By Mike Bodine
Register Staff
10-30-2008

Two Tulare County residents are vying for the vacant State Assembly position after term limits have forced  out incumbent Bill Maze.
Connie Conway and Desmond Farrelly are running for the 34th Assembly District which covers most of San Bernardino and Tulare counties, part of Kern County and all of Inyo. It is a two-year term, with a three term limit.
The Republican nominee, Connie Conway, had worked in healthcare before being elected to the Tulare County Board of Supervisors in 2000. During her two terms, she also served as chairperson for the board.
She has also been president of both the California State Association of Counties and the state Cities, Counties, Schools Partnership. Conway had also been appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to chair his Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley, a public-private partnership that advises key state officials on regional matters.
“My work has been focused on reducing, reshaping and reforming government programs to make them more effective, less costly and less burdensome,” Conway explained.

She said she values the conversations she has with the people she serves, adding, “The best ideas come from the private sector.”
Connecting with the people is how Conway sees herself best serving the Owens Valley. “One of the best ways to improve Inyo County is to make sure that our government services are coordinated. As a member of the Assembly, my role would be to connect with residents, listen to their concerns and act in their best interests.”

Conway said her priorities include: cutting taxes; protecting communities and punishing criminals; promoting the economy by removing senseless regulations on business; ensuring high-quality schools; making lives less complicated by government; and offering common sense approaches to problems.
Conway supports Prop 4, which    changes the California Constitution to prohibit abortion for an unemancipated minor until 48 hours after a physician notifies the minor’s parent or legal guardian.
“I believe in parents’ right to be part of medical decisions on behalf of their minor children,” she said.
She does not support Prop 5, which approved, would allocate $460 million annually to improve and expand treatment programs for persons convicted of drug and other offenses. The proposition would also limit court authority to incarcerate offenders who commit certain drug crimes, break drug treatment rules or violate parole and substantially shortens parole for certain drug offenses, but it would increase parole for serious and violent felonies.
Conway explained, “I stand with our local law enforcement, district attorneys, judges and taxpayers in voting no on Prop 5. Not only will this allow convicted criminals to go unpunished, it is an attempt to decriminalize drug use and allow people to break the law without any consequences.”
On both Prop 7 and 10 which deal with renewable energy plans for the state, Conway said, “Although we all want to make the most efficient use of our resources and promote clean energy where possible, setting unattainable standards and making taxpayers responsible is not the best solution. The government should let market forces develop reliable clean energy.”
“The bottom line is that Sacramento has to start working for us. Taxes are too high. Results are low. We have to fix that,” Conway explained, adding that every Assembly member has a responsibility to make the best choices for the state’s future, but to also ensure that the system is working properly.
“When people need help with a state agency or program, they should receive accurate and timely assistance. When they have a complaint with the state, it should be addressed quickly. That’s the way government should work.”
Democrat Desmond Farrelly made similar statements about availability. “My goal is not to be aloof but rather accessible, transparent and open towards the good citizens of our 34th Assembly District.”
Farrelly said that if elected he would be honored to listen to the concerns of the people of Inyo. “From my understanding, the environment is paramount. I will be very sensitive to those concerns and support the clean up of such thins as the Pine Creek Tungsten Mine. Protecting State Parks and open areas is important.”
He also expressed concern for many issues relating to Inyo County residents. “I am quite pro-senior citizen regarding local support for their needs to decrease stress in the twilight of their lives. Healthcare will therefore be another concern that I will focus upon,” Farrelly said.
“Also, I will not neglect places like Inyo, San Bernardino and Kern counties. I feel these areas have been gerrymandered for selfish reasons regarding elections like this one,” Farrelly said, describing a past election wherein a candidate garnered victories in three of the four counties in the 34th District, but ultimately lost due to Tulare County’s unfair “lion’s share of the electorate.”
He also made many references to the importance of education in the district. “I am pro-education and my opponent has not demonstrated that she is. We need a four-year CSU branch in the San Bernardino area due to the remoteness and vast distance from where others are. I believe this is doable and desired”
“A quality education for Inyo county’s school children is particularly necessary,” he added.
His view of the propositions on this November’s ballot were straight forward.
He supports Prop 5, but does not support Prop 7, and has declared a “neutral” stance on Props 10 and 4.
Farrelly is a self-described “fiscally conservative to moderate Democrat,” someone who is environmentally friendly who also believes, “in the need for alternative fuel sources … to achieve energy independence from foreign fossil fuels.”
A Visalia native, teacher, farmer and small business owner, Farrelly stated that he does not “misrepresent credentials,” unlike his opponent.
If elected, Farrelly said his goals would be to “serve the people of the 34th District, support education, jobs, healthcare, alternative energy sources, the environment, and the middle class and poor working families. I will represent all of our citizens and act upon their concerns.”