Saying that action must be taken to reduce the power of special interests in the State Capitol, Senate candidate Steve Glazer called on his election opponent, Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, to join him in making five clean government promises.

These pledges include a refusal to accept gifts, meals and drinks from groups influencing the lawmaking process; a ban on accepting campaign contributions during times when most laws are passed; and a commitment to publicly release secret candidate questionnaires.

The pledge would also ban tax free Per Diem payments for work in the State Capitol on weekends and holidays when a legislator is not present, and a prohibition on giving special interest campaign contributions to family members in the form of payment for services.

“The power of special interests in the State Capitol need to be curtailed,” said Glazer. “These five simple reforms will improve public confidence in our lawmaking process by scaling back the corrosive influence of campaign contributions, gifts and secret agreements.”

“Voters expect an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay,” said Glazer. “It is wrong to receive tax free Per Diem expenses for work in the State Capitol when you are at home on weekends and holidays.” The Per Diem rate is set by the State Board of Control and is currently set at $168 per day. *1

In February, Glazer challenged Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla to sign a transparency pledge that would require public release of all answers to special interest questionnaires. Glazer has not filled out any of these surveys, but has posted his positions on numerous issues on his webpage for all to see at GlazerforSenate.com. Thus far, Bonilla has refused to share her secret answers.

“In the final days of each legislative year when hundreds of proposed laws hang in the balance, special interests shower lawmakers with campaign contributions, gifts, food and drinks,” said Glazer. “I support a ban on gifts at all times and a prohibition against taking campaign money from these lobbying entities during the most impactful time in the legislative calendar.”

“Taking these five clean government actions will make our lawmaking process have more integrity and be more transparent and honest. I will follow this Clean Government Pledge. I hope my opponent will do so as well.”

Glazer currently serves as the Mayor of Orinda and a Trustee of the California State University 23-campus system.

Senate District 7 includes the communities of Alamo, Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Blackhawk, Brentwood, Byron, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Diablo, Discovery Bay, Dublin, Lafayette, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pacheco, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, San Ramon, Sunol and Walnut Creek.

The general election will be held Tuesday, May 19.

*1 Sacramento Bee, January 15, 2015: “Under the state constitution, lawmakers receive daily tax-free living expenses on top of their salaries, as long as they are not out of session for more than three consecutive days. While the state Senate and Assembly usually meet on a Monday-Thursday schedule, the extra day will allow legislators to collect their per diem allowances over the holiday. The per diem rate rose slightly in October to $168, according to the Assembly Rules Committee, from $163 in the 2013-14 fiscal year.” Read more here.

Clean Government Pledge

Broad reform is needed to inject our lawmaking process with more integrity, transparency and honesty.

Today, special interests collude with candidates during an election on hidden promises in the form of secret candidate questionnaires.

These narrow interests shower elected officials with campaign contributions right before critical votes and provide them with gifts, including sports tickets, meals and drinks. Their campaign donations even go to support a lawmaker’s family.

Lawmakers supplement their state mandated salaries by arranging to be paid tax free Per Diem for working in the State Capitol on weekends and holidays when they are not even there. This is wrong!

We need to take important steps to limit the corrosive impact of special interest power and lawmaking abuse. I will follow this Clean Government Pledge. I hope my opponent will do so as well.

Clean Government Pledge

1. I will not accept any gift, including meals and beverages, from any special interest group who lobbies in the State Capitol.

2. I will publicly disclose every answer to any special interest questionnaire.

3. I will not pay family members from campaign contributions.

4. I will not accept any tax free Per Diem expense payments for work in the state Capitol on weekends and holidays.

5. I will not accept campaign contributions in the final 60 days of each legislative year from any individual or entity that has legislation under review. *1

*1 (July 15 – September 15 in first year of session and July 1 – August 30 in second year of legislative session)

Bonilla responds

In response, Bonilla offered the following:

“The influence of big money in politics is a serious problem – but half hearted campaign gimicks like Mr. Glazer’s ‘pledge’ won’t do anything to solve the problem. Real actions and real legislation will. I’ve taken a voluntary pay cut to help balance the budget and have been a steadfast supporter of the comprehensive clean money campaign finance reform bill in the legislature. While I’ve spent my career as a public servant championing important reforms like these – Glazer has spent his career as a high paid corporate political consultant helping special interests like big tobacco game the system.”

The election to fill the final 18 months of the unexpired term of now Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, will be held May 19.

 

State’s Top Law Enforcement Official Adds to United Bipartisan Support for Bonilla Among Law Enforcement Leaders

Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla announced today that her campaign has received the endorsement of California Attorney General Kamala Harris.

“Susan Bonilla has a proven record of advocating for smart, innovative approaches to serious issues like crime prevention, consumer protection and the fight for equality,” California Attorney General Kamala Harris said. “Susan Bonilla is my choice for State Senate.”

