Two Assembly hopefuls appeal for votes in Colusa

A couple of Assembly hopefuls made cameo appearances at the candidates night in Colusa on Wednesday.

Voters in Colusa will have a say about whether to send Democrat Charles Rouse of Corning to Sacramento, but will be bystanders when it comes to Republican John Munn.

Rouse emerged from the June primary along with Assemblyman Dan Logue, R-Loma Rica, for the 3rd District.

Logue has since declared himself a candidate for the 2nd Senate District seat vacated by Doug LaMalfa and is squaring off against rival Assemblyman Jim Nielsen, R-Gerber.

But Logue will still be on the ballot for the Assembly seat, too. It includes Colusa, Maxwell, Princeton and the Stonyford area in Colusa County.

Rouse said, as a farmer himself, he understands the issues facing Colusa County.

"We are not big farmers, but we are farmers ... and that means I understand water; I understand what it's like to run a small business; I understand regulations and regulators."

Munn is running for the 4th Assembly District, which includes Williams, Grimes and the Arbuckle area in the county.

The Republican faces a stiff task in unseating Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada, D-Davis. She is a two-term incumbent who had been representing the 8th District before the lines were redrawn.

"I couldn't just sit around watch what was happening in California," said Munn, noting specifically what he believes in the overspending by the Legislature in Sacramento.

The event was hosted by Soroptimist International of Colusa County and emceed by county Superintendent of Schools Kay Spurgeon.

It attracted more than 50 people, who were primarily interested in the City Council race, but gave the candidates for city treasurer a chance to introduce themselves, too.

Rita Rourke, the wife of Gar Rourke, who has held the position for 16 years, and Robin Rauch, each pointed to their backgrounds working in business as their primary qualifications to do the job.

But Rourke also noted that she has gained at least some experience in the job by simply living in the same house as he husband.

"You can't live with a banker who does nothing but numbers and not learn something," said Rourke, who has a background that includes finance and related tasks in the legal and banking professions.

Rauch said she has no history in the public sector, but said her 23 years doing books and other duties for a trucking firm makes her qualified.

What she doesn't already know, she said, she can learn.

City Clerk Shelly Kittle also attended. Appointed three years ago, she is running unopposed.