Mariko Yamada, Democrat for State Assembly

Fasten Your Seatbelts - 10 Days To Go

Dear Friends and Family:

Hang onto your hats! We’re entering what I’ve always called “high-campaign time”, the final days of the campaign that increase in complexity and intensity. This is the time that can bring out the best – and unfortunately the worst – in a campaign.

And what can we expect to see these last ten days?

We know that EdVoice, the organization controlled by my opponent until this February, just opened another IE (Independent Expenditure) Committee, pouring in an additional $90,000 for a cable television buy. The IE is named “Democrats Against Government Waste Independent Expenditure Committee, Major funding provided by EdVoice Independent Expenditure Committee”. Be careful not to blink, or you’ll miss this identifier as it flashes rapidly across your TV screen…

Thanks to all of you who called us last week to report receiving yet another “push-poll” associated with my opponent’s camp, this one emanating from a “202” area code – Washington, D.C.

In this one, the pollsters claimed to be conducting an independent survey and asked, “What do you think is the most pressing problem in California today?” The choices: 1) lack of affordable health care; 2) sky-rocketing gas prices; 3) the mortgage and foreclosure crisis; or 4) the looming recession.

The caller then asked whether you were aware that Assembly candidate, Supervisor Yamada, had twice voted herself a salary increase, closing with, “will you be more or less likely to vote for Mariko?”

Rounding out the survey and the cable buy – a mailer calling me a “double-dipper” with a cute, two-scoop ice cream cone.

Ladies and Gentlemen – here’s the REAL SCOOP:

In Yolo County, Supervisors’ salaries are set by Ordinance No. 919.7, at 33% of a Superior Court Judge’s salary, set the by the State of California. Annually on July 1, any increase is based on what a judge’s salary is at that time. In 2006, our Board did consider changing that percentage to 40% – a move supported by a majority of our Board, but the issue was tabled and we remain at one-third.

Thus, Supervisors do not have the opportunity to vote ourselves a pay raise.

Here’s what I did do TWICE – in both 2004 and again this year, I DECLINED my automatic pay raise due to tough budget times. I am the only Yolo County Supervisor to do so. Maybe the folks at EdVoice should go back and study their math!

I’ve served on the Yolo County Board of Supervisors Finance and Treasury Oversight Committee for the past five years, and am proud of our county’s prudent fiscal management. Our credit rating remains among the highest of all 58 counties, and we have a $17M reserve.

With your continued support, I will take this same commitment of shared sacrifice and common sense financial management forward to the California State Assembly.

Thank you for your encouragement!

Who Do You Trust With The Taxpayer’s Money?

Was it wise of EdVoice to distort Mariko’s financial record? Over nine years of working at Yolo County, both as a Deputy and as a Supervisor, despite her travel, attendance at numerous meetings and parking in many regional locations, Mariko sought reimbursement on only $280 worth of expenses.

What about Christopher Cabaldon? In three years, as a part-time Mayor, Christopher Cabaldon has racked up over $16,500 in travel-related expenses billed to the city.

Who do you think will be thriftier with the public dollar?

Final Outreach Event – All Are Welcome

Sunday marks the final voter outreach event. We’ve covered all ten cities in the district and many of you who have met Mariko through this outreach series have joined our volunteer corps. This Sunday, it’s “Home Sweet (Campaign) Home” in Vacaville, where we’ll enjoy another hot dog (and tofu dog) cookout with CC & Regina Yin, Vacaville Firefighters Local 3501 and the National Association of Social Workers.

All are welcome. Last minute RSVP’s may call Don Lowrie at 707-386-4282.

See you there!
Sunday, May 25th

1:00 - 3:00 pm

At the Ranch of C.C. & Regina Yin

6319 Pleasants Valley Road,
Vacaville
RSVP: Don Lowrie at 707-386-4282.

Phone Banking and Walking Continues

We are phone banking at the office Monday-Thursday evenings, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM. Your participation helps us get the message to as many people as possible before Election Day. Please RSVP your participation right away to Don Lowrie at Don@marikoyamada.net

Too busy to commit to a specific date & time in the office but you still want to help? Take your own precinct, and call your neighbors on your schedule. Come on in and we will set you up with a full kit. Remember, every bit helps! JUST ONE WEEK LEFT!