Assemblyman Das Williams
The Tri-Counties Central Labor Council, the umbrella group for labor unions on the Central Coast, has demanded a meeting with Assemblyman Das Williams, D-Santa Barbara, asking him to explain why he accepted a $7,800 campaign contribution from Walmart — a company he once fought in a labor-backed campaign to prevent the opening of a store in Ventura.
"The working men and women and working families of organized labor who have supported you," the letter says, "can't understand how you would accept a campaign contribution from a corporation that has proven time and time again its philosophy and practices are antithetical to the goals and objectives of the very men and women who walk precincts, make telephone calls and contribute substantial amounts of to your campaigns."
The letter concludes by saying the council is "expecting" Williams to appear at its meeting Aug. 17 to "explain this very embarrassing issue."
A council spokeswoman said the letter was mailed Wednesday afternoon, when a copy was emailed to The Star. Williams had not received the letter as of Thursday, but after being shown the emailed copy, he said he likely will discuss the issue with council's members, but not necessarily at their meeting next week.
Williams said he, too, was "a little surprised" that the parent company of retail giant Walmart contributed two checks for $3,900 apiece to his campaign on May 25. That is the maximum amount a state legislative candidate can receive from any donor.
"I do see some irony after I worked for five years to stop a Walmart in Ventura," he said.
He said there is nothing inappropriate about accepting the contribution, noting that candidates cannot afford to fund campaigns by accepting money only from those "we agree with 100 percent of the time."
Williams asserted that his views of the company have not changed.
"I still don't support a Walmart in Ventura," he said. "I don't think it's appropriate for the city's economic mix."
The council letter cites news reports recounting a litany of allegations against Walmart on violations of labor laws, and points out that Williams "should be well aware of that history."
Williams said labor organizations should consider his record as a legislator.
"I have an unblemished record of supporting the interests of working people," he said. "I don't think any labor organization has anything to complain about."
The controversy is the latest flare-up in a long-running feud between Williams and Marilyn Valenzuela, executive secretary-treasurer of the council. Valenzuela and her husband, Leo, were outspoken in their support for Susan Jordan, Williams' opponent in the 2010 Democratic primary, and have continued to be critical of him since he prevailed in that contest.
Marilyn Valenzuela said the letter has nothing to do with any personal dispute she might have with Williams. She said she brought up the Walmart contribution at a meeting of Ventura County affiliates of the council last week and then "shut my mouth."
The reaction, she said, was "stunned silence, and then the motions started coming." She said about a dozen unions were represented, and the vote to draft the letter was unanimous.
"No matter how many things I do for working people, Marilyn Valenzuela didn't choose me, so she's going to stab me in the back at every opportunity," Williams said.
State campaign finance records show the company has markedly shifted its contribution patterns in the 2011-12 election cycle from the previous cycle.
In 2009-10, it gave $325,000 to the California Republican Party and $50,000 to former GOP Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's ballot-measure committee, plus contributed mostly to Republican candidates for state offices. Only 11 Democratic candidates for state offices received contributions, topped by a $25,000 donation to Gov. Jerry Brown's campaign.
This cycle, however, the Bentonville, Ark., company's contributions have been more balanced between the parties. Records show it has contributed to 16 Republican lawmakers and 11 Democratic lawmakers, including Williams.
Williams is one of just two Democratic legislators to have received the maximum contribution.
Nursery burns near Oxnard
Baseball: Marina 11, Thousand Oaks ...
Island foxes
Oxnard Powers Past Righetti
Camarillo Opens Spring Practice
Oxnard celebrates Bike to Work ...
Camarillo's postseason push
Boys Volleyball: Westlake 3, Saugus ...
Baseball: Agoura 2, Simi Valley ...
Springs fire reaches Hidden Valley
James Stathis, dentist to homless
Ventura College graduation 2013
Ventura County's Most Wanted May 16th
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 50
greaterthanroomtempIQ writes:
LOL...even Walmart doesn't like the "new" republican party. Who would've thought...
fibus writes:
Anyone running for office needs to heed William's remark.
One can't just accept donations from people that agree with you.
Just don't accept money guaranteeing what your donor wants. Or even hinting at it.
Elected officers have fiduciary responsibilities. I won't say public servants can't be bought but there seems to be fewer.
Collectiveconcious1 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
BT3000 writes:
It's ironic that unions buy politicians off all the time yet at the same time seem to think they are the only ones entitled to do so...
