The Nov. 7 elections are almost upon us, and for over 2,000 new Bakersfield College students just coming in out of high school, this election could be more important than the national election in two years.
As college freshmen you might be so caught up with waiting lists to get into class, waiting lines at the bookstore, and waiting for financial aid. You may not even know what the process is. While you may register the standard two parties, your personal faith, and your individual drive for success should guide you in voting.
Why would I say this election is more important than the presidential election? The governor of our state more directly affects daily issues by vetoing, approving or initiating new laws that affect everything from education to immigration and family values.
Recently, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger enjoyed a 13-point lead in the polls; just months ago, he was behind. This goes to show that it is not over until closing time on Election Day. So as new voters you should know that Gov. Schwarzenegger is the incumbent candidate and is Republican. While for the Democratic Party, Phil Angelides is the candidate. Both Angelides and Schwarzenegger, along with other candidates from other parties, have Web sites where you can get their positions and facts.
It seems the governor has gained popularity, and the state is back on track to prosperity. At first when he was elected, there were some who thought he was just all muscle and no brain, and others feared his family and faith values were not strong enough. Those concerns were unwarranted. His record on those values seems to be at least mainstream.
In two years in office, the governor has led the state to the sixth largest economy in the world, slashing taxes (with no new tax policy) and creating over 500,000 new jobs.
As for those with family active in the California National Guard, the governor is keeping a minimum amount for soldiers on our California borders.
For students in college he recently signed a bill giving college papers the First Amendment rights of freedom of the press and in addition the state of California enjoys the lowest tuition for community colleges. The public school system has more money than at any other time in the state’s history.
The energy crisis for oil continues, but the Enron scandal fresh on our minds sees us welcoming bill SB1, which will make it easier for California homeowners to obtain solar roofs that help improve the environment.
In transportation, the governor led the state in many projects including the “Hydrogen Highway.”
On the environment issue, the governor has shown leadership in global warming, gross-polluting vehicles and cargo ship pollution; he made our state a world leader joining Great Britain in becoming aggressive partners in addressing change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and resolving climate problems.
The governor’s No.1 priority is public safety, which makes California safe for all residents.
I voted my faith and personal needs. In 2003, I voted for Bill Simon. On Nov. 7, Schwarzenegger will get my vote.