District 42

www.davidhernandez4assembly.com

Join us in protecting Voters Rights

Battle for Voters Rights begins in the

42^nd State Assembly District

 

Who would have thought that my decision to run for the 42^nd State Assembly District would give us such a Vital and Critical Opportunity? 

Of all the State Assembly Districts throughout California, we could not have foreseen that ours would be the battleground for the future of California.

As part of my platform I took the position and challenge to Preserve and Protect Prop 13. Little did I know that my opponent would lead the effort to eliminate it and would lead the Sacramento Based effort to remove the ability of voters to exercise their Constitutional Rights outlined In the First Amendment.

 The right to petition the government for redress of grievances.

It was by exercising this right that Prop 13 was placed on the Ballot giving voters the opportunity to make it into the Law of the Land. It was the Initiative Process that enabled Howard Jarvis and the men and women of California to collect signatures and get it on the Ballot.

With carefully crafted “safe districts” which insure connected politicians and their crews remain in power and millions of Special Interest funding, Assembly and Senate politicians have turned a deaf ear to the voters.

Our Founding Fathers were very clear and conscious of Governments ability to hold itself beyond the reach of the people.

Sacramento Politicians have taken the steps to protect themselves from the people of California. It is up to us to stop them. It has been given to us in the 42^nd District, to answer the call. I believe we are up to the challenge and I believe this opportunity will be, like Prop 13 so vital an issue that our call to arms will be answered by voters throughout California.

 

Senate President pro Tem Darrel Steinberg and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass have formed the “Select Committees on Improving State Government”.

They will be addressing the issue of Ballot Box budgeting and the Initiative Process and will present Legislation to the Legislature for approval early next year.

According to Speaker Bass, “State government needs to be more transparent, efficient and effective. “ “Today’s hearing is the first step in the process toward reforming our system of government and making it work better for the people of California”.

More transparent and efficient?  More Effective? For whom?  For them not us.

The Initiative process is what is allowing voters to place the “Part Time Legislature” measure on the ballot in 2010. Now you see why they want to take this away from you?

They will also remove the 2/3rds vote requirement for passing the Budget. How will they do this? If they do not need a 2/3rds vote, they will balance the budget by raising your taxes. Getting rid of Prop 13 is the number one target by these political insiders.

Time is short; we must begin to alert California Voters and move them to action.  We must hold my opponent, the Chairman of the Select Committee Mike Feuer accountable. We must mount a campaign with the objective to remove him from not only from the committee but from office!

How can you help? What can you do?

Educate yourself and start talking to your friends and co workers. Help us raise the funding needed to organize and mobilize the troops. We need to be at every meeting the Select Committee holds and challenge them on their efforts to keep us out of the process.

            Make your contribution today, do not wait, time is Critical.

Go to www.davidhernandez4assembly.com and make a contribution to our campaign.

Join me as we take to battle to them!

David Hernandez, Candidate for State Assembly 2010 District 42

As a Candidate for the California State Assembly, I believe it is my duty to take a position on this Ballot Measure which will not only be on the 2010 Ballot but will have a direct impact on the office I am seeking.

 I have reviewed the information presented and the track record of States which have already adopted the “Part Time Legislature”.

 States with similar population, Quality of Life Issues and Challenges very similar to California have not only achieved or maintained parody with California but surpassed it.

I am therefore supporting this effort and will make it a part of my campaign platform.

 David Hernandez

 

INITIATIVE MEASURE TO BE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO VOTERS

 

The Attorney General of California has prepared the following title and summary of the chief purpose and points of the proposed measure:

 

REDUCES LEGISLATIVE SESSION AND PAY BY AT LEAST 50%. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL

AMENDMENT.

 

Reduces the Legislature’s regular session by more than 50% to no more than ninety-five days. Directs the Legislature to convene in January for up to thirty days and again in May for up to sixty days. Allows the Legislature to reconvene for up to five additional days to reconsider bills vetoed by the Governor. Requires that legislators’ salaries be

cut by at least 50%, regardless of the amount of work legislators perform. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Potential reduction in state costs of tens of millions of dollars per year, including over $5.7 million in reduced annual costs for legislator salaries. Actual reduction, if any, would depend on future actions of the Legislature and the Governor. (09-0031.)

 

 

 

 

To the Honorable Secretary of State of California: We, the undersigned, registered, qualified voters of California, residents of the County identified below, hereby propose amendments to the California Constitution, relating to the State Legislature and petition the Secretary of State to submit the same to the voters of California for their adoption or rejection at the next succeeding general election or at any special statewide election held prior to that general election or otherwise provided by law. The proposed constitutional amendments (full title and text of the measure) read as follows:

 

 

THE CITIZEN LEGISLATURE ACT

SECTION 1. Title.

This Act shall be known and may be cited as

“The Citizen Legislature Act.”

SECTION 2. Findings and Purposes.

 

The People of the State of California hereby make the following findings and declare that their purpose in enacting this Act is as follows:

 

(a) California’s experiment with a “fulltime”Legislature has failed. The result has been a Legislature dominated by career politicians

beholden to special interests. Legislators do not work “full-time” yet they receive full-time pay and benefits, more than double the amount of all other states. Yet, with all of these incentives, they continually fail to accomplish their most important job, passing a balanced state budget on-time.

 

(b) California needs and deserves a Legislature that is only interested in conducting the people’s business. Most states have a part-time

Legislature, including some of the largest and most populous. A part-time Legislature will replace professional politicians with citizen legislators and will break the stranglehold of special interests. It

will reduce the number of unnecessary and self serving bills and will result in a more responsibleand accountable government institution.

 

(c) In order to further these and the purposes stated in section 1.5, the people hereby amend the California Constitution to enact the “Citizen Legislature Act.”

 

SECTION 3. Constitutional Amendment

 

Section 3.5 of Article IV of the California Constitution is added to read as follows:

 

Sec. 3.5(a) The Legislature shall reconvene in regular session on the first Monday in January of each year for a period not to exceed 30 calendar days, whereupon the Legislature shall stand in recess. The Legislature shall reconvene in regular session on the first Monday in May for a period not to exceed 60 calendar days.

 

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the

Legislature may reconvene for an additional period

of 5 days following recess or adjournment to reconsider bills vetoed by the Governor pursuant to section 10.

 

(c) On or before the end of the fiscal year 2012, the California Citizens Compensation Commission shall, pursuant to section 8 of Article III, reduce the annual salary of Members of the Legislature by at least fifty percent of the salary established for the fiscal year in which this section becomes effective. Thereafter, the Commission

may increase the annual salary of Members of the Legislature to account for any increase in the cost of living, and may reduce such salary at its discretion, pursuant to section 8 of Article III.

 

SECTION 4. Operative Date/Severability

 

(a) Section 3.5 shall become effectiveimmediately, however it shall become operative for the biennium session commencing on the first

Monday in December in 2012.

 

(b) If any part of this measure or theapplication to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other

provisions or applications which can reasonably be given effect without the invalid provision or application.