LARRY KRAMER, San Juan Capistrano
I write in response to the letter published recently by The Capistrano Dispatch on the ballot designation of San Clemente Mayor Pro Tem Chris Duncan, who is running for State Assembly in our new 74th Assembly District. I am a retired United States naval submarine captain, a former San Juan Capistrano mayor and an independent voter. Also, as a submarine base commander I had over 100 United States Marines working for me guarding our country’s nuclear arsenal. The attack on Chris Duncan was not warranted.
Chris is a father of three school-aged children, a former Homeland Security attorney and federal prosecutor and San Clemente’s appointed U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) liaison. In his role as USMC liaison, Chris spends substantial time each week coordinating the city’s assistance programs to U.S. Marines and their families, USMC events at San Clemente’s Park Semper Fi and outreach to USMC command personnel. He has pledged to propose legislation in his first term in the State Assembly that will offer well-deserved college tuition assistance to dependents of active service members. As a veteran and former U.S. Navy Base Commander who personally supervised U.S. Marines, I believe we should celebrate local elected officials like Chris Duncan who work to benefit the military community, especially those with a long record of public service in law enforcement like Chris Duncan.
Chris Duncan has shown a willingness and a capacity to bring us together to get things done to improve our quality of life, protect our culture and open space and keep us safe. I urge voters to look at Chris Duncan’s outstanding record and vote for him for the 74th Assembly District.
Thank you for your letter, but I encourage you to dig a bit deeper.
Specifically, I invite your attention to California Code of Regulations 20710-20716.. I think that if you are honest with yourself, you will agree that “USMC Liaison” meets the definition of Para 20716(b)(2), a pro forma position that occupies little or none of the candidate’s time and is, therefore, an unacceptable ballot designation. I
t certainly is neither his primary elected position or leadership position as defined in Para 20712. Nor does it come close to meeting the definition of a profession or vocation as defined in Parav 20714.
I appreciate your sticking up for “your guy,” Larry, but wrong is wrong. I look forward to your principled retraction.
Link is provided for your convenience: https://www.sos.ca.gov/administration/regulations/current-regulations/elections/ballot-designations#section-20716
Thank you so much, Larry, for being a beacon of light in our city and continuing to honorably serve your community as you did our country. Citizens should always feel comfortable voicing their humble opinions without the threat of retribution and personal attack. Respectful disagreement and civil discourse are qualities that seem to be lacking in today’s society and government. I hope everyone appreciates the example you set in your letter.