Alpert Best Alternative in 75th District : Few candidates offer substantial challenge to county’s lackluster legislative delegation

In a Legislature distinguished largely by gridlock and reluctance to act on the tough questions facing California, San Diego County’s delegation can be described as representative--in an unfortunate sense of that word.

With many of its members strapped into safe seats, the county’s delegation largely represents the kind of government service that has soured voters on their leaders and prompted them to turn to the initiative process for real change.

The one exception is Sen. William Craven (R-Oceanside) in the 38th District. Although Craven does not have a record that can be considered outstanding, he can claim significant contributions.

The 12-year incumbent is widely known among representatives from both parties for his integrity. He was the major backer of the new California State University campus in San Marcos, which opened this year, and created the state’s freeway call box system.

One note of concern, however: Craven has missed 35% of the votes for which he was eligible during the current legislative session, largely because of ill health.

San Diego’s other state senator who is up for reelection, Wadie Deddeh (D-Chula Vista) in the 40th District, has a much less distinguished record.

Deddeh’s record of absenteeism indicates that he may simply be tired of his job. He missed 43% of the votes in the 1989-90 legislative session, many because of open heart surgery; but he also missed the crucial last week of this year’s session in order to prepare for his son’s wedding. And his recent record of legislative successes is skimpy.

In the Assembly, there are a couple of legislators who have served too briefly to pass judgment on: Assemblyman Jeff Marston (R-San Diego) in the 78th District, who was just elected in June and Assemblywoman Tricia Hunter (R-Bonita) in the 76th District. She was elected a year ago to fill out the unexpired term of the late Bill Bradley.

Among the rest of the rather lackluster Assembly delegation, there are two who deserve to be retired by voters: Assembly members Peter Chacon (D-San Diego) in the 79th District and Sunny Mojonnier (R-Encinitas) in the 75th District.

Each has had significant ethical questions raised about contributions they accepted. In 1989, Chacon accepted $7,500 from the California Check Cashers Assn., $4,000 of it on the day he abandoned legislation that would have limited the fees that check-cashing businesses could charge. In 1987, Mojonnier accepted $10,000 from a prison guard’s group as an award for leaving her sickbed to vote for legislation the group was supporting.

In a democratic society, voters should be able to turn to opposition candidates when incumbents are not doing the job. Unfortunately, few of this year’s incumbents face credible challenges from legitimate contenders.

But Solana Beach school board member Deirdre (Dede) Alpert does present a serious alternative to Assemblywoman Sunny Mojonnier (R-Encinitas) in the 75th District.

Voters have strong reasons to question Mojonnier’s ethics. In addition to the 1987 prison guards’ award, Mojonnier was fined this year for double-billing the state and her campaign committee for business trips, as well as for using political donations to pay for fashion and beauty treatments for her staff.

She has also been criticized for routinely using state-paid sergeants-at-arms for personal tasks, such as chauffeuring her children.

Alpert’s elective experience is limited to serving on a school board in a small district, but she is bright, energetic and shows an unusual grasp of the issues for a novice.

We recommend a vote for Deirdre Alpert.