Letter to the Editor: Why You Should Vote for Eric Swalwell

Submitted by: James Morehead, Dublin Resident

To Whom it May Concern,

On April 10, I attended a debate in Hayward for the 15th Congressional District Primary. I expected an interesting evening that combined national issues with local concerns. What I didn't expect is how the Hayward debate would trigger a firestorm of interest in the election.

Prior to the debate, I knew Eric Swalwell from my work with Dublin public schools, in particular Dublin High School. I first met Eric through the Dublin High Alumni Association (which Swalwell leads) and respected his passion for public education.

Fast forward to April 10 where I had a chance to see in action for the first time Eric's challengers - Pete Stark and Chris Pareja. All I knew about Stark prior to the debate was that he'd been in Congress a long time.

During the debate, in addition to Stark's unfounded accusations that have been widely reported, it was clear that Stark was annoyed.

Annoyed to be challenged and forced to run a campaign in a primary election. Annoyed to be traveling back from his home in Maryland for events.

Stark had the appearance of someone suffering from entitlement disease - a disease best cured by term limits; and if not term limits then the common sense to know when your time in office is up.

Stark had an opportunity at the Hayward debate to introduce himself to voters - like myself - that don't know him. After all, there are a lot of elected officials in Washington and after you get past the President and Governor - most of us only focus on our local officials.

Stark blew it. Plain and simple he came across as an entitled career politician, not someone seeking to earn a vote. In contrast both Swalwell and Pareja came off as respectful, engaged in the election process and not presumptive of the vote.

That was a good reason not to vote for Stark, but why have I decided to vote for Swalwell?

Even though I've voted for both Republicans and Democrats over the past 12 years since returning to the U.S., I prefer moderate Democrats when given a choice, and Swalwell provides that choice.

And on an issue I'm very passionate about - education - I agree with the key tenants of Swalwell's campaign: Abolish the No Child Left Behind Act that has put too much focus on filling in standardized test bubbles and return more authority to local school boards.

As a relatively recent product of Dublin's public school system, Swalwell has a relevant perspective about education. And through his work with the Dublin High Alumni Association, he has stayed connected with public education issues at the local level (where it matters most).

Finally, regarding the experience argument that Stark levied at Swalwell in playground fashion during the debate (calling Swalwell a "pip-squeak" and "junior leaguer"), I don't buy it. After all, we're connected to Silicon Valley - where anyone, regardless of age or experience, can create a company. Or take an idea public.

Or challenge the status quo and create something new. If all the incumbent experience in Washington is such a good thing then why are we in such a mess? Perhaps the best thing that could happen to our country in this critical time is less experience in Washington, less incumbency and less entitlement.

Every voter in this election will have a key issue that captures their vote. For the 15th Congressional District all I ask is for fellow voters to look past "incumbent" when marking the ballot on June 5.

- James Morehead, Dublin Resident