Santa Clara County Sheriff meet the candidate forum for Election June 5 2018

[mtnhrdgr2]

Meet the candidates forum
Feb 12 2018
Independence High School from 7pm to 830pm

Incumbent: Laurie Smith
Challenger: John Hirokawa
Challenger: Deputy Joseph LaJuenesse

http://sanjose.carpediem.cd/events/5...e-high-school/

I don't know much about the two challengers with regards to their 2A stance. Joseph is a current deputy, and John is the undersheriff and handled the Santa Clara County jail system.

A year ago, John Hirokawa switched from Republican to Democrat. That in itself doesn't mean much yet without more info because Sheriff Smith is a Republican but is strict on issuing CCW.

Trying to get info on who supports the 2A and would make the better Santa Clara County Sheriff.

I haven't seen any thread on this yet. If there is, please ignore/delete/merge this with the other. Also, should this be moved to a more visible section like the CA 2nd in the Politics section?

[randomBytes]

Presumably someone could ask at the meeting "so which of you will issue CCW without being forced by SCOTUS"?

[Sikvenum93]

Originally Posted by randomBytes

Presumably someone could ask at the meeting "so which of you will issue CCW without being forced by SCOTUS"?

I wouldn't get my hopes up that any of these folks would issue in Santa Clara county.

[Paladin]

Originally Posted by Sikvenum93

I wouldn't get my hopes up that any of these folks would issue in Santa Clara county.

The contenders have to offer the voters something, otherwise they'll just default to Smith (If it ain't broke...).

Just because they won't accept SD = GC doesn't mean they can't more liberally issue CCWs.

"Sac Co has issued something like 10,000 CCWs. Fresno has issued 13,000. Kern has issued something like 10,000. Orange has issued >12,000. NONE of them has had problems with CCW carriers. Which of you will liberalize CCW issuance so law-abiding applicants can defend themselves?"

Where's your local Member's Council about this? The NRA's Members' Council of Santa Clara County meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm at: Uncle Buck's Fishbowl and Grill (next to the Bass Pro Shop) 5160 Cherry Ave, San Jose.

Where's the Golden State Second Amendment Council about this? gs2ac.com They've got a meeting January 25th with 2nd A attorney Don Kilmer as the featured speaker.

[Sikvenum93]

Originally Posted by Paladin

They contenders have to offer the voters something, otherwise they'll just default to Smith (If it ain't broke...).



Just because they won't accept SD = GC doesn't mean they can't more liberally issue CCWs.



"Sac Co has issued something like 10,000 CCWs. Fresno has issued 13,000. Kern has issued something like 10,000. Orange has issued >12,000. NONE of them has had problems with CCWers. Which of you will liberalize CCW issuance so law-abiding applicants can defend themselves?"



Where's your local NRA Member's Council about this?



Where's the Golden State Second Amendment Council about this? gs2ac.com They've got a meeting January 25th.

Ccw isn’t on the minds of most voters. Misconduct by the sheriff’s dept is though.the death of Michael Tyree happened under smith. I suspect the constituents will want her replaced because of that incident.


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[Paladin]

Originally Posted by Sikvenum93

Ccw isn’t on the minds of most voters. Misconduct by the sheriff’s dept is though.the death of Michael Tyree happened under smith. I suspect the constituents will want her replaced because of that incident.

Well, in that case, just figure out which of the 2 challengers is the most likely to support CCWs. You know when there's a forum to ask the questions.

You've got a local NRA Members Council.

You've also got the Golden State 2nd Amendment Council.

You may be able to swing the election by getting as many gunnies involved and aware of the election as possible.

This election is probably your only chance to improve things in Santa Clara. Best not to waste this chance....

[Paladin]

Sheriff Smith is vulnerable: https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/10/...sheriffs-race/

That makes her "need friends." Offer your organization and its members to be her "friends" and throw your support behind her, what she wants, if she'll give you what you want: less restrictive GC standard so she issues more CCWs.

Smith can start issuing more CCWs to increase enthusiasm among her GOP/Libertarian/Independent base. Sure, she probably won't accept "SD = GC", but she can issue a whole lot of CCWs without going that far, to fend off Dem challengers who will be attacking her from the Left. If she's in a tough re-election battle, she'll need all the help she can get. Gunnies should be ready and able to stand up and say "We'll help you out ... if you start issuing more CCWs now, immediately. Before the election."