DavidAtkins writes:
Das Williams is a great legislator, passionate about the issues and an amazing person. He has long opposed a Walmart in Ventura. But hey--if Walmart wants to spend money to fund Democratic causes, so be it. Their loss.
This is another nonsense nontroversy started by the same individuals as usual. One would think they would have bigger fish to try than kneecapping a Democrat who has been a great friend of labor, but then, this is par for the course. It's all personal for some people.
KKHolland writes:
Let Walmart waste their money, same as they are wasting their money paying rent on that building on Victoria they never should have tried to come into in the first place. I am proud to have worked with Das and many others here in the community to keep Walmart out.
richardnose writes:
Democrats...
Hold you up with one hand while they stab you in the back with the other.
cjr writes:
Hey, it's not fair. Good ole Das belongs to the unions and it's not fair for Walmart to poach on union territory. Walmart should buy their own pols and not try to poach the unions' pols. You notice there is nothing in the article that says that Williams sent the money back. Looks like the unions might have to up the ante. That might be what they are worried about, getting into a bidding war.
letuschangeCA writes:
The Democratic Party has ruined VC. If this guy truly wanted to help the workers of VC they would support drilling off our coast.
Just_a_guy writes:
If we were Facebook friends, I would "Love" this comment!
This is an oft utilized tactic in big politics across the country. Obviously there is someone near that is threatened by Das' rise and work. Shoot him down at any chance we get. Intersting that this is an issue the day after he is appointed to chair the higher edu committee... curious.
smithjc#403367 writes:
i do, all the time. of course, i don't want to be a union member. i'm forced to by dint of my employment, but i have been part of several actions to try to throw off the yoke of oppression imposed by sei-useless.
smithjc#403367 writes:
"Williams asserted that his views of the company have not changed. "I still don't support a Walmart in Ventura," he said."
which is another reason, among literally thousands, that comrade das needs to be kicked out on his booty.
why did he accept the donation? because like every other demosocilist, he's a prost....
opfor2 writes:
Stupid Unions!!!!
smithjc#403367 writes:
oops, that should be "demosocialist". gotta proof these things better.
Collectiveconcious1 writes:
For real VC Star!? You gonna just delete my comment like I'm a few cents on a WalMart price tag! :)
Seriously though, not sure what was worth removing.
pilgrim writes:
Marilyn Valenzuela, never heard of her or her mate Leo, but her action is what's wrong with unions today. It used to be about the protection of workers, now it seems like all they care about is divide, conquer and trick more people into paying dues by "defending" against the evil corporations/politicians. I bet she feels very accomplished. Sad day in America.
letuschangeCA writes:
No on 30
Yes on 32
DavidAtkins writes:
If you're a conservative, as I suspect you are, you should hate WalMart as much as I do, but for different reasons.
WalMart doesn't pay employees enough to live on. Which means that either they suffer without healthcare and basic needs like many conservatives want (apparently they think it'll make people already working full time work harder? Strange people...), or you get what actually happens: most WalMart employees receiving taxpayer funded assistance just to make ends meet.
In other words, WalMart makes massive profits underpaying their employees, and you and I cover the difference. Only difference between me and a Republican is that I believe these hardworking people who help make our economy run are deserving of a little human dignity, and the chance for preventative medicine and good schools for their kids. Republicans don't: they're apparently happy to see the Waltons make billions while their employees can't afford basic medical checkups.
We just see the world differently, I guess. I just get offended they claim to the "moral" ones. Those values don't reflect any of the religious teachings I've ever read.
That said, WalMart is an awful company. Awful if you're a liberal, and awful if you're a tax hawk conservative, too.
Regardless, this "story" is a non-issue. It's just a couple of people with a personal ax to grind, keeping on grinding that ax even if it means working families get hurt. They grind that ax all over the place. But there's nothing new there.
Whattheheck writes:
WalMart has such an obscene pot of money they just throw it at all candidates, hoping some will stick. Too bad they don't throw it at their employees… and I won't shop there not because of any union issues but how they treat and pay their employees.
2BRNOT2B writes:
Unbelievable!!!!
A politician playing both sides to obtain contributions...and...
A union with their panties in a bunch because they are afraid a politician they have bought and paid for is two-timing them.
Two of the lowest of the scum-sucking forms of life on earth...politicians and union officials upset with each other...love it!
john411 writes:
Williams takes money from your "awful company" and you are just fine with it. Highly hypocritical.
