SCC Libertarian Party Campaigns Committee chair Brian Holtz unpacks an array of impactful (geo)libertarian writings, which include Wes Benedict’s Introduction to the Libertarian Party. The latest in Opp Now’s favorite political book perspective series, in which contributors analyze texts they’ve found accessible, informative, and enriching. An Opp Now exclusive.
Read MoreSheriff-to-be Bob Jonsen chats with Opp Now about his top Dept priorities moving forward: care access and job-skill programs in local jails, recruitment/retention, and overall accountability to quash “this constant cloud of controversy.” An Opp Now exclusive.
Read MoreSilicon Valley Taxpayers Association president Mark Hinkle considers how Ayn Rand’s renowned “Atlas Shrugged” (albeit fictitious) echoes the terrifying realities of socialism — that he’s experienced firsthand. The latest installment in favorite political book analyses. An Opp Now exclusive.
Read MoreMany people of color in D8 and D10 are worried that Labor/Left maneuvers designed to cancel elections in those districts to replace outgoing councilmembers are recalling the shameful history of voter suppression inflicted on their communities. A quick timeline of U.S. and California voter suppression techniques follows.
Read MoreFormer Fremont Union High School District board candidate Andy Arness parses the financial barriers involved in running for school board. If putting a Candidate Statement in locals’ voting guides cost several thousand dollars (not to mention other campaign expenses), are competent candidates finding themselves unable to run? An Opp Now exclusive.
Read MoreBrian Holtz — SCC Libertarian Party Campaigns Committee chair and Purissima Hills Water District director in Los Altos Hills — speaks with Opportunity Now about how a completely community-run K-12 education system might operate. School privatization may be strengthening across other states, but local legislators still face accusations of advancing “right wing power” via free market education systems. An Opp Now exclusive.
Read MoreLabor/left media and advocates continue to struggle to find reasons to explain Chavez' close loss to Mahan in the mayoral race. Only problem: their preferred narrative (low voter turnout in ESJ) isn't backed up by the district by district data. An Opp Now exclusive.
Read MoreAfter viewing the district by district data from the mayoral election (see nearby), it's impossible to pass over (though, of course, Labor-leaning local newsrooms did) this simple fact: Labor wants to suppress special, replacement council elections in two Districts (8 and 10) that they lost to Mahan in the mayoral election. All their talk of cost and voter turnout sure looks like a smokescreen to cover the fact that Labor fears a second thumping in both districts. The Merc editorial page chimes in with the facts the newsrooms ignored.
Read MoreIn its November 21 email newsletter, the South Bay Progressive Alliance (SBPA) condemned the racist comments of Kevin de Leon and the LA4, which were reported widely upon in October. The SBPA called for resignations of those involved. SBPA newsletter comments, below.
Read MoreA disappointing election for the local progressives, as Chavez loses a close one and Bien Doan prevails in D7. Labor/left is spinning all sorts of excuses, but are there any real structural conclusions to be drawn, or is it all just the efficacy of ground games? Planning Commissioner Pierluigi Oliverio discusses with Opp Now co-founder Christopher Escher. An Opp Now exclusive.
Read MoreAlexander Kent ran for San Carlos City Council (7.2% of votes) to “offer an independent / devil’s advocate voice” free of purchased loyalties and mindless one-sided dogma. Post-election, Kent shares what he’s learned about how individuals defend a culture of responsibility at the local level. An Opp Now exclusive.
Read MoreHousing quotas (elements) set by the government, unsurprisingly, do not meet the housing needs of the consumer market. Scott Beyer of Market Urbanism Report takes a look at San Jose's Housing Element, and finds a case study in how incompetent gov't bureaucracy and over-regulation contribute mightily to our housing crisis. An Opp Now exclusive.
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