Jan. Fontana Dem Club Meeting: 31st Congressional District Highlights

Mayor of Redlands Pete Aguilar won the endorsement of the Fontana Democratic Club for the 31st Congressional District. He won in a run off against Rita Ramirez-Dean. Two challengers showed up to the event: Renea Wickman and Dr. Rita Ramirez-Dean to present their case. The other challenger Russ Warner did not show up to the event and is rumored to have droppend out. He was probably under pressure from D.C. people and a realization that he is not as stong in the East Valley as he is on the West. I wonder how much pressure the other candidates are coming under.

Mr. Aguilar, either a Baca plant, Republican plant, or a genuine recruit by the DCCC is trying to walk and chew gum at the same time by fundraising and trying to build an organization. His history at the Arrowhead Credit Union has me wondering about his credentials and his connections. Is he just another Good Old Boy with intentions to carve up the Inland Empire to Big Box Developers?

Pete Aguilar's platform is on infrastructure (transporation) and bipartisanship. With the current crop of Conservatives, I don't think he will get very far with either.

Rita's Ramirez-Dean harped on Education. It's her strength in this race but the other pieces of her policy platform were inspired but hollow. She needed to flesh out her jobs plan, which was muddled and didn't make any sense. She also called for eliminating No Child Left Behind. On immigration, a return to a Bracero-like Program.

Renea Wickman articulated on the disconnect between government and its citizens. She emphasized her grassroots commitment in building the Inland Empire by being active in clubs. In addition, she also stressed the coordination she made with other candidates their campaigns. She also called for an end of harrassment to immigrants who have come here to work and are abiding by the law.