I am against the recall on principle. I think that Davis is doing a terrible job and I didn't vote for him BUT I think recalls should be reserved for criminal or extremely negligent behavior. I don't think he crossed that threshold. I don't like the precedent that when one side loses all they need to do is to get a small portion of the losing party (who will ALWAYS hate the other party) to sign petitions and have a wasteful recall election. I think it is mostly sour grapes by a losing side and I think the people spoke in the general election and we must live with that decision until the next election.

However, there is a legally certified recall election and there will be many discussions and debates and I feel I truly have intelligent specific solutions that can help the people and the State of California. I also feel VERY strongly our local North Coast issues (timber, water, fish and agriculture specifically) need to be made part of this conversation and we MUST let the leaders in Sacramento know we exist and deserve attention and the promises made to us MUST be honored. MANY promises have been broken with timber, water, fish and agriculture. Mitigation that was promised was not honored.

Look at the Klamath, Trinity, and Eel rivers, look at harvest plans that have been approved but shouldn't have been, look at the water quality and problems with landslides and I could go on.

If the people of California do decide to recall Davis I want them to vote for me because I think I can make a difference, but I hope they will honor the original majority vote that took place since that is the proper thing to do. I also think a recall elected candidate that gets elected with say 15% of the vote is ripe for another recall since 85% of the people will have sour grapes, not just the 45% who started this recall.

Q: You raise some excellent points and make a good argument for opposing the recall. I'd still disagree with your conclusion but your assessment is certainly well thought out. I didn't necessarily want to arrive at this question early in the interview but as long as we've hit on North Coast issues can you give the readers a quick summary of the timber, water, fish and agriculture problems in your area?

A: I live in Humboldt County on the North Coast of California, about 300 miles north of San Francisco behind what we call the Redwood Curtain. It is from here much of the timber (redwood, fir, oak, madrone, ...) harvested in California comes. Another resource that is taken from us is water. Much of our water is diverted to the Central Valley and sold to farmers at a highly discounted rate. When the dams were proposed we were assured any damage that occurred to our rivers and fish (Coho Salmon (threatened species), Chinook Salmon, Steelhead,...) habitat would be mitigated and we were assured that fish populations would not be harmed. We were promised river flows would be maintained at levels that would enable fish to return to the rivers, spawn and reproduce and the long-term survival of the species would not be harmed. Last year over 30,000 salmon were killed, over 500 of which were threatened or endangered due to low water flows on the Klamath river. A few months ago an agreement was made to release more water so the same catastrophe would not happen again. Now, just a few months later those water agreements to ensure the salmon would survive are being broken and the river flows will again be too low to support returning salmon. This is an example of how our leaders will not keep their word and more of our resources will be taken and the damage will not be mitigated.

There are many examples with timber as well. Harvest plans that are approved, are not in compliance with the current laws. Logging companies often do not follow the harvest plans as required by law and home owners and wildlife pay the price. Rivers are silted in when harvest plans are not followed and fish and other wildlife (which belongs to all of us as citizens) are harmed and landslides that occur due to illegal harvesting lower the values of people's homes and property.

Let me emphasize I do think timber companies have a right to do their business, they have been doing so for over 100 years. However, I also believe that fishermen have a right to do their job as well and property owners have a right not to have their property values decline due to illegal activity by large corporations. I also know we do NOT need more laws. If the current laws were followed I think we would have a situation where the timber companies could make money, wildlife could thrive, and people would have stable property values.

Q: Mr. Price, people will want to know you better as you run for governor. Tell the readers a bit about yourself. Not about your career.

A: Please call me Darin. I am a resident of Humboldt County, which is located among the Redwood Forests on the Pacific Coast 300 miles north of San Francisco.

I have been married since 1996 to my wife, Sandra, a licensed Real Estate Broker. We live together with our 4 dogs, 4 cats, and 2 horses in the town of McKinleyville.

I have served in student government since elementary school including holding a top office while attending Humboldt State University. I have extensive experience in budget matters and have chaired finance committees with multi-million dollar budgets.

I have degrees in chemistry, math, physical science as well as multiple high school and junior college teaching credentials. I also have extensive postgraduate course work in environmental engineering.

