Election picks for the primary

Proposition 14 would undo closed primaries, a system we have today in which Republicans can only run and vote in a Republican primary. The same for Democrats. An open primary would allow the two top vote-getters from either party to face each other in November. Political parties are against this. An open primary could produce more moderate candidates and perhaps lessen the polarized gridlock in Sacramento. The result might be more moderate Republicans in our state Legislature. Not so long ago, Republicans and Democrats worked together in our state capitol to get things done. Do you remember when it was Republican members who first made Willie Brown speaker of the Assembly when he did not have enough votes from his own party?

***

Some uninformed citizens are using the new gym and pool facilities at the College of San Mateo as a reason to oppose Measure G which would help our three communities colleges maintain courses. CSM has applied a business model to capital improvements which will benefit students and the community. Many are taking advantage of the newer and more affordable facilities up on the hill and in the long run it will be a money-maker for the college.

***

For superintendent of instruction, the state’s school chief, there are three main candidates. Gloria Romero is a state senator from Southern California. She supports reform efforts, charter schools and has angered the powerful California Teachers Association. The latter is supporting Tom Torlakson, a former Bay Area assemblyman and senator (from the East Bay) who was also a former teacher. Torlakson worked closely with the League of California Cities on a number of issues important to local government. CTA is sponsoring statewide ads on behalf of Torlakson but their support could turn out to hurt him. Larry Aceves is a retired South Bay school superintendent with an outstanding record. He is not as well known as Romero and Torlakson, but has strong support among school administrators. The Chronicle is endorsing Romero; The Los Angeles Times, Aceves.

***

There are three hot local races: the contest for the 21st Assembly District; the open seat on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors; and the position of tax collector-treasurer. Richard Gordon seems likely to be the winner for the Assembly seat being vacated by termed out Ira Ruskin. Rich is well liked in San Mateo (most of the district) and has union and institutional support, including his colleagues on the Board of Supervisors. There could be run-offs for the other two races if one of the candidates cannot achieve more than 50 percent of the vote. Former Sheriff Don Horsley is way ahead in fundraising, endorsements and name recognition in his quest to fill Gordon’s supervisor seat. But coastside resident April Vargas, with a strong grassroots campaign from Democratic party activists, has a chance to make this a two-way race come November. Meanwhile, Matt Grocott, the Republican member of the San Carlos City Council, has been endorsed by the local Tea Party as well as by several newspapers. He has a love-hate relationship with his hometown. His admirers like the way he toppled the once ruling council coalition but just as many fault him for the city’s current financial mess because he opposed the city’s recent parcel tax increase.

Lastly, the race to succeed Lee Buffington, one of the county’s chief financial officers, may be too close to call. Former Burlingame mayor and CPA Joe Galligan is probably the front runner. He started well ahead of the other candidates and enjoys the support of many of the county’s big names. But like Grocott, he also has a love-hate relationship with hometown voters. He was part of the old Burlingame trio which ruled the city for years until Mary Janney was defeated, Mike Coffey moved and Joe, himself, didn’t seek re-election. There’s a new group in control now and they were not supported by Joe. In the meantime, Dave Mandelkern, president of the community college board of trustees and former Silicon Valley entrepreneur, has the support of the San Mateo Democratic party and local unions. Sandie Arnott, Burffington’s assistant, has Burffington’s endorsement and the support of several North County elected officials. The fourth candidate, financial advisor Richard Guilbault, is not likely to finish in the top two. My guess is it will be a runoff between Galligan and either Mandelkern or Arnott.

***

Tragic news about Don Galine who passed away last month after a year long battle with brain cancer. Don always looked like a kid even as a grown man. He was enthusiastic, energetic and passionate about his law practice, his swim team and his family. You can’t run into a local attorney without hearing some special story about Don. He was that kind of guy. The world and San Mateo County is a much sadder place without him.

Sue Lempert is the former mayor of San Mateo. Her column runs every Monday. She can be reached at sue@smdailyjournal.com.