Word on the street is Walmart is moving in soon on Victoria in Ventura.
They got off cheap with Williams.
Always the low price. Always.
smithjc#403367 writes:
have ya ever noticed that a large number of politicians are......(wait for it).....LAWYERS!
viking2265 writes:
This Teamster does....proudly.
TK421 (Inactive) writes:
He's a politician, of course he sees no harm in taking money from all sides. Just whoever pays the most, wins! Think I'm wrong, ask the unions who he represents?
ARealRealityCheck writes:
"UNIONS: The schools for communists" -- Vladimir Lenin
Traditional writes:
"But hey--if Walmart wants to spend money . . ."
What duplicity, David!
If this story had been about a conservative, you would be accusing him/her of being a money-grabbing hypocrite. That label is yours today.
Kgv222 writes:
Well said. The tone of the union letter is one of an indignant employer to it's employee. Bought and paid for.
greaterthanroomtempIQ writes:
One thing I find interesting about this is that Walmart, instead of giving money almost exclusively to republicans, is now giving more equally to both parties. They must think that the republicans are going to lose big in the next elections so they are hedging their bets.
Oceaneagle writes:
Das Williams is a dishonest hypocrite, plain and simple. The Valenzuelas are highly regarded in the community. I think they're wrong about Walmart, but I like and respect them: they're entitled to their views. And the City needs the sales tax revenue from the store Williams tried unsuccessfully to prevent: it goes to Oxnard now. That was just a Santa Barbara councilman's attempt to build a political base in the south part of the Assembly district he coveted. He used them. It worked, too.
Retail stores don't pay very well but Walmart provides rising pay over time. They give a lot of people their first jobs, which are low pay at any firm. Walmart lowered generic pharmacy prices to $5, forcing such prices down nationwide for all drug stores. They deserve a medal. Walmart is the victim of a well-orchestrated union pr campaign.
And we've heard enough from the Democratic party operatives on this blog.
bionox writes:
I'm always incredulous over the paraphrasing, lack of citation and outright fabrication in the wingnuts' posts, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?s...
Putting quotation marks around a phrase does not make it an authoritative quote from whatever dead Marxist you attribute it to. Peace.
Lets_Be_Truthful writes:
Oh the hypocrisy! I just love it. A democrat that is against outsourcing jobs to China, against a company that doesn't pay it's employees a fair wage, against a company that doesn't respect their employees enough to help them with healthcare, is bought and paid for by the same money he is supposedly against. I get to start my day with a smile. Thank you Star.
CalWatcher writes:
The labor unions oppose WalMart because they won't sign on to Project Labor Agreements, which hands all of the construction work directly to their unions. This disenfrancises the vast majority of contractors in our area, who are NOT enrolled in unions. First they back incompetent pols like Williams to trash the economy, and then they try to steal the crumbs which are left behind. The Tri-County Council is a bunch of east coast style union thugs.
jtechman writes:
So the chair of the Dem party condones a contribution from Wal-Mart after calling it an "awful" company. At least Marylin and Leo have principles and values and don't talk from both sides of their mouth like Atkins and Williams. The Valenzuelas have been furthering Democratic causes before either of these individuals were born. What's next, will Atkins defend Das for taking oil and tobacco money because it's "their loss." As a Democrat, I am highly disappointed at these novices.
Tashi writes:
Why are liberals so open, considerate, objective, etc. ONLY when things go their way??? If you do not exactly agree with them, they turn into monsters.
DavidAtkins writes:
Nice to see you join the Star comments, "jtechman." Using your real name would help your cause, no? Many big statements online from those who hide behind screen names.
As to the rest of it, take at look at who supported whom in the SD19 primary, and where the candidates' money came from. I rest my case.
This is all personal vendettas at work against Das and Hannah-Beth Jackson by the two usual suspects. I would also note the results from the Central Committee race in the 5th supervisory district to note various individuals' level of respect and support.
ceeyh805 writes:
Your proud of yourself, your proud to have a boarded up eyesore..? Your proud you killed 300 high paying union construction jobs and several 100 fulltime entry level jobs for students in our community. Your actually proud to severely hurt and continuing hurting our collectitive local economy.
