County Launches Voter App for Upcoming Election

Need help keeping track of the candidates and their issues?

Having difficult keeping track of people to vote for in the June 5, 2012 Primary Election? The Marin County Elections Department wants to help out by offering a free smart phone app of the County’s Voter Information Pamphlet. Voters can use the Marin Voter Guide app on Android Phones (see QR Code) or iPhone/iPads (see QR Code) to look up the candidates and measures on their ballot, the candidates statements and arguments for and against ballot measures.  The app also allows voters to opt out of receiving a paper pamphlet through the mail for future elections.  Marin is one of three counties in California using the phone app in a pilot program which was developed by Elizabeth Bergman, Political Science Professor at Cal State East Bay. Other…

• Photos (1)

Local Merchants Should Join 'Alcopop Free Zone,' Supes Say

Local merchants like United Markets and Andy's Local Market support Supervisors' campaign against the sell of alcopop drinks in Marin.

Several local beverage retailers, including United Markets, have lent their support for Marin’s alcopop-free campaign. “This is a particularly important idea to engage our retailer community in support of our youth around the most serious and prevalent drug use in our county,” Supervisor Steve Kinsey said at the Tuesday Board of Supervisors meeting. The campaign urges retailers to voluntarily refuse to stock, sell or market alcopops–defined as sugary, malt alcoholic beverages–in their stores in order to protect youth from consumption. Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution outlining the campaign in their Tuesday meeting. Alcopop sales make up a small percentage of overall alcoholic sales, but underage drinking involve such drinks, …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Local Candidate Stacey Lawson Corrects Statement About Business

The Marin IJ reports that local businesswoman Stacey Lawson said the her business did not go under, although it dealt with financial difficulties and failed to pay payroll taxes when she oversaw it.

Candidates Criticise Lawson for Voting Record, Business History

The San Rafael businesswoman took a few blows in Tuesday night's debate.

Woolsey's Seat Deemed 'Liberal Sanctuary'

A 90-minute debate for all 12 candidates will be held at Dominican University on Tuesday evening.

Congressional Race and More to Heat Up this Summer

The primary contest for the new District 2 congressional seat is not the only contest in Marin, the Marin IJ reports.

Local Political Donations Ring in at $340K

San Rafael neighbors donated approximately $340,000 for the 2012 election cycle.

  San Rafael neighbors have donated approximately $340,000 political causes and candidates in the 2012 election cycle, with 71 percent going to Democrats. The Huffington Post's fundrasing database tracks all political donations, compiled from the Federal Elections Comission's public records. According to the records, downtown San Rafael neighbors contributed more money than North San Rafael, with a total of $227,103 from 2010 to 2012 and an average of 68 percent going toward the Democratic Party. North San Rafael donated $112,063 from 2010 to 2012 with an average of 74 percent going to the Democratic Party. While the percentage of downtown San Rafael donors and their political parties remained the same, North San Rafael donors become more …

• Photos (2)

You Tell Us: What do You Think of Huffman's Donations from Lobbyists?

Federal rules allow Sonoma lobbyist Darius Anderson to contribute to Huffman's congressional run, even though he's barred at a state level.

When he ran for State Assembly, Jared Huffman was unable to take campaign contributions from lobbyists. Yet he has already accepted two pledges from state lobbyists for his congressional campaign, including a $4,999 pledge from Sonoma lobbyist Darius Anderson, the Sacramento Bee is reporting. The practice comes under a legal loophole for Huffman, who represents southern Sonoma County in California State Assembly District 6 that allows federal law to dictate campaign contributions, even if the candidate is a seated official. State law bars lobbyists from contributing to state campaigns, under the theory that such donations create a “pay-to-play” influence on elected officials. However, federal law holds no such restriction, even if …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Paramedic Tax Measures Pass in San Rafael

Measures E, F & G all receive 2/3 vote needed to pass.

Eva Long Leads Quartet of COM Board Winners

Longtime incumbent garners fifth term; newcomer Stephanie O’Brien joins incumbents Philip Kranenberg and James Namnath.

Three incumbents and one newcomer won the four seats on the College of Marin board in Tuesday’s election, and the leading vote-getter surmised that voters are happy with the board’s work after a period of tumult. “This was a wonderful vote of confidence of the important work we’re doing and which needs to be done,” said incumbent Eva Long, who earned her fourth term on the board. “This was a very solid group of candidates.” Seven candidates sought the four open seats on the board. Long, 69, was joined by 51-year-old San Rafael accountant Philip Kranenberg and 55-year-old former Dominican University and College of Marin chemistry professor James Namnath as incumbents who were re-elected. The trio was joined by Lagunitas School District …

• Photos (1)