Rancho Santa Margarita Homes & Lifestyles

There is a conventional wisdom that one should never discuss money, religion or politics in public. While there is clearly some merit to this unspoken rule, when it comes right down to it, these are often the precise things that require the most discussion. Sure, by automatic adherence to this principal any potential controversy is avoided; but where does avoidance of issues ever promote positive change?

Some of us take and active interest in politics and others of us don’t. There are many people who feel like their vote doesn’t count. I’ve felt like that on numerous occasions. It’s not easy to be red in a blue state; but I’ve never been one to just throw in the towel. I want to be heard even when I’m in the minority.

More importantly I want to have the right to complain when the other guy screws up. One of my pet peeves is hearing non-voters rattle on and on about the injustices of our legal system, or increased taxes, or the effect of budget cuts on students in a school district. In my opinion “making your voice heard” before the election or at the very least at the polls. Chatter made by non-voters after an election is not a voice - it’s just noise.

Enough of my opinion on that subject though. I’m stepping down from my soap box now so I can get on with the real purpose of my post: to provide a list of elected officials who serve the constituents of Rancho Santa Margarita. These are people through which you can make your voice be heard.

President and Congress:
President:
• George W. Bush, Rep
Vice President:
• Richard B. Cheney, Rep
• Dianne Feinstein, Dem
• Barbara Boxer, Dem

Representatives: (RSM has a split district. To find the representative for your district click here and enter in your zip + four)
• Gary G. Miller, Rep (42nd Congressional District)
• Ken Calvert, Rep (44th Congressional District)

Governor and State Legislators:
Governor:
• Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rep
State Senate:
• Dick Ackerman, Rep (33rd Senate District)
Assembly:
• Todd Spitzer, Rep (71st Assembly District)

County Government: (See your county officials)

City Government:
Mayor:
• L. Anthony Beall
Mayor Pro-Tempore:
• Gary Thompson
Council Members:
• James M. Thor
• Neil C. Blais
• Jerry Holloway

City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 7:00 pm at City Hall and the agenda and minutes can be viewed on the City website.

The California State Government Guide is an excellent resource for those considering writing a letter to an elected official. Following the recommendations of the guide will increase the effectiveness of your letter.

There are seven qualified political parties in California:
• American Independent
• Democratic
• Green
• Libertarian
• Natural Law
• Peace and Freedom
• Republican

At OCVote.com you can:
• Pre-register online
• Find your polling place
• Find locations that facilitate early voting
• Request an absentee ballot
• Find your precinct, district and elected officials
• View past and present election votes
• Learn about Volunteering

In order to vote you must register a minimum of 15 days prior to the election. Sample ballots will be mailed to current registrants and those who register prior to 29 days before an election.

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