That is what Sheriff Gore in San Diego county is doing right now. A few months ago he announced he's going to issue more CCWs. Over the past couple of months, we've had several posters saying they or someone they know applied and got issued. These were often small business owners who regularly make cash deposits. While that might not help you in particular, it is a move in the right direction. Plus, we've seen before that once sheriffs get comfortable issuing CCWs (because CCWers don't cause them problems but CCWs make them popular with activists/donors), they slowly start issuing more and more liberally, until their county is "light green" or even "dark green" (on the CA CCW GC map).

[gater]

TIME TO VOTE SMITH OUT OF OFFICE. SHE IS ANTI CCW AND WILL NOT CHANGE! DUMP HER NOW.

[the Scholar]

I talked with my wife, we are both interested in going out next month.

[Paladin]

Originally Posted by Sikvenum93

I wouldn't get my hopes up that any of these folks would issue in Santa Clara county.

Would you vote to re-elect Sheriff Smith if said she's going to issue more CCWs, so you applied and she approved your GC?

Originally Posted by gater

TIME TO VOTE SMITH OUT OF OFFICE. SHE IS ANTI CCW AND WILL NOT CHANGE! DUMP HER NOW.

Same question: Would you vote to re-elect Sheriff Smith if said she's going to issue more CCWs, so you applied and she approved your GC?

See, right now Sheriff Smith is vulnerable. She's in the fight of her political life. She needs friends, donors to send her campaign money, volunteers to man phone banks, to walk districts handing out fliers, to put up yard signs in their yards. Between the Golden State 2nd Amendment Council, the NRA's Santa Clara county Members Council, local IDPA and IPSC/USPSA and other shooting clubs, and local gun stores, I think there should be a good number of gunnies willing to help re-elect her if she liberalizes GC for a CA CCW.

This is what San Diego Co. Sheriff Gore did recently. Local activists and their local org (San Diego County Gun Owners PAC), negotiated with Gore, and a few months ago (Oct IIRC), he came out publicly saying he'll issue more CCWs. See: http://sandiegocountygunowners.com/ccw/

Over the past 2 months we've received many reports of people not only being issued CCWs, but also commenting on how friendly & helpful the CCW unit staff are compared to previously, when they discouraged applicants. None of the posters on CGN reported recent denials or bad experiences with staff.
See: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...6#post21157476

This can happen in Santa Clara county too, but you've got to want it and be willing to work to get it. Smith wants to get reelected. You want to get CCWs. Figure out how to make a deal. (No, she probably won't go for SD = GC, you'll need more justification and evidence to support it.) While it would be unethical to promise any particular individual a benefit for their support, revising her CCW GC policy and practices immediately (for all the public), will result in an outpouring of support and supporters to help her campaign.

There are a LOT of bright people in Silicon Valley. This is a deal to be brokered. Figure out how to come to mutually agreeable terms. But it has to be done immediately in order to know if she has in fact changed her policy (by having people apply and get approved or denied) before the election and before mail in ballots are sent out. Silicon Valley is supposed to have entrepreneurs: time for some of them to step forward/stand up.

If you guys blow this opportunity it won't come back for at least 4 years. And don't expect one of her Dem challengers to be more open to CCWs than she has been....

Get the Golden State 2nd Amendment Council or the NRA's local Members Council to step up immediately.

[Sikvenum93]

Originally Posted by Paladin

Would you vote to re-elect Sheriff Smith if said she's going to issue more CCWs, so you applied and she approved your GC?

I would if I lived 8 miles down the road on 880. For her it’s a game of numbers. If only a couple hundred folks are pro ccw it would be a tough call for her. TBH, most folks just vote for the President, senator, Congressman, mayor, and just check the first option or the party they agree with for the rest.



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[Paladin]

Originally Posted by Sikvenum93

TBH, most folks just vote for the President, senator, Congressman, mayor, and just check the first option or the party they agree with for the rest.

And that is why, sheriffs elections, held in non-presidential election years, are ideal for small groups of motivated activists to make real change.

If Santa Clara county switched from "dark red" to "yellow" on the CA CCW GC map, the way San Diego did recently, while a lot of people still won't be able to get a CCW, a LOT would. They might come across a BG before he crosses your path, ending his criminal career. If nothing else, it gets Santa Clara county a heck of a lot closer to where we want it: in "green" territory (ideally dark green, but at least light green).

Plus, as sheriffs get comfortable over time issuing CCWs without having bad experiences with CCW holders, they're more likely to loosen issuance even further, pushing into "light green" territory, as happened in Solano county. Then even more people will be able to get CCWs in Santa Clara county.

