Hold Elected Officials Accountable by Voting

By Assemblyman Roger Niello

Yes, it’s true, California has another election upcoming this fall. Since the re-election of Governor Gray Davis in 2002, California has had a statewide election every year since, beginning with the recall in 2003 of the former Governor. So Californians are likely a little election-weary. Elections involve campaigns that feature negative ads and mud slinging that can be painful to watch. There is no question that elections can bring out the worst in politics and quite possibly the worst of humanity from time to time.

Unfortunately, election fatigue can also bring apathy. Far too frequently, I hear people say that "my vote doesn’t count," or "I’m not going to make a difference," when talking about politics. Nothing could be further from the truth. In some races, both local and statewide, elections can be decided by as few as one vote per precinct, or less.

Apathy will only get you what you don’t want. It is important to remember that these elected officials are the ones that are creating federal, state, and local government laws and policies that we all have to live under. So, do yourself a favor. Don’t watch the TV ads, and don’t listen to the radio ads. Do your own research and hold your elected officials accountable by going to the polls in November.

And along the lines of holding elected officials accountable, I was pleased to be able to author legislation this year that addressed the California State Auditor’s report on the condition of the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Program. As the report highlighted, the Department of Parks and Recreation used money from the Off-Highway Trust fund for the support of state parks that do not have OHV recreation.

A simple solution would have been my bill, AB 2298, which would have clarified the law with regard to where money from the Off-Highway Vehicle Trust could and could not be spent by the Department. Unfortunately, as part of a three-bill package of legislation to address concerns that arose from the State Auditor’s report, these bills were all killed in the legislature and the auditor’s criticisms of the Department go unresolved.

As a long-time supporter of the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle community, I urge you to become involved and let your local and state elected officials know where you stand on the issues that are important to you, such as this one. Off-Highway Motor Vehicles and the internal combustion engine continue to come under attack from all angles. Now more than ever, it is crucial that you let your voice be heard.