Editorial:

Our first impulse was to NOT recommend anyone for State Assembly. This was based on the frustration of the incumbents’ inability to pass a State budget. Passing a budget is one of the primary jobs of our elected officials and it is now clear they are not any good at their job, they can’t get a budget passed, and when someone can’t do their job you fire them!

   This malaise could be a result of term limits where we see newly elected officials coming in firmly committed to an ideology and an inability to compromise.  How we now long for the good old days of Willie Brown – and real leadership –and wonder where common sense has gone.

   So while the State’s economic situation continues to deteriorate, our elected “leaders” continue to fiddle, going on junkets, campaigning for reelection, we fear that a budget won’t get passed until after November 2! 

   Out of frustration, this editor was considering a “no endorsement” position on any Assembly race. However, the problem with a cross-the-board “no” position is that it is an over-generalization because there is least one Assembly member we believe in and who has come to the forefront for the community. That extraordinary person is Marty Block, 78th Assembly District.

   When Marty Block was first elected two years ago, he promised that he would be the education assemblyman, focusing his efforts on education. Marty has not let us down. He is leading the effort to bring a four year educational institution to Chula Vista. He has worked hard to solve the problem of colleges that restrict admissions. He is committed to funding for education and student aid.

   Block has also been instrumental in job training, small business legislation, and as a member of the Veterans Committee has been instrumental in Veterans’ benefits and needs.

   And equally important Marty Block has been accessible and responsive to the residents of the 78th Assembly District. Marty Block is the exception to rule and has proven his leadership mettle.

            We strongly recommend the re-election of Marty Block.