My wife and I enjoy fishing, skiing, diving, golfing, and walking the dogs at the beach. My wife, Sandra, is also an avid endurance horseback rider and enjoys most outdoor activities.

Q: Thanks Darin, now I'd like to know about your career. How did you start and exactly what do you do.

A: I am currently teaching chemistry at Humboldt State University. I have been a teacher for the past 15 years. I have taught at the high school, junior college and now at the university level.

Q: As you know there is a lot of criticism of the school systems. Given the insights you have as a university teacher are there any recommendations or changes you'd make as governor to improve the educational system?

A: I believe education is as important as anything else to ensure people get the most out of life. Every student who graduates from high school must be literate and schools must develop every student's full potential through programs that increase intelligence, creativity, and problem solving abilities. We have an educational system that is not getting the job done and many students are either not graduating, or graduating without a minimum competency in reading, writing and basic math nor the necessary skills to be prepared for work.

Our school system is top heavy in administration and support staff and cuts to schools seem to mostly occur by firing teachers and increasing class sizes. We must improve or educational system. Money MUST be spent DIRECTLY IN THE CLASSROOMS. We must cut administrative and support costs and spend that money to REDUCE CLASS SIZES. Just throwing money at the school system is not the answer unless that money will be spent in ways THAT DIRECTLY BENEFITS STUDENTS! We must remember that education increases a persons quality of life AND INCREASES REVENUE WITHOUT RAISING TAXES since, on average, a more educated person will have a greater income and will pay more in taxes.

An additional MAJOR problem has nothing to do with school budgets or teachers, it is a social problem and I do not have all of the answers. I am often criticized for this opinion, but after 15 years in the trenches teaching, I KNOW one problem is the lack of parental participation in the education of children. As teachers who work with a classroom full of students for approximately 48 minutes each day, we can NOT do the work of educating our next generation alone, we need the help of the parents. I believe that helping educate a child is one of the responsibilities that parent signed up for when they made the decision to have a child. So many children these days come home to an empty house and must microwave their own dinner and have very little parental supervision. This is a major problem for our educational system. If parents would just spend one hour each weeknight making sure there was a quiet place for studying I know this would go a long way towards improving education. I recommend a parent sit at the table with the child and read, work on a crossword, or some other quiet activity to help the child with their work if they need it and to show the support of education. One example I have seen repeatedly about how parent involvement is a key to educational success appears at every school open house. The parents who show up and are involved in the education of their children are the ones you don't really need to see. The parents you REALLY need to talk to don't show up. I know this speaks volumes as to the importance of parenting. While teachers must be properly trained and qualified, parents must also do their part to ensure that the next generations will have the skills and attitudes to succeed in this fast changing society.

Q: What are the five most dangerous or humorous experiences you've had while working.

A: I work with toxic chemicals everyday. Without the proper knowledge, experience, and care every day could be very dangerous.

Q: Now, we better turn to the rough world of politics. What are some of the things you're doing to overcome the big money and special interest candidates?

A: During this gubernatorial campaign I am realizing more and more that PAC's, soft money, professional politicians and allowing former office holders to become paid lobbyists are some of the biggest problems. No REAL or meaningful changes will take place while big money controls the politicians since our elected officials feel they need to cater to the special interests to raise enough money to be re-elected. I am accepting NO donations and I am spending less than $1000 of my own money during this campaign. I am trying to take advantage of every free opportunity to get my message out (like this opportunity) and I have been working hard at making every penny I spend is used in a useful and productive manor.

Q: Darin, the regular readers of Ether Zone are politically active and astute but many people that read this column won't be politically active. Perhaps for the first time they'll see someone such as yourself that has their interests at heart. What would you recommend to people that support you, beyond donating money, that might boost your chances? Should they write or call editors asking for more coverage, for example?