Even better, if Santa Clara county starts issuing more CCWs, those CCWers will carry into neighboring Santa Cruz, San Mateo and Alameda counties, possibly confronting BGs there too.

Last, it gets residents of those other counties pushing their own sheriffs to issue too: think "domino theory."

All in all, there are a multitude of blessings that will come from getting Santa Clara county to issue more CCWs.

[gater]

DO NOT TRUST SMITH. SHE IS ANTI CCW.

[Paladin]

Originally Posted by gater

DO NOT TRUST SMITH. SHE IS ANTI CCW.

You didn't answer the question. And, BTW, ALL CAPS INDICATES YOU ARE SHOUTING.

It's really a simple yes or no question: Would you vote to re-elect Sheriff Smith if said she's going to issue more CCWs, so you applied and she approved your GC?

[gater]

The cops that work for her, know she will never issue. I know several of them.

[Paladin]

Originally Posted by gater

The cops that work for her, know she will never issue. I know several of them.

That may be, but you still haven't answered the question....

[Jongage]

Its time for a new sheriff regardless of the CCW stance. There are too many scandals. Including basic things, like the juvenile detention computer do not connect to local law enforcement agencies. They have to call them on the phone. I cant imagine what the software or the IT infrastructure look like.

[Paladin]

Originally Posted by Jongage

Its time for a new sheriff regardless of the CCW stance. There are too many scandals....

Don't expect her Dem challengers to be more open to CCWs than she currently is.

There's an old political saying that "politicians see the light when they feel the heat." Right now, Smith is feeling a lot of "heat." The possibility of being voted out of office (loss of income, extra retirement, etc) may make her open to issuing more CCWs in order to energize GOP/conservative/Libertarian voters, donors and activists.

Of course, if you don't care about increasing CCW issuance in Santa Clara county, you can always do nothing and expect to get nothing, as far as CCWs, to change.

[crazyScott90]

Well nobody else seems to be willing to answer you question, Paladin. So I'll do it. I will be the first to admit that I have concerns about Smiths performance, and in a perfect world we would not have to negotiate with her and could find a better all-round candidate to take the seat. HOWEVER, I am 110% with you on this. Santa Clara County has spent decades in the darkness where CCW is concerned. If Smith can be convinced to adhere to a detailed CCW policy where applicants are actually processed and some people are being approved, I would probably give her my vote over the candidate who would not promise that. Santa Clara County is technically in violation of the California PC because they are not processing CCW applications. Enough is enough. We owe it to ourselves to try to force SOME movement on this issue. And like you say Paladin, once they start actually doing it, they will become more comfortable with it.

[phdo]

She will have at least seven votes from my family if she’s willing to change her policy a tad. I don’t need SD = GC. As long as she is willing to process applications on fair standards. A little transparency and a guideline is all I need. Issue to the people that really need it (e.g. victims with restraining orders, professions that involve large sums of cash/jewelry, PIs, etc).

[Paladin]

Wow. Santa Clara Co is the most populous county in NorCal (almost 1.8M) and yet so few here seem interested in trying to get Smith to issue more CCWs to energize conservative/libertarian/pro-gun Dem voters....

Also, no one (that I saw), expressed interest in visiting either of these politically active organizations. I guess I'll stop trying to motivate Santa Clara folk to use the method used this past year by San Diego County Gun Owners PAC to get Gore to start issuing more CCWs recently.

Originally Posted by Paladin

Where's your local Member's Council about this? The NRA's Members' Council of Santa Clara County meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm at: Uncle Buck's Fishbowl and Grill (next to the Bass Pro Shop) 5160 Cherry Ave, San Jose.

Where's the Golden State Second Amendment Council about this? gs2ac.com They've got a meeting January 25th with 2nd A attorney Don Kilmer as the featured speaker.

[crazyScott90]

Originally Posted by phdo

She will have at least seven votes from my family if she’s willing to change her policy a tad. I don’t need SD = GC. As long as she is willing to process applications on fair standards. A little transparency and a guideline is all I need. Issue to the people that really need it (e.g. victims with restraining orders, professions that involve large sums of cash/jewelry, PIs, etc).