“I’m proud to have the support of Attorney General Kamala Harris,” Susan Bonilla said. “I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with her in our efforts to crack down on child predators, protect seniors, and keep neighborhoods safe.”

Support from Harris adds to the unanimous support that Bonilla has received from public safety leaders across the region and the state. Bonilla’s wide and bi-partisan support from safety leaders includes:

Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson

Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston

Alameda Sheriff Greg Ahern

Peace Officers Research Association of California

California Association of Highway Patrolmen

California Professional Firefighters

Cal Fire Local 2881 – Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Firefighters

Police Officers and Deputy Sheriffs from Across the District

A full list of endorsements, as well as statements of support from public safety leaders, can be found at www.susanbonilla.com/endorsements.

State Senate candidate Steve Glazer today announced the filing of a formal complaint with the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) against a special interest group for illegally hiding their major union donors on a campaign mailing to voters, which can be viewed, here: FPPC Complaint-Glazer v. WFOG-March 31, 2015

The so-called “Working Families Opposing Glazer for Senate” received hundreds of thousands of dollars from union committees, but failed to list on the mailer the names of the top two union donors who had contributed $50,000 or more.

“The disclosure rules are in effect to give voters full knowledge of the special interests who are funding these communications,” said Glazer. “These groups are sophisticated political players who circumvented disclosure laws for the sole purpose of misleading voters.”

According to a press release from Glazer’s campaign, “this is the second time these union groups have maneuvered around the transparency mandates. In the primary election, these same unions funded a committee called the “Asian American Small Business PAC.”  That group, financed by neither Asian Americans nor small businesses, sent out five separate mailers attacking Glazer. These activities were condemned as smear tactics by the Contra Costa Times, San Francisco Chronicle and Sacramento Bee.”

Based on filings with the Secretary of State, the two largest funders of the mailing were the State Council of Service Employees ($185,000) and the California School Employees Association ($75,000).

“Special interest groups are fearful of my candidacy because I won’t do their bidding. They need to come out of the shadows and play by the rules. I have asked the Fair Political Practices Commission to hold them accountable,” Glazer concluded.

6:35 p.m. UPDATE: In an email response to the complaint, Steven Maviglio of Forza Communications, the spokesman for the Working Families Against Steve Glazer for Senate, of which both unions listed in the complaint are part, wrote, “This is nothing more than a meritless publicity stunt cooked up by Big Tobacco political consultant Steve Glazer to deflect from the fact that his campaign is being bankrolled [by] big insurance and drug companies, out-of-state corporations, and other special interests. We look forward to the FPPC quickly dismissing this smear.”

The run-off election between Glazer and State Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla will be held Tuesday, May 19. Whichever candidate wins will serve through the end of 2016 and for a full, four-year term, will have to run, again, next year.

Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla announced today that her campaign has received the endorsements of the TriValley and Diablo Valley Democratic Clubs, adding to the growing unity behind Bonilla’s campaign – including earning the support of former Assemblymember and special election opponent Joan Buchanan and groups that had supported her campaign.

“Susan Bonilla is the candidate we can count on to champion public education and oppose the hugely expensive and environmentally hazardous double tunnel project.” Diablo Valley Dems President Karen Cohen said.

Tri-Valley Dems President Ellis Goldberg added, “Susan Bonilla’s record and experience made endorsing her an easy choice for club members.”

In addition, Congressman Eric Swalwell, who represents the TriValley and San Ramon in the House of Represententatives, also endorsed Bonilla, this week.

Swalwell’s endorsement continues the rapidly expanding support and momentum that Bonilla’s campaign has built in the Tri-Valley, since emerging in the top-two special election runoff election.

“Susan Bonilla is an effective coalition builder who is solving problems and getting results for East Bay families. She’s a proven leader who has improved local schools, balanced budgets, and supported small business growth in our region,” Swalwell said. “Susan Bonilla is the best choice for Tri-Valley families and I’m proud to endorse her for State Senate.”

Bonilla’s campaign recently announced the endorsement of former State Senator and Majority Leader Ellen Corbett, former Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner, former Orinda Mayor Gregg Wheatland, and the California Democratic Legislative Women’s Caucus’s broad coalition of Assemblywomen and State Senators.

For the complete list of Bonilla’s endorsements and more information about her campaign, visit www.susanbonilla.com.

By Allen Payton

Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla announced Wednesday the endorsements of former State Senator and Majority Leader Ellen Corbett and former Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner as women in leadership across the East Bay continue to unite behind Bonilla’s campaign in the special 7th State Senate District race.

As a result of Tuesday’s election, Bonilla successfully moved forward to the top-two in the May 19th special election runoff, facing fellow Democrat and Orinda Mayor Steve Glazer.

Former Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan, who placed third in Tuesday night’s election, also endorsed Bonilla, on Wednesday.

