By Christian Mignot
Gubernatorial Republican candidate Bill Simon stayed on course with his upbeat promises of addressing state budget woes while steering clear of corporate malpractice allegations during a local appearance last Thursday.
** missed drop char **Simon was part of a “Meet the GOP State Slate Night” organized by Los Altos-based South Peninsula Area Republican Coalition. The event at the Quadrus Convention Center in Menlo Park was co-sponsored by the Lincoln Club.
The exuberant candidate for state governor said he felt “full of optimism” and informed more than 150 party faithfuls who showed up that the GOP was “going to make it happen in November.”
Simon, who received support from President George Bush and former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani early last week, said he would restore honor and respect to the position of state governor.
“Right now the Californian dream is just that - a dream,” he said. “I would in fact say that it’s more of a nightmare at the moment, and we need new leaders to steer us out of the situation.”
He stressed the need to rectify the current state budget situation and said one of his priorities in office would be to overturn the nearly $25 billion budget deficit accumulated since Governor Gray Davis took office.
He also pledged to improve the state education system, saying he would throw out the “one size fits all” approach currently in effect.
“We have to focus on our failing schools, making them crime free and drug free, so that the only thing students will fear when they walk through the door to school is the test they will have to take,” he said.
Not surprisingly, Simon steered clear of making any comments about the legal turmoil he is going through as he appeals the $78 million fraud verdict passed on him after he was sued by a former partner.
Also present to speak on the occasion was Atherton resident and candidate for state treasurer Greg Conlon, who pledged to improve the state’s credit rating and cut unnecessary expenses.
Katherine Smith, competing in the race for superintendent of public instruction, promised to bring back solid teaching of academic basics in an effort to improve the quality of public schools statewide.
Gary Mendoza, who is vying for the position of insurance commissioner, emphasized his commitment to common-ground politics and said he would work closely with both Republicans and Democrats if he was elected.
