The debate has been raging for a few weeks now. It has been heated, emotional, and personal. Everyone, at least in the blogosphere, wants to know; does Tom Umberg live in the 1st Supervisorial District?
Throughout this debate I’ve been wondering, if this is really a valid issue, why hasn’t anyone sued. Heck, they did with Carol Rudat and that was just a City Council seat. This is Umberg’s third election since March of 2004 and the issue seems to be getting a little old.
Well, I think Martin Wisckol over at the OC Register has inadvertantly revealed the answer to this burning question. The answer lies in the California Election code, specifically the area that focuses on voter eligibility. The code recognizes that some people may have more than one residence and tries to set out some ground rules as to how to determine where a person can register to vote. For the most part, the law revolves around a simple, yet complicated perspective. Where does the individual intend their primary residence to be? In the mix of defining intent the law sets out a couple of parameters to help things along.
There is Election Code 2031, which says in a nutshell that if you claim a homeowners tax exemption on one of multiple residences that is to be considered your primary residence (domicile), unless you have registered your auto or driver’s license at one of your other residences then this presumption is tossed out. Then there are sections 2028 and 2029, which establish that just because your spouse and family live in one residence, does not mean that you live in the same residences.
In the case of Tom Umberg this gets a little more murky, or clear, depending on your point of view. The home in Villa Park was once jointly owned jointly by Tom and Robin Umberg. In his follow up to his article today on the Total Buzz Blog, Wisckol revealed that the Villa Park home is solely owned by Robin Umberg. Further, he found that the Umberg’s did not take the homeowners property tax credit on the home in Villa Park. I would bet that Tom Umberg has registered his driver’s license at the Santa Ana address and that the utilities are also in his name. He’s an attorney for Gods sake, he knows enough to meet the legal requirements of residency.
With all of these facts out there, its no wonder a lawsuit hasn’t been filed to challenge Tom Umberg’s residency; there simply isn’t a case. So there you have it. Enough of the accusations that Tom Umberg is being dishonest about where he lives. You cannot be dishonest if you say you live in Santa Ana and the law agrees that you do.
Tom Umberg lives in Santa Ana, is registered to vote in Santa Ana, and is eligible to run for 1st District Supervisor. Period! End of story.
Can we now start talking about some real issues, like what the candidates will do if elected?
OK, Chris! It looks like California Election Law is on Umberg’s side, so that should really put an end t all the bickering over this non-issue. How sad that that so many folks prefer to argue over this crap rather thandiscuss the real issues in this special election.
Hopefully, this will finally put this non-issue to rest.
: )
Clearly Chris desperately WANTS to believe that Mr. Umberg lives in Santa Ana. I remain unconvinced. But if believing that Tom Umberg resided in a one bedroom condo at the time he executed a voter registration affidavit and is qualified to represent the people of the First District as a result helps you sleep well, then go right ahead.
Does he share the condo with Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and their pet the Chupacabra?
Umberg clearly has difficulties being truthful. And I require honesty from candidates I support.
Andrew Davey:
I have quietly sat and watched you spill BS out of your mouth as if you got paid for it. It’s actually disgusting that some of the decent writers in this blog are forced to associate with you. You are the epitome of a hypocritical brainless political hack.
Well enough watching. You must be called out for the idiot you are. Just for fun, let’s recap:
Andrew Davey BEFORE Nov 7th:
“…Lynn Daucher has only “lived” here (her Fullerton apartment is only one of MULTIPLE residences) for 42 WEEKS, and only in order to hold onto power in Sacramento.”
“Oh yes, and it was Republican Lynn Daucher who “moved” from her Brea residence to a Fullerton apartment early this year in order to claim residency in the 34th State Senate District…Lynn Daucher hardly “lived” here 42 weeks before Election Day!”
“Ultimately, it really comes down to who cares about our local communities in the 34th…
And I believe that Lou care because HE ACTUALLY LIVES HERE! : )”
Andrew Davey AFTER Nov 7th:
“How sad that that so many folks prefer to argue over this crap rather thandiscuss the real issues in this special election.
Hopefully, this will finally put this non-issue to rest.”
Emphasis on “non-issue”.
Please retire your senseless rhetoric. It really does give intelligent people a headache.
Oh, please! Before you start attacking me, “SGL”, why don’t you first consider the facts?
1. I’M NOT BEING PAID! Not by Lou Correa, not by Tom Umberg, not by anyone!
2. I supported Lou Correa in SD 34 last year because knew that he did care about the well-being of our community. On the other hand, Lynn Daucher had no ties to our community whatsoever!
3. I now support Tom Umberg for OC Supervisor because he also has ties to our community. While I have had concerns over where he lives, it now looks like his LEGAL RESIDENCE is in Santa Ana. You and I both know that the OC GOP is only bringing this up (as well as the anti-gay hate piece) because they want to avoid discussing the serious issues affecting working families, since they know that they lose on the issues.
Oh yeah, and if you’re so concerned that I’m a “hack”, then WHY DON’T YOU USE YOUR REAL NAME WHEN YOU PERSONALLY ATTACK ME??!!
Davey,
Thank you for your response. It exemplifies your character and strengthens my accusations.
It’s ok for you to criticize Lynn for carpetbagging but not ok for the Republicans to criticize Umberg on the same subject?
Priceless.
I’m from Florida and the “problems” you guys have make me laugh and glad I live in Florida!