When I went out to the snailmail mailbox today, it was, as usual, filled with junk political mailers. Normally, I just toss them out without reading them. This time one mailer caught my eye. It didn't tell me anything I didn't already know but it did bring somethings into clearer perspective.

I am a Republican, however, I have been very unhappy with many aspects of Governor Schwarzenegger's administration and I have been thinking of voting on every matter in the upcoming election except the Governor's race. This has been troubling me as I have always believed that voting is not only a right, it is also an obligation. I further believe that if you don't vote, you don't have the right to complain about what goes on afterwards.

I have not liked the fact that the Governor has been spending money like water. I have not liked the fact that he seems to be for every bond issue that comes up. I have not liked the fact that he has been making such sweet deals for Indian Tribes on gaming casino matters.

On the other hand, I know that Mr. Angelides will also be a big spender, will also support almost every bond issue that comes up and will also be willing to sell out the state to Indian Gambling interests.

The difference between the two men, as was partially shown in the mailer, is that where the Governor urges a no vote on tax increase initiatives 86, 87, 88 and 89, Mr. Angelides has endorsed propositions 86, 87 and 89 and has not endorsed or urged a no vote on Proposition 88.

In my opinion, Governor Schwarzenegger has fought almost every or every tax increase and has kept his word about not raising taxes. I don't like his bond issue endorsements, but then he never promised not to put the state further in debt.

Mr. Angelides, I believe, will not only support every bond issue, he will also support every tax increase. From what I've read and heard about him, he is a person who, since he has been in politics, 'has never met a tax increase that he didn't like'.

I just don't think that Californian's can afford to have Mr. Angelides as Governor. This state has enough problems as it is, without having a Governor who is happy and eager to raise taxes.

Our state legislature is already run by the tax and spend Democrats and the only thing that has kept them from raising all kinds of taxes is Governor Schwarzenneger's veto power. Our Republican legislators fight hard to keep taxes down, but there just are not enough of them in office. As far as I can tell, if Mr. Angelides becomes Governor, there will be no end to the tax increases and new taxes.

David G. Hallstrom, Sr.
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