I think it's important to separate good cause from people that need it. Just because you can come up with a way to articulate your good cause for issuance doesn't necessarily mean you have a higher intrinsic need for a permit than someone who could only really claim a desire for self defense as their GC. People like investigators can and do have entire careers where they never 'need' to draw a gun but some other random citizen could end up 'needing' a gun several times in a year. Begging questions of 'need' is partly how CA has become this antigun nightmare in the first place. It's important to keep these concepts of 'good cause' versus 'need' carefully separated. We want the Sheriff to be following state law and processing applications and evaluating each one on an individual basis. Some people may have a better chance of getting a permit than others based on their good cause statement, because that's how the law works in CA currently. But it doesn't mean they have any more right, or need, to a CCW than anyone else. Lets not lose sight of the fact that our system here is fundamentally a violation of our rights.

[phdo]

I agree with you. My point is that it needs to start somewhere. From being no issue to shall issue overnight will be a hard pill to swallow for Smith. Maybe if she starts issuing to the people that has a “need” for it and the streets aren’t flowing with blood, she will loosen the reins a little. There are people out that who actually “need” a CCW. You’re right that a person who “needs” it might not draw their weapon as many times as a random person who might draw their weapon several times a year. But someone who is clearly in danger (restraining order, death threats, etc) has a higher possibility of encountering a SD situation than that random person. Your reply also falls into my fair standards, transparency and guideline point. It’s pretty obvious that there is something wrong with the system and our rights are being violated. My point is that you have to ease her in. Every journey begins with a step. As long as the step is forward then I will be happy.

[Paladin]

If you guys want to form yet another Santa Clara gun group, this one focused exclusively on CCW issuance, Facebook is an easy way. While this is late in the process for the 2018 June election, there could be a run off in Nov, and there's always getting ready for the 2022 June election.

If you're looking for members/activists, I think contacting your local IDPA (http://www.idpa.com/) and IPSC/USPSA (https://uspsa.org/find-a-club) clubs, shooting ranges and gun shops/stores would be a good start.

[randomBytes]

My vote would go to the candidate that promises reform to CCW issuance.

[the Scholar]

Anyone still thinking of going to this next week? I am going to try and make it over there.

[the Scholar]

This is supposed to be happening tonight. Anyone going to be there?

[phdo]

I will be there tonight.

[phdo]

Lajuenesse was the only one that outright said he will start issuing. The other five gave a politician’s answer.

[Paladin]

Originally Posted by phdo

Lajuenesse was the only one that outright said he will start issuing. The other five gave a politician’s answer.

In this article from last October, he sounds like a weak candidate.

Regardless of Smith’s perceived vulnerability, LaJeunesse, 48, may not pose much of a threat. The retired Army major, who took breaks from the department to serve in the first Gulf War as a helicopter mechanic and later train military police in Iraq, also ran (unsuccessfully) in the 2013 primary for county supervisor against Teresa Alvarado and the winner, Cindy Chavez.

LaJeunesse also has limited experience; he’s spent six of his eight years on the force (in between military deployments) as a court bailiff, rather than a patrol officer, detective or supervisor. The Veterans Caucus of the California Democratic Party endorsed him, he said. But LaJeunesse has raised less than $5,000 and appears unlikely to gain the support of the Deputy Sheriffs Association, which is expected to back Hirokawa.

https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/10/...sheriffs-race/

Was Sheriff Smith there? What did she say re. CCWs? She's the only Repub and could easily shore up her base by promising to even slightly increase CCW issuance.

What did Hirokawa say? Some gun activists in Santa Clara were hoping he'll say something pro-CCW.

[the Scholar]

I ended up not being able to make it last night.

[phdo]

Originally Posted by Paladin

In this article from last October, he sounds like a weak candidate.


https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/10/...sheriffs-race/

Was Sheriff Smith there? What did she say re. CCWs? She's the only Repub and could easily shore up her base by promising to even slightly increase CCW issuance.

What did Hirokawa say? Some gun activists in Santa Clara were hoping he'll say something pro-CCW.

There were a total of six candidates: Lopez, Lajuenese, Smith, Hirokawa, Sausilito and another gentleman. Lopez said he doesn't want everyone running around with a gun. He said he himself is a permit holder but he rarely carries due to the fact that he is afraid he might use his gun. For a cop/ex-cop, he doesn't show much restraint if he's afraid he might use his gun. Sausilito claims he is pro-2A and he wants to devise a transparent procedure in regards to issuing permits. Hirokawa also wants transparency but it sounds to me like he doesn't want to arm the general public (SD doesn't equal GC) and GC is important to him. The other gentleman also echoed the same idea but brought up the fact that he will not issue for "political favors," which I believe was meant for Smith. Smith claims they are over their heads in applications and that she is currently vetting the applicants. She claims she has issued more CCWs since Peruta. Lajuenese was the only one I believe put some thought into the issue prior to the debate. He brought up the fact that 38 counties in the state are currently issuing to their residents and they are all doing fine. He claimed he had three friends visit him at his home and he was surprised that they were carrying. He said that once a sheriff issues a permit to a resident, said person can carry all over the state so why shouldn't we issue to our own residents.

