OC Political

Cross posted to OC Daily:

OC Political presents an op-ed from Laguna Beach businessman and philanthropist Steve Borowski:

Congressional Candidate Harley Rouda (D-Laguna Beach)

The first I heard the name Harley Rouda was through a friend who invited me to a Rouda for Congress reception at her home. I couldn’t attend, which was probably a good thing given my propensity to ask questions. Once he displaced Hans Kierstead in the primary, I thought I should learn a little more about Harley Rouda who very well could be my next representative in Congress. What I found was not unexpected.

• Although Rouda claims to be a champion of small business, he rails against the Trump “tax cuts for the rich.” I don’t know if this is simply a Democrat talking point he feels the need to parrot or something he truly believes. If the latter, he can’t be interested in promoting small business. 80% of private sector job creation comes from small to medium sized business. Proprietors of these small businesses are taxed at the personal level. Raising taxes will disproportionately affect those among us who have the ability and willingness to create jobs.

• “Medicare for All” – Code for government-controlled single-payer health care. A standard mantra among the left. Medicare is a payment tool. Not a health care delivery tool. There’s a huge difference. How many doctors decline to take Medicare patients because they can’t get paid? Now expand that to 320 million people with no competitive options. And no more “if you like your health care plan, you can keep your health care plan.” Private health care would be illegal if Rouda had his way. If you’re one of the 160 million Americans with employer-provided health care, it’s gone. Picture government running our health care system with DMV-like efficiency. An unparalleled disaster waiting to happen. The Veterans Administration on steroids. Government controlled health care is rationing not to mention a $32 TRILLION price tag.

• Rouda claims he accepts “No Corporate PAC Money,” but somehow, he thinks campaign cash from public employee labor unions and left-wing billionaires George Soros and Tom Steyer is OK?

• “Free Tuition” – How do you plan on doing that? I’m not paying for your Gender Studies degree. Starbucks has enough baristas.

• A few weeks ago, Rouda was on the impeachment bandwagon. His website said his constituents tell him that Trump crossed the line in terms of impeachable offenses. Tellingly, that comment disappeared. I’m surprised Rouda hasn’t pulled his criticism of Kavanaugh once that allegation proved to be shady at best.

• Also, a few weeks ago, Nancy Pelosi’s endorsement was prominently displayed on Rouda’s website. After her many meltdowns, she’s nowhere to be found. I’d be embarrassed too.

I have no doubt Harley Rouda is a good man. I don’t know if his public stance on issues is simply red meat for his base for election purposes, and then, as with most, he will govern in a different direction, or he believes his hyperbole.

I’m not taking that risk.