( – promoted by David Dayen)
With a little less than 50 days until the November 4th Election, the stakes couldn’t be higher in the race for California’s 4th House of Representatives seat. We have an awesome opportunity to put a different kind of leader in Congress, one who is results-driven and ready to put patriotism before partisanship.
Charlie Brown has been known to be the local favorite in this campaign. He is the only candidate in this race who has lived, worked, and raised his family in this district, now going on 17 years. And as such, Charlie Brown is hitting the road every day of this campaign to make his case to the voters. In the first of a series of BBQ Town hall meetings, Charlie visited El Dorado Hills’ Bertelsen Park to meet with voters and take their questions.
As the burgers were being flipped, Charlie chatted it up with people one-on-one, Diet Coke in hand, discussing the important issues of the economy, the foreclosure crisis, infrastructure, rising gas prices and the war in Iraq.
Introducing Charlie was an El Dorado County giant– former United States Congressman Jerry Waldie. Waldie, a World War II veteran, served in the House for 8 years before running for California’s governor in 1974 against Jerry Brown.
Charlie then took to the “stage,” a grassy area by the picnic tables, to address the crowd and get their input on a host of issues.
One question that was asked from a local voter revolved around the issue of privacy and spying on American citizens. Charlie, a former intelligence officer in the Air Force, explained his role working on surveillance programs for the National Security Agency (NSA). He explained his view and drew thunderous applause from the group.
Charlie was also asked questions regarding a host of local issues, most notably water. Like everyone who lives in the 4th District, Charlie understands the importance water flowing through the 4th district has on California agriculture, and why adequate supply and proper stewardship (including keeping all of it from being shipped to Southern California) is so critical to the future of our region and our state. You may have also heard that it’s been especially dry out here in Northern California this summer.
Overall, a healthy-sized group with a healthy-sized appetite for burgers and answers got their fill in El Dorado Hills this weekend. Next week, Charlie is heading up to Oroville to continue the conversation. Please check out our website for dates and times of when Charlie comes to your neighborhood.