[gater]

I attended the candidate forum on 2-12. The only candidate that said he would issue was LAJUEESE. I think he is a real cop and understands the 2nd amendment. SMITH was doing a two- step dance on ccw. She is a hack and will never issue to the average person. She is a RINO REPUD.

[phdo]

I think Lajuenese is our guy. Honestly, I don’t think he has a chance in hell. Our last golden boy, Kevin Jensen, was suppose to be “the one” and he lost to Smith. If Smith will start issuing, that will be great but I highly doubt that either. She’s fixed on her way.

[SmokieBear]

To anwser your question. Hell to the No! Its the principle of dening me 9 years ago for ccw that also would of gotten me into a great EP career. So no I will deny her the reelection even IF she decided to issue. Id rather see her crash and burn to the ground.

[Paladin]

Originally Posted by SmokieBear

To anwser your question. Hell to the No! Its the principle of dening me 9 years ago for ccw that also would of gotten me into a great EP career. So no I will deny her the reelection even IF she decided to issue. Id rather see her crash and burn to the ground.

I respect your honesty: you care more about getting revenge for denial of a CCW 9 years ago than getting a CCW now....

[Paladin]

Originally Posted by phdo

There were a total of six candidates: Lopez, Lajuenese, Smith, Hirokawa, Sausilito and another gentleman.

Lopez said he doesn't want everyone running around with a gun. He said he himself is a permit holder but he rarely carries due to the fact that he is afraid he might use his gun. For a cop/ex-cop, he doesn't show much restraint if he's afraid he might use his gun.

Sausilito claims he is pro-2A and he wants to devise a transparent procedure in regards to issuing permits.

Hirokawa also wants transparency but it sounds to me like he doesn't want to arm the general public (SD doesn't equal GC) and GC is important to him.

The other gentleman also echoed the same idea but brought up the fact that he will not issue for "political favors," which I believe was meant for Smith.

Smith claims they are over their heads in applications and that she is currently vetting the applicants. She claims she has issued more CCWs since Peruta.

Lajuenese was the only one I believe put some thought into the issue prior to the debate. He brought up the fact that 38 counties in the state are currently issuing to their residents and they are all doing fine. He claimed he had three friends visit him at his home and he was surprised that they were carrying. He said that once a sheriff issues a permit to a resident, said person can carry all over the state so why shouldn't we issue to our own residents.

Paragraphs are great inventions.

Any news/updates on any of the candidates re. their viability as candidates or their positions on CCWs?

[phdo]

Originally Posted by Paladin

Paragraphs are great inventions.

Sorry, I was trying to provide the information while it was still fresh. Didn’t even think about paragraphs.

[Paladin]

Originally Posted by phdo

Sorry, I was trying to provide the information while it was still fresh. Didn’t even think about paragraphs.

No problem.

About how many people were in the audience?

About what % seemed to express interest in CCWs? Were they mildly interested or really interested?

What were the attitudes of the candidates re. CCWs, not just the words they said?

Any updates on the candidates, the race or their positions on CCWs?

Have any of you tried organizing to influence the election and/or to persuade Sheriff Smith to issue more CCWs? (Hey, if Gore has started readily issuing CCWs, and he has, Smith might too.) If not, why not?

[phdo]

Originally Posted by Paladin

No problem.

About how many people were in the audience?

About what % seemed to express interest in CCWs? Were they mildly interested or really interested?

What were the attitudes of the candidates re. CCWs, not just the words they said?

Any updates on the candidates, the race or their positions on CCWs?

Have any of you tried organizing to influence the election and/or to persuade Sheriff Smith to issue more CCWs? (Hey, if Gore has started readily issuing CCWs, and he has, Smith might too.) If not, why not?

Questions were read off cards submitted anonymously by the audience. Each candidate had a chance to answer. There was a time limit and the order was randomized after each question. There were no audience participation. You sit there and listen. Honestly, the majority of the candidates don’t give a rat’s *** about CCW. They either don’t support it or gave a politician’s answer.



There were about 15-20 people along the wall so make a guess.