senior-spectrum.com

Candidate: John “Jack” Mortensen
Ballot Designation: Contractor/Businessman
Party: Democratic

My name is John Mortensen. My friends call me "Jack."
I am not a politician, have no hidden agenda and I am not attached to any special interest. I am a Native Californian and a concerned citizen. This plight is one of desperation to take Ca. Gov't. out of the hands of special interest and place it back in the hands of the people, where it belongs and where our Forefathers intended it.

1. What do you consider the most pressing issue facing California's senior citizens?
The most pressing issue in regard to seniors is Medicare.
My proposal to the people is first and foremost, to reform and refine every agency of Ca. Gov't. using the practices and policies setforth by Malcolm Baldrige in the 1980's. He was a common man, appointed Secretary of Commerce in 1980, by Ronald Reagan and during his term, reformed free trade, eliminated illegal trade practices, reduced the budget of Commerce by 30% and eliminated 25% of it's administration to run faster and more efficiently.

Medicare is one of many agencies that need reform and refinement so the money goes where it is intended...to the people!

2. Do you favor or oppose amending the rates of the following taxes:
Property tax
State income tax
Vehicle license fee
Gas tax

Property tax needs to stay where it is. State income tax needs to be adjusted to individual incomes above $160k only. I would rescind vehicle tax and double luxury tax. Gas stays the same, however cigarettes and alcohol go up .25 ea..

State Park fees, I would double immediately.(to be repealed at a later date)

3. Do you favor or oppose putting new restrictions on older drivers?
In regard to restrictions on older drivers: If a person can take a driving test and pass, regardless of age, they deserve the right to drive within the guidelines of Ca. Law.

4. When putting together the state budget for the next fiscal year, would you change current levels of funding for any of the following programs:
In-Home Supportive Services
Adult Protective Services
SSI/SSP benefits
Foster Grandparents Program
Brown Bag Program
Senior Companion Program
California Commission on Aging

There are (3) major issues with my platform-
a. Reform Gov't. and allocate those funds to education and Medicare, but specifically direct funds so they pinpoint Children, teachers and senior med. and programs specifically. More over, Tenure, I feel, needs to be revisited and revised to open the door to teacher evaluations to ensure that ineffective teachers can be removed or relocated and exemplary teachers can be rewarded.

I believe that more money will be created in Gov't reform to install increases in senior programs not cuts.

5. If elected, how will you improve California for seniors and all other residents?
California needs a Governor who is NOT attached to this political machine who can realign the sides to a more equal field of compassion and caring and not so money minded and large machine oriented. We teach our children to look beyond race, color, religion and creed and when they turn 18, we tell them to "choose a side." This situation is party aside for me as I have always gone for the person I feel will best suit the job, and in this particular, unusual situation, I feel that a nonpolitician can be more effective and cause more positive change for the PEOPLE!

We need to redefine who "The People" are in today's political world as it would appear that "The People" refer to the wealthy, the career politicians and or the people and factions who support career politicians.

I know this much, and this is part of my Candidate Statement: "In order for change to occur, something different has to happen. I am attempting to be part of that difference."
I took an oath to "Protect and defend California and it's people and concern my works to the common good." I am a man of God and Know that my work would not be for any other purpose.
If the people of California can trust to stand behind me.....I won't need 15 million dollars to run a campaign as I have stated in a press conference (kcra 8/13/03)

I will not pay a person to stand behind me with a sign, or create a commercial to discredit my opposition. I am a self employed businessman and a trade contractor. I have been in "the people's" homes and business' for 23 years, helping them find creative ways to use their money and capture value. I get paid for what I produce and I do not know anything else. If I was in this form of Gov't. I would forfeit my pay and or step down regardless of my career.

The media wants to belittle the 130 who entered this race as non politicians.

Please believe, their interest is with the politicians with power.(or Arnold) pawn

If I may be heard,......and the people stand......it will be a landslide victory and trust and know For three years, we yes WE can create referendums and reform and refine this Government to care for it's PEOPLE FIRST.