CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – Republicans and all of California can look forward to better things if they listen and learn from candidates for office in the coming elections.

Denise Loustalot, candidate for District 3 supervisor, and Marc Meuser, candidate for secretary of state, addressed the Lake County Republican Women, Federated, or LCRWF, at the group’s monthly luncheon at Happy Gardens on April 11.

Loustalot, with a background in starting and operating a successful business in Clearlake, as well as being a former councilwoman and two-term mayor of the city of Clearlake, knows how to work with and in local government to get things done for the community.

Her goal as supervisor is to bring her skills to District 3. She considers Highway 20 to be the best corridor through Lake County. Yes, right beside our beautiful lake, which means we need to provide places for travelers and locals to stop and enjoy this exciting area. Take nothing away – build what is wanted and needed. Work with Code Enforcement. Ensure the proper type of development which can be done by linking projects. Concentrate on safe (criminal free), clean (no dumping) and good water (lower cost).

As many needs of District 3 have not been met in the past, she feels it is time to have a new vision for the area. This in turn will benefit all of Lake County. It is time for all in the district to take pride in beautifying and making this a more prosperous area. Loustalot wants to guide this effort for all.

She will focus on a county for all ages. Many people come here to retire, but also the entrepreneurs come and young couples come to raise their children. So health facilities, schools, stores, entertainment venues, parks and places for seniors – all a part of a thriving, successful, attractive community – should be available in Lake County. A county with opportunity for all – a great motto – In Lake County you can find it. Loustalot thinks and works in these terms.

Marc Meuser, candidate for secretary of state, also addressed LCRWF, revealing the causes of bloated voter roles. Some may think it is only names of the deceased not being removed from the roles that cause the problem. It is much more than that. Meuser's message was a wake up call to which all should listen.

An entrepreneur from age 12, by age 21, he purchased his own pizza restaurant. While his restaurant business was thriving, Meuser studied law at Oak Brook College of Law, where he graduated with honors.

To better help small business owners handle California’s complex regulatory environment, he opened The Meuser Law Group where he operated a diverse civil litigation team that represented both individuals and small businesses.

Although Meuser is committed to fighting for honest and fair elections, when elected he will immediately be on board with other Republicans to repeal the gas tax.

Here are his stated reasons for seeking this office. But first and foremost on his agenda upon being elected as secretary of state is to abolish the gas tax.

“... I heard a news story that there are currently 11 counties in the state that have more than 100 percent voter registration. I learned that it is the secretary of state’s job to enforce all election laws in this state. As I studied the issue, I realized that the current secretary of state has failed to enforce the basic election law requiring the removal from the voter rolls those who have died and moved.”

Other questions he asked, “If the secretary of state has failed to enforce such a simple election law, what other election laws has he not enforced? Just how secure is our vote here in California?”

Adding, “Participation in California elections remains criminally stagnant, relying on the appeal of current candidates or issues to buoy voter turnout instead of an innovative secretary of state who uses every tool to enhance not only registration, but civic engagement.”

A few of the reasons for the blotted roles: no ID; moved without canceling registration and re-registering in new area; married, now registered in two names; changed parties; fictitious name. Remember, it is a federal felony for a noncitizen to vote.

Polling shows that 30 percent of Californians who aren’t registered to vote don’t bother, due to lack of confidence in elections and politics, while 36 percent of those actually registered cite lack of interest in politics, elections, or candidates for inconsistent voting.

Meuser stated, “Californians continue to communicate clearly with their elected representatives and yet, nothing changes. My unique background and training have taught me to listen to people, craft simple solutions to the complex issues they’re facing, and work tirelessly to help them overcome those challenges,”

He continued, “Our secretary of state needs to be someone who is looking out for all Californians by enhancing civic engagement in every community while increasing transparency. That’s why as secretary of state, I will improve voters’ confidence in our elections, modernize the registration process for businesses, and enhance the people’s ability to use their initiative process.”

All listened carefully to Meuser's message. Attendees left knowing, that when elected, he will fight for “one person – one vote” and the “ repeal of the gas tax” movement. He is a man that knows how to get things done. California needs Marc Meuser (pronounced Moy-sure).

LCRWF will meet again on May 9 at the Greenview Room, Hidden Valley to hear Loren Spivack, founder of Free Market Warrior, a man with a sense of humor and a dynamic message.

Leona M. Butts is a member of Lake County Republican Women, Federated.