A: First, I AM ACCEPTING NO DONATIONS OR MONEY FROM ANYONE! I am learning more and more during this campaign that soft money, PAC's, and special interest money is probably the biggest problem in our governmental system and REAL change may never be possible since our representatives are bought and sold with this cancerous plague on government. I am allowed to spend up to $1000 of my own money before the paperwork from the Fair Political Practices Commission would be to complicated to do myself and would require a lawyer. As far as support I hope everyone would read the ideas of the candidates and vote for the one that they think has the best ideas and can actually make a difference. I think your ideas of asking editors for more coverage is great. I also think that the word of mouth advertising is the best type and if people would tell their friends about a candidate they believe in, the word would spread. I just hope everyone goes out and votes using both their mind and their heart for the candidate they think would be the best governor.

Q: Do you feel you're having any success getting your message out given the unfair playing field unconnected candidates must face?

A: I do feel I am getting quite a bit of time to get my message out and I don't think anything going on in the election has been unfair. You seem to care about the issues and thoughts of some of the lesser known candidates (I say with more ideas than money) as evidence by this interview. I have two local newspapers who have been doing stories about me and my specific ideas and my specific solutions each week. I am also fighting a geographic isolation (self imposed) by living in Humboldt County, one of the least populated and most geographically distant regions in the State. In fact, where I live on the North Coast (usually considered Humboldt, Mendocino, and Del Norte counties) encompass about 10% of the states land but less than 1% of the population. You might also find it interesting that I am the ONLY candidate in these 3 counties making me the ONLY local choice for the people of the North Coast.

Q: Darin, I read every candidates web page and I do care about those with more ideas than money as you so aptly state. Despite being what the mainstream press would term a far right-wing conservative/libertarian I've been most impressed with almost every candidate I've read about or corresponded with. Honor, integrity and such basic ingredients are far more important to me than party. I'm lucky and I'm able to express myself with my columns. After reading the web pages and corresponding with many candidates, such as yourself, I was definitely uplifted America had so many basic good, honest people willing to run in this election. I will apply your type insights to the "vote no" position. I don't think this election is unfair given the set of rules we live under. There's nothing wrong with Arnold, Bustamante and several others having ten thousand times the money and resources of most candidates. There is also nothing wrong with this recall election as it is the law. Now given that, you've expressed some excellent reasons why the recall isn't good. I'm trying to discover Constitutional methods, and I stress Constitutional, we Americans might consider that could somehow level the playing field and ensure all points of view were considered. There might be some potential Washingtons, Jeffersons or Lincolns among the so-called second and third tier candidates. I hate to think they won't get a reasonable chance because special interest A can outspend them. You and the other candidates have the best view of the weaknesses and strengths of our system. Hopefully, given this explanation, you might have some ideas and personal observations that could lead to some improvements in the election process?

A: I agree with you almost entirely. I stated I think this process IS fair and those with more money should have every right in the would to spend it. I believe we are a Nation and State of laws, and as long as the laws are followed, fair is fair. We will all have our own strengths and weaknesses. What I would hope for is that some of the laws would be changed. Maybe all donations should have to be anonymous so special interests would not get any benefit from making large donations. I think Cruz using a loophole to take a $2,000,000 donation from Indian Gaming, WAY over the maximum allowed from one group, must be closed. But if what he did is legal, I guess he outsmarted the law and again, if it is legal, I think it is fair. I would like to see the Elimination of PACs. soft money, and lobbying by former public servants since this is destroying our State.

Q: I'm guessing many of your co-workers are supporting you, but have you had any indication other groups might be considering throwing their support your way?

A: I think I will get the official endorsement of two newspapers but the official word has not come yet. I have been talking to many groups and my message seems to be resonating with many of the people I talk with.

Q: Are there any other candidates you've met that you particularly like or dislike in this election?

A: I have become fast friends with Iris Adam, the only other Natural; Law candidate. We talk and email regularly. I have been getting many e-mails each day from many of the candidates and I think most are like me, people with ideas that are sacrificing much to get a message across and to try to do something to help California and it's people.

Q: What is the basic philosophy of the Natural Law party and why were you drawn to that party?

