California Budget Is an Issue in Hot Races

In Riverside and San Bernardino counties, the candidates in some of the most hotly contested primary races are debating who is most qualified to protect taxpayers from a state budget crisis that has already led to layoffs and cuts in service throughout the region.

On Tuesday, voters in the Inland Empire will go to the polls to decide several dozen state and local races and a handful of important ballot propositions. Among the most contested races are for two supervisorial seats in Riverside County, two open Assembly posts in San Bernardino County and the contest to replace a former San Bernardino County Supervisor who resigned after pleading guilty to corruption.

Although incumbents are normally favored to win reelection, two longtime Riverside County supervisors are facing serious opposition Tuesday.

First District Supervisor Bob Buster, a 12-year veteran of the board, said he is seeking another term because he believes the county needs experienced politicians to grapple with the state’s fiscal crisis. He is being challenged by a former Lake Elsinore councilman and the widow of a slain sheriff’s deputy who has strong support from law enforcement.

Linda Soubirous, who has received more than 70% of her campaign funds from the Riverside Sheriffs’ Assn., said she is running because Buster has done a lackluster job managing traffic, development and public safety.

Kevin Pape, the former Lake Elsinore councilman, accuses Buster of being too liberal for the Inland Empire. He noted the incumbent’s support of a proposed needle-exchange program for drug addicts.

Third District Supervisor Jim Venable had planned to retire after serving two terms but is seeking a third term, he said, because of the state budget crisis. Challenger Jeff Stone, a Temecula councilman, says Venable has been an ineffective leader who has rubber-stamped poorly planned development.

Voters will also decide bond measures that would improve job training, technology, sewer systems and roofs, and facilities at local schools and colleges. The Riverside Community College District is proposing a $350-million bond (Measure D), the Desert Community College District seeks to issue $346.5 million (Measure B), the Moreno Valley Unified School District would like to float $50 million in bonds (Measure A), and the Perris Union High School District wants to issue $38 million (Measure D).

In San Bernardino County, voters will choose candidates for the 62nd and 63rd Assembly districts.

The 62nd is represented by Assemblyman John Longville (D-San Bernardino), who cannot seek reelection because of term limits. Democrats greatly outnumber Republicans in the district.

The Democratic candidates include David Roa Pruitt, chief of staff for San Bernardino Mayor Judith Valles; Joe Baca Jr., the son of Rep. Joe Baca (D-San Bernardino); and Walter Hawkins, a Rialto school board member.

Pruitt has emphasized his years of experience in government, noting that he has worked for Baca and state Sen. Nell Soto (D-Ontario). Baca Jr., a substitute teacher and former probation officer, has portrayed himself as a candidate who understands the concerns of working-class residents. Hawkins has campaigned as “a proven leader� by emphasizing his involvement in Rialto schools and community and church organizations.

The 63rd District is considered a safe GOP seat, now held by Robert Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga), who is running for state Senate.

The Republican candidates include Elia Pirozzi, a real estate executive; Bill Emmerson, a dentist; and Mike Morrell, the owner of a home financing business.

The candidates have debated who is the fiscal conservative most qualified to grapple with the state budget crisis.

Pirozzi says he was a leader in the recall of Gov. Gray Davis. Emmerson has accused Pirozzi of hypocrisy for seeking a union endorsement after Pirozzi accused “big labor unions� of aggravating the state’s budget problems.

Another contentious campaign is the race to replace former San Bernardino County Supervisor Gerald “Jerry� Eaves, who pleaded guilty in January to a felony conspiracy charge for failing to report free vacations he accepted from a businessman seeking a county permit for a billboard project.

That scandal has shaped the main issue in the campaign: Most of the candidates promise to bring more integrity to the Board of Supervisors.

The candidates include Assemblyman Longville; Josie Gonzales, a Fontana councilwoman; Martin Valdez, Eaves’ former chief of staff; and Danny Tillman, a board member for the San Bernardino City Unified School District.