Mariko Yamada, Democrat for State Assembly

Yet another phantom organization - there seem to be a lot of them early in this campaign - has sent out a fax with a critical spin on my position on taxes. Be assured that when we release information it will always be attributable to our campaign, and you can always seek clarification by contacting us at info@marikoyamada.net. We'll continue to run a clean campaign.

To be clear:

Budget reform – I would like to see a 55 to 60% voting threshold with a two-year budget cycle that aligns with the legislative session.

I do not support a simple majority budget – as I stated at the NSDC forum in June of 2007 such reform only works when Democrats are in power. Let’s remember, that as recently as 1994 Democrats lost control of the Assembly. If that were to happen again, Republicans could use a simple majority to enact a right-wing budget laying ruin to programs for which Democrats have fought hard.

Prop 13 needs reform. Loopholes for commercial property need to be addressed, but protections for California’s residential property owners need to be kept in place. These protections help our most vulnerable – seniors on fixed income and disabled adults - populations I've always fought for.

Finally, I leave you with this parting thought - if Mr. Cabaldon would accept my challenge to engage in a policy debate on the issues as I have suggested on multiple occasions, then there'd be no doubt as to where I stand.