A: I see the Natural Law Party as being fiscally conservative and socially and environmentally liberal. I think we can have all the programs we need WITHOUT RAISING TAXES. We have had our taxes increased over 35% over the past few years and I don't think this has solved our State's problems nor do I think we are getting 35% more services. We are looking at about a 12% deficit next year ($8,000,000,000 from this year and $4,000,000,00 for next year). I think if the money was spent more wisely, $99,000,000,000 that California spends each year is enough. Through efficiency, cost-cutting, and getting the best deals on all purchases we can EASILY save 12%. If all vehicles purchased by the State for State use were required to be fuel efficient we could save HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS of dollars on fuel alone without giving up any programs. By reducing administration from top-heavy programs (which includes most programs, schools, and other governmental agencies) we can save HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS of dollars without giving up any programs. By buying in bulk for State agencies and schools (Costco approach) for many common items we can save HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS of dollars without giving up any programs. By letting businesses compete for purchases we'd get the most value out of every dollar spent. We cannot afford to waste money by being committed to long-term contracts when making purchases from a single business for years and years without trying to get better deals from competitors. We can save HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OR BILLIONS of dollars without giving up any programs. THESE CHANGES ALONE CAN SAVE US CLOSE TO THE 12% WE NEED.

Q: What are your five favorite books?

A:
The Old Man & the Sea
Being There
1984
The World According to Garp
The Way Of Life (Lao Tzu)

Q: Historically, who would you list as the five greatest individuals who ever lived?

A: Tough question to pick just 5 but here are 5 that come to mind.
My Father
Plato
Isaac Newton
Abe Lincoln
Louis Pasteur

Q: What event or issue first got you interested in politics?

A: This would probably be offshore drilling off the CA coast about 20 years ago. I was very active to prevent this and I have been active since.

Q: What do you see as benefits and costs of offshore drilling?

A: I don't think the amount of oil off our coast will lower the price of gas by even one penny. We have all seen that gas prices have NO correlation to oil prices and this is one of the few commodities that does not follow the normal supply and demand rules. If oil prices move slightly higher, gas prices jump greatly. When oil prices drop, gas prices do not come down quickly. I think the costs of offshore exploration are VERY high. There is leakage from the wells, problems with the pipelines and what concerns me most would be this increased oil tanker traffic on our near shore waters. We have all seen the problems of increased tanker traffic and the extreme damage done with even a small oil leak in the oceans. I think the solution lies in fuel efficiency and that we also need to explore renewable resources. I know cars can run on ethanol if we wanted them to and made it a priority. Bio-diesel is getting more popular and while it does pollute the air more than gas as the engines currently run, they can be improved. I think fuel efficient cars are a big part of the solution (I have a Geo Metro that gets over 35 MPG) as well. As Governor I would make sure every car purchases for government use would be fuel efficient with a only a few exceptions.

Q: What made you decide to take on the Governor's race?

A: I had this compulsion that ate at me for a week before I decided to do it. It was just calling me and I couldn't fight it. In my life I go with my intuition, I follow my heart and my gut. I also knew I could help the State if I were elected with practical, common sense solutions to allow us to have the programs we need without raising taxes. Also, there were NO other people who considered running from the North Coast and while I oppose the recall it was a legally certified election and I felt our local issues shouldn't be ignored and should be made part of the discussions and debates that were going to happen.

Q: What are the five main things you plan to accomplish as governor?

A: Restore the economy and reduce the portion of mandated costs without raising taxes
Restore our bond rating
improve education
improve health care
Head a government that will keep their word on all commitments such as prop 13 and the environment.

Q. I greatly appreciate your taking the time to do this computer interview with Ether Zone. Is there anything I've missed you'd like to make the voters of California and the nation aware of concerning your candidacy?

A: I am fiscally conservative and socially liberal. I think we have many problems that need to be addressed such as the economy, Mandated Costs, Education, Health Care, our Bond Rating & Bond Initiatives, Efficiency, Conservation, Getting the Best Deal on Purchases, Pro-Growth Fiscal Policies, Budgets Based on Future Projections, Keeping Our Word, Professional Politicians, Term Limits, PAC's, Soft Money, & Lobbyists and I think the solution to all of these problems is common sense and creativity.

"Published originally at EtherZone.com : republication allowed with this notice and hyperlink intact."

William Kaliher is a free-lance political columnist and a staff writer for the Ether Zone.

He can be reached at wkaliher@mindspring.com

Published in the September 24, 2003 issue of  Ether Zone.
Copyright © 1997 - 2003 Ether Zone.

We invite your comments on this article in our forum!