Posts

Blog 17 [make up] Done with modules.

 Taxes, the most toxic, hated word in the American political lexicon for 98% of Americans no matter where on the political spectrum they are. That is because it requires people to pay their own money back into the state, which will always be failing at something. Which leaves many Americans feeling like their tax dollars are being abused, misspent, or downright stolen. However as we read in class, there are many kinds of different taxes, with different purposes, and implementations. Taxes found in Santa Clara County San Jose: San Jose is the biggest city in the County and within the region. Given that, there is a tremendous strain on the city resources. Thus a remedy to this was to pass a tax on the cities thriving Retail and Medical Marijuana Stores. The result is a 10% tax on gross receipts, separate from the state, and county tax. Meaning that patients with Cancer and other serious medical issues payed upwards of 25% on their uninsured, unsubsidized medicine. Former Supervisor ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Blog 16 [make up]

 Budgets happen to be the talk of the county right now, as the county just passed a 602 page, 9.2 Billion dollar budget. It allocates money for dozens of county agencies, funds, officials. While yes it does give millions of dollars to law enforcement by way of the Sheriffs office, it also gives millions to the county social safety net agencies. This is perhaps the most fascinating element of my CP is how to County Executive works with the board of supervisors to allocate a budget, based on the advice and requests of the various agencies. Of course in past years the Sheriff has gotten a higher percentage but given the social climate we are in and the unsavory element of scandals surrounding the department it was likely the Sheriffs office would not be prioritized.  District 4 County supervisor Susan Ellenberg highlighted some elements that fit into the Socially empathetic hallmarks we were looking for.  A community small business grant program was created, which will ho...
Post a Comment
Read more

15b Make up

 The film we were asked to watch before class, depicts Leonardo DiCaprio meeting with various officials to discuss climate change.  Among the many officials that he met were municipal leaders who were facing the reality of climate change, even when it is still nationally debated (at a policy level.) The best example was found in Miami, a city that is already partially underwater. The mayor of Miami at the time was explaining how a pump system designed to pump sea water off the streets of Miami would only last 50 years. The mayor went on to explain that this is considered fantastic, given that the state government of Florida did not assist, as they do not acknowledge to existence of climate change. This divergence between the reality, the future, and what people are willing to acknowledge is a common theme found within this topic. For example in Silicon Valley, and specifically in Santa Clara county, we are having our own massive debate about water right now. This is because th...
Post a Comment
Read more

Blog 15a [Make Up]

 When reading about the different types of governments found you see the benefits, and downsides to each kind of government. Luckily I am working for the county of Santa Clara District 3, and before that worked on the campaign for the seat. Therefore, I am very comfortable explaining the basic functions of Santa Clara County, and counties as a whole. While the county does the important work of health care and hospitals, pollution control, mass transit, industrial development, social services, and consumer protection to name a few. The city that I live in just changed its mayoral system, and election system completely. In Sunnyvale, we historically had At-Large City Council elections. Which meant someone ran for city council, for all of Sunnyvale. Which led to successful community members from the wealthier areas to usually run and then win the seats. These elected council members then voted for a 2 year mayor internally, creating an indirectly elected mayor. The office of mayor was...
Post a Comment
Read more

Blog 13 [Make up]

 How did California’s state legislature and/or local governments use their powers during either the Obama or Trump presidencies to preserve state and local values in the face of conflicting Federal policies and directions?  State legislatures are slightly less contentious than the halls of congress in Washington DC. While the “level of discussion” found in these legislatures can allow for a “lower bar.” For examples of that, just look up Assembly fights on YouTube, and one will be directed to the worst parts of state politics. However, for all the insults, and moments of unacceptable racism, sexism, and intolerance, there is a beautiful spirit of Bi-partisanship found within state houses. Part of that is because of the “lowered” stakes, the other is for the sake of pragmatism. Its simply does not benefit anyone in the California House to burn down every bridge to the other party. Another part of that is because rural assembly members are more likely to understand each other, r...
Post a Comment
Read more

Blog 12 [Make up]

 The question I am looking to address is simple, and has been explore many times over, due in part to its simplicity. Which level of government do people trust the most to handle crises as they emerge. A more academic way of phrasing the question is to ask, which level of governments capacity is trusted most by young people in Santa Clara County? The Manhattan Institute has a study that is very similar to mine which you can find here . It shows the Americans as a whole do in fact trust their local city government more. Gallup did a similar study in 2018, which will also be used to help me shape my questions, and inform my style of survey. It yielded a similar response as the Manhattan institute. You can find that here Finally Pew Research, one of the most established and respected polling firms in the world also has a similar study. Though this study was more aimed at checking the level of trust Americans have in the governmental system as a whole. This like the others will be u...
Post a Comment
Read more

Blog 11 [Make up]

Governors during the pandemic The executive office of many states has become the day in day out, most important office for the people. How their state executive has chosen to deal with the pandemic has certainly had an effect on peoples lives. To that end, the pandemic has shown just how intense intra-state political rivalries go, even at the peak of a health  crisis.  Example 1: "Despite the difficulties in dealing with the legislature, most governors dominate the policy agenda, usually by working hand in hand with legislative leaders. The governor's influence begins with the State of the State address, which kicks off each new legislative session, and strong influence continues with the annual budget mes­sage." (152)  While this topic is not a direct reaction to the Pandemic, the make up of this years budget will certainly be influenced by Pandemic. Therefore I thought the unveiling of California's newest budget could serve as a perfect example of how a governor wor...
Post a Comment
Read more