[Terry Gherardi]
Last week, Calexit received the go ahead to collect signatures, to place an initiative for the secession of California from the United States, on the 2018 ballot. The group has until July 25th, to secure approximately 600,000 registered voters signatures.
Leading the charge for Calexit is Louis Murillo and the new California National Party. Calexit is an arm of Yes California. The 30-year old, Murillo, is originally from New York and moved to California in 2006. Although he is listed as a resident of San Diego, he currently lives in Russia, teaching English in a Russian school. Recently, Murillo announced he was attempting to open a California embassy in Moscow. Reportedly, Calexit has the support of the Russian government and Murillo often appears on Russian Television.
The State of Jefferson opposes Calexit and is quick to point out the differences between the two. Jefferson is seeking equal representation, which thus far has gone ignored, even though tens of thousands of phone calls, letters, Faxes and emails have gone out, requesting a resolution or bill be introduced by the State Legislature, to restore the representation that existed in California, prior to 1964. Today, eleven rural northern counties are represented by one senator, while the county of Los Angeles (1 county) has 15 senators. It is obvious to most, that those representing the greater Los Angeles area and San Francisco Bay Area, have no intention of relinquishing their power to allow fair/equal representation to the rural citizens of Northern California.
This is why Jefferson supporters feel they have no other choice but to "separate" from the State of California, as allowed under Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution. They are not looking to "secede" from the United States. Jeffersonians want to remain in the union, with Old Glory flying overhead, living under the freedoms, rights and liberties, guaranteed under the laws of the U.S. Constitution.
Calexit’s proposal would strike the language from the California Constitution, defining the State as "an inseparable part of the United States of America and that the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land." If the initiative qualifies for the 2018 State ballot and is passed by the voters, then a special election would be held in 2019, placing the question of "whether or not California should become a separate country."
Calexit's next hurdle for secession, would require an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, with a vote by both houses of Congress and then ratification by the States. Legal challenges are also predicted.
The State of Jefferson began drafting their Constitution in November. Hundreds have also attended two Formation Assembly's where committees were formed, and proposed policy's for the governance of Jefferson were reviewed, to include: "A balanced budget will be a Constitutional mandate. Debt will be limited to dire emergency as defined by a 2/3 vote of the legislature and a majority popular vote. Debt will be limited by the Constitution to five years. Both unfunded liabilities and eminent domain will be Unconstitutional. "
Jefferson offers a business friendly state, with a zero corporate tax rate. Jefferson will be led by a governor, with a part-time legislature, represented by a Senator from each county. Each legislator will only be allowed to introduce one law per legislative cycle. Currently the California legislature passes about 800 to 900 new laws per year, causing California's government to grow even larger, with more regulations and burdensome taxes, managed by employees of 570 State agencies & departments. In June of 2016, CalPers unfunded liability totaled $l.4 trillion and CalStirs $200 billion. These unfunded liabilities continue to plague counties and cities budgets.
Jefferson can successfully manage the state's business with 50 or less agencies, leaving the bulk of decision making and spending to local county governments, including education. Federal monies coming to the state will be apportioned to the counties. One example is Federal highway money. This is money used to fund Cal-Trans. Jefferson will give the money to counties and the State will only supply engineering advice to maintain State Responsibility roads.
Thus far, there is very little mentioned regarding the governing policies of Calexit. We do know the chief leader will be a President, not a Governor. There are some indications of what lies ahead, noted in their petition for secession. If voters approve, the petition requires the Governor to request California's admission to the United Nations. Financial concerns are also noted; "if California was to become an independent nation, the State and its local governments would experience major, but unknown, budgetary impacts. This measure also would result in tens of millions of one-time State & local election costs.
Calexit has received large media attention, beginning as early as last summer. News Week, published an article showing a map of the proposed nation of California. All 58 Counties were eliminated, replaced by 16 regions, such as Calexico, Baja Joaquin, Mojave but also Jefferson. It is safe to say, that Jeffersonians do not take kindly to regional government, much less support the efforts of Murillo and Yes California.
Jefferson supports the local governments of our 21 Counties and their elected who have signed declarations/petitions now filed with the State Legislature and Secretary of State, that request equal representation and/or to "separate" from the State of California. Jeffersonians will use all methods allowed under the law, including the courts, to achieve representation and/or the formation of the 51st State. If statehood is achieved, the Jefferson Constitutional Convention will immediately convene, putting in place a government that will bind government, not the people. Jefferson spells "Liberty" for all.
Terry Gherardi
530-677-4294
Terry Gherardi is a former Newspaper Owner/Editor in El Dorado County. Currently she volunteers her time, writing for various groups and is a member of the El Dorado County State of Jefferson Committee.
