The FR got a hot tip that turned out to be very true.
I just got off of the phone with a staffer in the office of Democratic Assemblyman Juan Arambula (pictured) who confirmed that his boss has been told to pack his things — he is being moved to a new office, "5126", said the staffer. I asked him if he knew who occupied that office now, and he said, "Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee."
Have you been to Blakeslee’s office? It’s tiny.
Arambula last night had some very serious concerns about the Infrastructure Bond Package being forced through the legislature. (I hear there were issues surrounding unfairness to county governments, among other concerns). Anyways, he did not provide "aye" votes for ANY of the bond measures.
Sounds to me like the Speaker is punishing a member of his caucus for voting his conscience. I sure hope that all of his Democratic colleagues denounce this move. Remember, the next time, it could be any one of them!
In the meantime, if I were Blakeslee, I would chain myself to my desk, and refuse to move! (Easy for me to say, since I don’t have to share my office with my staff.)
[Update: I just heard that Arambula was also stripped of the Chairmanship of the Economic Development and the Economy Committee. Maybe now Arambula gets it – the Democratic Party only wants people that will blindly grow the size and scope of government.]
May 5th, 2006 at 12:00 am
I have served with Mr. Arambula for year and a half on the Budget Committee and often spend 6-10 hours a week with him in committee.
I have found him to be very serious, well-read, and professional — and, absolutely honorable.
In the long run, I am sure he will be fine as he has always kept his own counsel.
As I recall, he has no primary or general election competition.
Chuck DeVore
State Assemblyman, 70th District
May 5th, 2006 at 12:00 am
Umm, that assumes that Democrats in the Assembly have a conscience ….