By Editorial staff — The Lake County Publishing Editorial Board is proud to announce its endorsement of Congressman Mike Thompson for California”s new Fifth District.
Thompson is a can-do, community-minded Congressman who behaves sensibly, compassionately, ethically and rapidly.
He knows Lake County ? the heritage, challenges, landscape and most importantly ? the people.
His presence in Lake County is active and proactive.
We”ve seen many politicians who appear in time to get votes and then, like vapor, they disappear.
Thompson is here, a lot. He doesn”t hold babies for photo shoots. He is engaged in promoting happy and healthy youth.
Nearly 25,000 Lake County children from low-income households in 16 years have been recipients of presents during the holidays. Thompson”s Toys For Kids organization made it possible. And will do so again this year.
Lake County is not a stop along a campaign trail for Thompson. He frequently visits public schools as well as community colleges. He shares his life experiences, answers questions about Congress and serves as a role model to young people in Lake County.
“I firmly believe that education is not only the foundation of opportunity, but the key to our country”s future success. We must continue to ensure all of our students have equal access to education, while supporting our hard-working teachers. Although we face many challenges in education, we must work to improve educational opportunities for our children, helping create a stronger and more competitive workforce,” he stated.
He is a co-chair of the Congressional Rural Education Caucus that serves as an informal, bipartisan group of members working together to promote greater awareness of the needs and functions of rural school systems.
Even though rural counties in general have common needs, each rural community has its own set that is specific. Thompson knows the needs of this county.
Thompson is proud to be an American. Some politicians talk a good game, but Thompson actively proves it.
In August he led a bipartisan group of 22 United States Representatives, calling on House Leadership to require every American flag purchased by the Federal Government be manufactured in the United States, from articles, materials or supplies that are 100-percent grown, produced or manufactured in the United States.
He did so because the Federal Government was not required to buy American-made flags.
He said, “It is a slap in the face to all Americans to have their tax dollars spent on U.S. flags that are made overseas.”
He is a veteran who understands the needs of other veterans in rural California.
He was the first Vietnam veteran elected to the California State Senate.
He served in combat with the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant/platoon leader with the 173rd Airborne Brigade where he was wounded and received a Purple Heart. He was also an instructor at the Army”s Airborne School.
He is a longtime supporter of the veterans clinic in Clearlake and he is a co-chair of the Congressional Veterans Caucus, providing a voice for the 20 million military veterans.
Thompson works tirelessly to provide services for those who are serving or have served in the United States armed forces.
Thompson successfully lobbied Caltrans for road repairs.
This department appreciates Thompson”s integrity and dedication to the county and all of its citizens.
He is a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
He is also co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Wine Caucus, member and former co-chair of the Congressional Sportsmen”s Caucus and the Blue Dog Coalition, which is composed of moderate Democrats committed to bipartisan problem-solving.
He is a member of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, he supports policies that encourage the development of clean and renewable energy sources such as solar, geothermal, biodiesel and wind power.
Thompson is a co-sponsor of H.R. 992, the Building American Jobs Act of 2011, which extends eight successful bond, tax credit and loan guarantee programs to help finance infrastructure improvements.
As a member of the Blue Dog Task Force on Oversight and Regulatory Review, he is working to identify and modify burdensome federal regulations that could stifle economic growth and job creation.
Thompson is a true advocate for the people of Lake County.
The Editorial Department of Lake County Publishing/Lake County Record-Bee, recognize Thompson”s commitment, perseverance and genuine care for the people of this county and the issues that matter to them.
His community involvement is unparalleled and we endorsed him unanimously and without hesitation.
