Tea Party and the Local Elections

By Douglas V. Gibbs

I spent nearly an hour being interviewed by Mr. Hill, one of the writers of an article in the Riverside Press Enterprise about how the Tea Party is affecting local elections. The reporter seemed surprised when I indicated to him that my association with the Tea Party Movement is an advantage to my candidacy for Murrieta City Council. Fact is, the Americans behind the Tea Party Movement are the mainstream, in the majority, and candidacies like mine are popping up across America.

The principles of limited government and fiscal responsibility are a large part of the reason for this grass roots movement, but the main reason is actually the political establishment. Americans are tired of the professional politician, the elitists that look down their nose at the Americans with an attitude that the political class, and only the political class, knows what's best for the people, regardless of what the people think.


In the local election for three open Murrieta city council seats, eight candidates are fighting it out. The three incumbents, and the five challengers, agree that economic development, public safety, and fiscal responsibility are all important issues, but do not necessarily agree on the kinds of policies required to carry out the best path for ensuring these issues are resolved properly. Due to my heavy background in banking and construction I take a Fiscal and Building and Safety approach, while another candidate approaches the issues from a planning standpoint, and another as a small business owner. Aside from the incumbents, one thing the challengers all agree upon is what is going on now is not taking care of Murrieta's problems, and things must change.

While pursuing high-tech companies the current city council has neglected the smaller businesses, and the arduous process of moving through the hoops to open a business in Murrieta. The city has built a reputation for being hostile to new business, as well as existing businesses. Plan check is a long, fee-ridden process, and land-use issues make it nearly impossible to develop properties that can create vibrant shopping districts. The saying that seems to be growing in the region when it comes to developers and builders is that "Murrieta won't, Murrieta won't, and Murrieta won't; and the other cities will, so the development goes to other cities."

It is time to change that by eliminating some of the regulatory hoops, separating our American cities from the dependency on State funds, and reducing fees. In other words, reduce the size and scope of local governments. . . nationwide.

The journey to take back our country begins at the local level.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

Tea party movement builds Inland momentum - Press Enterprise