Gavin Newson’s job as the Governor of California is in jeopardy. Currently, a special election is taking place in California to recall Newson’s placement in the role. The list of complaints about the governor are extensive. A statement from the Official Voter Information Guide sent out to voters attributes California’s issues with homelessness, the cost of living, decreased wildfire protection, increased inmate early releases, and soaring crime, to Newson’s alleged negligent decision-making.
One of the biggest missteps by Newson claimed in the recall argument is how he handled the Covid-19 pandemic — notably, the debacle with unemployment insurance in which the Employment Development Department (EDD) mishandled billions of dollars in unemployment insurance, issuing payments to fraudulent or unqualified accounts, while qualified Californians had to endure a bleak year of no support.
“Governor Newson has implemented laws which are detrimental to the citizens of this state and our way of life,” the statement reads. “Laws he endorsed favor foreign nationals, in our country illegally, over that of our own citizens. People in this state suffer the highest taxes in the nation, the highest homelessness rates, and the lowest quality of life as a result.”
The recall argument continues, “He has imposed sanctuary state status and fails to enforce immigration laws. He unilaterally over-ruled the will of the people regarding the death penalty. He seeks to impose additional burdens on our state by the following; removing the protections of Proposition 13, rationing our water use, increasing taxes and restricting parental rights. Having no other recourse, we the people have come together to take this action, remedy these misdeeds and prevent further injustices.”
Newson fired back at the claims saying that the recall effort is authored by Trump supporters attempting to make a “power grab” by attacking California for a political agenda and that it “will cost California taxpayers 81 million dollars.”
He also claims that he is working on plans to maintain California’s healthcare system, improve infrastructure, secure funding for public education, and increase the affordability of California housing. In an effort to demonstrate this, he recently signed the California Comeback Plan, a $100 billion economic recovery package that will distribute direct relief in the amount of $600 to about 66% of Californian families, and supply funding to 200,000 small businesses.
As a result of the recall election, replacement candidates have come out of the woodwork for a chance to run the state — and not all candidates are qualified. To sum it up, only 9 Democrats are running, while 24 Republican candidates are vying for the role. The remaining contenders consist of 13 candidates who either have no party preference, are considered Green, or are categorized as having no qualified party preference.
The choices are a political parody of sorts, with the likes of radio host Larry A. Elder, reality star and athlete Caitlyn Jenner, personality Angelyne, cannabis consultant Jacqueline McGowan, actor Patrick Kilpatrick, and former correctional officer Chauncey “Slim” Killens listed, among others, as serious candidates for this recall election.
The importance of the Gubernatorial Recall Election is understated. If people do not educate themselves and vote, then it is possible that California will have someone making decisions for the state that is not only inexperienced and unqualified, but detrimental to the very livelihood of the people that reside there.
Newson was elected governor in 2018 by an overwhelming vote. If over 50% of voters mark “no” on the first question of the ballot asking whether Newson’s election should be recalled, then Newson will remain in his position. Mail-in ballots have already been sent out for early voters. The recall election, taking place on Tuesday, Sept. 14, is estimated to set the state of California back about $276 million, according to the Department of Finance.