In a post on her campaign website, Buchanan wrote:

“Dear Friend – I want to take a moment to thank you for your overwhelming support of our campaign. While last night’s results weren’t what we were expecting, I am incredibly grateful to all of you for believing in me, your time and all your hard work.

I’m proud of the campaign that we ran; I’m proud that we stuck to our pledge to run a positive-only campaign; and I’m proud of how many of you truly took to heart our shared vision for a better future. 

It’s clear that our positive messages of a quality education for every child, protecting our precious environment and creating a better California resounded with tens of thousands of voters.

It was an honor to represent you in the State Assembly and as a school board member, and I am grateful for all we have all we have accomplished in my 24 years of public service. It takes a village, and working together we have improved our schools and learning for all students, and strengthened the wonderful communities we call home. I look forward to our paths crossing in the future.

Last night I called Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla to offer her my congratulations. I ask you to support her bid to be our next State Senator.”

Corbett, Skinner and Buchananjoin Congresswoman and Undersecretary of State Ellen Tauscher (ret.), Assemblymember Nora Campos, Contra Costa County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, Solano County Supervisor Linda Seifert, Concord Councilmember Laura Hoffmeister, Martinez Councilmember Lara Delaney, Martinez Councilmember AnaMaria Avila, Pittsburg Councilmember Merl Craft, Ambrose Parks Board Chair Mae Cendaña Torlakson, Ambrose Parks Board Member Judy Dawson, Ambrose Parks Board Member Eva Garcia, Antioch School Board Member Barbara Cowan and Solano Board of Education Vice President Dana Dean.

“Senator Corbett and Assemblywoman Skinner are trusted and proven leaders who made incredible strides for our region,” Bonilla said. “I’m honored by their support and the incredible support that our campaign received from across the district in last night’s election.”

By Allen Payton

According to the elections offices in both Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, there are still approximately 13,432 ballots left to be counted in Tuesday’s special 7th State Senate District election, which could affect who faces Steve Glazer in the May 19 General Election.

Only 2,249 votes separated Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla and former Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan, with Bonilla ahead, as of last night at 11:25 p.m.

There are approximately 10,000 ballots still being counted in Contra Costa County and 3,432 in Alameda County. An update on 8,000 of the ballots in Contra Costa is expected by tomorrow or Friday and the remainder by next Wednesday, March 25. There are approximately 3,200 Vote By Mail ballots and about 232 Provisional ballots still being counted in Alameda County.

The elections offices have 28 days to certify the election.

Check back for updates and the final vote count.

By Allen Payton

So far, the strategy of powerful interests to clear the field of Republican candidates and elect Orinda mayor Steve Glazer to the 7^th State Senate seat, appears to be working.

With 100 percent of the precincts reporting in both Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, according to the California Secretary of State’s website, Glazer was in first, during Tuesday’s special election to fill the seat vacated mid-term by now-Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, with 32.8% of the vote.

Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla was in second place with 24.9% of the vote, followed by former Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan with 22.6%.

Michaela Hertle, the only Republican on the ballot, who dropped out without campaigning and endorsed Glazer, was in fourth place with 17% of the vote, followed by two-time unsuccessful Concord City Council candidate Dr. Terry Kremin with just 2.8% of the vote.

However, as of Wednesday morning there were still over 13,000 ballots left to be counted in both Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.

In a comment via Twitter, at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday night, Glazer wrote “Positive evidence that voters want a fiscally responsible bi-partisan problem solver who is independent from powerful special interests.” Then, a few minutes later, he wrote “The deception and manipulation by the BART unions and their allies had an impact but failed.”

When reached for comment on Wednesday, Bonilla said “I am pleased with the results of this very close race. My volunteers were exceptional and worked effectively to communicate my message and who I am to the voters. I want to thank my broad base of supporters and I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to represent the families of our community.”

The top two finishers will face off against each other in the General Election to be held on May 19, 2015. Whichever candidate wins that election will have to run for reelection, next June for a full four-year term.

For the complete election results, click here.

State Senate District 7 candidate Mayor Steve Glazer and his supporters will be gathering at La Piazza Restaurant, 15 Moraga Way in Orinda to watch the election results starting at 8:00 pm, Tuesday, March 17.

“We have worked hard for many weeks and I’m looking forward to joining with my supporters as the results start to come in,” said Glazer.

The March 17 primary election will decide the winner of the State Senate District 7 election if any one candidate receives 50 percent or more of the vote.  If none of the candidates receives this margin of victory, a runoff election will be held on May 19.

Glazer currently serves as the Mayor of Orinda and a Trustee of the California State University 23-campus system. During his tenure on the Orinda City Council, Glazer has helped balance budgets while making improvements to schools, libraries and roads.

State Senate District 7 includes the communities of Alamo, Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Blackhawk, Brentwood, Byron, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Diablo, Discovery Bay, Dublin, Lafayette, Livermore, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pacheco, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, San Ramon, Sunol and Walnut Creek.

For more information visit www.GlazerForSenate.com.