The pure genius of 40 years of Democrat controlled public education and economic's pure genius...! Small minds think alike.
ceeyh805 writes:
How dare you...! SEIU is not useless, there very profitable, they don't pollute and they don't produce anything.... But they do make themselves plenty of money off you poor working stiffs.
rebel123 writes:
If he's against WalMart, he should not be taking their money.
cassandra2 writes:
Doesn't make sense. Why not ask Wal-mart? They made the donation. Candidates don't usually refuse donations unless they are completely outside the boundary.
Most big contributors give to the favorite and sometimes hedge their bets with the dark horse. SOP
Sounds like a non-issue writ large.
Given the subtext of the headline, I would think the Star doesn't like Williams.
smithjc#403367 writes:
and that's why i've always been active to try to get rid of them. it's bad enough that they forcibly steal my money to pay the union thug bosses, but then they give it to demosocialist campaigns and causes. that means that i have to give twice as much to my conservative candidates and causes to offset what they're doing with MY money.
cassandra2 writes:
Now, I'm sure. Das normally is pretty photogenic, but the Star ran a photo that makes him look smug.
I would note that Wal-mart has become somewhat less evil than before: stopped hiring illegals--at least no more such scandals have emerged, not locked their employees in that I've heard, not ignored regulations regarding equal pay and promotions, etc.. Reportedly they settled some outstanding lawsuits for violations a couple of years ago. I will never shop there, but then I hold grudges.
cassandra2 writes:
You gotta love how the baggers fulminate for each other, get their confirmation hit, drive away the sane commentators, and call it a job well done.
smithjc#403367 writes:
"drive away the sane commentators" guess that explains why you're still here.
jtechman writes:
What case did you rest? You just dug yourself in a bigger hole. One candidate was blasted for taking "dirty" money. I didn't hear you coming to their defense and celebrating dirty money in the Dem race, just as you are here. Do us Dems a favor and look up the phrase "core principles."
viking2265 writes:
Lower prices so my dollar goes farther. And not just on groceries...but clothing, electronics, toiletries, office supplies, baby items, pet supplies. And the quality is the same...Campbells soup is Campbells soup whether you spend $1 more for it at Ralph's or Von's.
So it really shouldn't seem odd. Many other union members shop there also for the same reason.
Lastly, my son works at a Walmart...he loves it. They treat him right.
Lazlo_Toth writes:
Well...truth be told, much as the pundits would like to have it, and as much as contributors would be thrilled to have it...the reality is that in most cases political donation money does NOT "buy" politicians. Period.
Oh, i'm sure they'll be howls for all sides for that one, but its just plain true, especially at this level of politics. Not saying it never happens but in this instance when you compare voting record and donations they just don't match up.
Anyone who knows anything about inner political workings is that what money, again especially at this level, does buy...is a greater certainty of access to the politician or other leader and that's about it.
I'm quite sure Walmart and who all else WISHES money could "buy" a politician, but it doesn't usually work out that way.
They say, "money talks" but the real question is...does anyone listen..or does the check just get cashed?
ceeyh805 writes:
Lock Step...Did you know snails are cannibals..?
Lock step Democrats are cannibals eating themselves with the power of 1,000s of tiny sub-groups. Political Correctness gone mad step out of line and they'll come after you. Step out of line and your next. The Party of inclusion just do as your told read the talking points and shut up.
You can't make this stuff up, Will Rodgers said it best when he said "I'm not a member of an organized Party I'm a Democrat".. Enjoy your dinners.
P.S. As a Republican businessman I would like to thank you Assemblyman Williams for meeting and working with my partners and I, we found you and your staff warm intelligent inspiring and professional. Hope this little bump in the road doesn't slow you down.
jjohnjj writes:
I'll give Prop 32 consideration after the corporations that my IRA is invested in are required to ask my permission to spend "my" money on their political action committees.
Whadayasay we fix this problem once and for all and start financing the campaigns of candidates running in public elections for public offices with public funds?
If you must insist that "money is speech", then how about at least supporting the full disclosure law (AB1648), so that campaigns would have to put the names of their contributors on screen at the end of their TV spots?
smithjc#403367 writes:
atkins lost any potential for credibility with this statement: "Das Williams is a great legislator, passionate about the issues and an amazing person." especially the part about being a great legislator. williams is just "taxin' jackson" redux.
Lets_Be_Truthful writes:
Trying to talk common sense to a parrot is not very productive.
Want to participate in the conversation? Become a subscriber today. Subscribers can read and comment on any story, anytime. Non-subscribers will only be able to view comments on select stories.