Warren Petersen - I wouldn't vote for him for dog catcher

Growing up at my house we had an expression – I wouldn’t vote for him or her for dog catcher.  It was intended as an expression of derision for politicians that we didn’t like.  In my series of blogs for the upcoming election, I will give out the dog catcher award for those candidates that I do not support.

So, first up – Warren Petersen – I wouldn’t vote for him for dog catcher

Warren Petersen has had several opportunities to support district and charter public school education.  He did not support or endorse bond or override elections within his district.  He did not endorse proposition 123 and a roadmap for education funding.  He did not oppose cuts to charter or district school funding.  Warren Petersen has demonstrated a lack of support for all forms of public education.

Legislators only have a certain amount of time and opportunity for impact.  The bills that they choose to sponsor or co-sponsor are a good representation of their priorities.  Among the bills sponsored by Warren Petersen are:

-          5 regarding decreased control of firearms

-          3 restricting photo radar usage

-          1 eliminating the requirement for immunizations as part of foster care licensure

-          1 expanding empowerment scholarships

-          1 expanding tax credits for private school attendance (STOs)

-          1 requiring high school students to pass a civics exams prior to graduation

-          1 allowing non-resident full time students to purchase resident hunting licenses

-          1 restricting the ability of cities and towns to regulate plastic bags (auxiliary containers)

Are these the priorities of the citizens that he was elected to represent?  Are they the most important issues that our legislators need to be addressing?  They are certainly not my priorities.

Repeat after me – I wouldn’t vote for him for dog catcher!