Moorpark voters share many points of view
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

While people in 22 states were casting their ballots in the Super Tuesday presidential primaries, 77-year-old Moorpark resident Ron Miller took a quick break from his inspection duties at the Civic Center polling station in Moorpark to ponder the true meaning of the elections.

"I don't think the country has been so much divided since the Civil War," he said. "Freedom is being threatened by extremism within the U.S. because there's no compromise."

However, differing political opinions have not caused serious problems at home for Miller and his wife Doris. He's a Republican and she's a Democrat, but they still get along, he said.

The retired high school teacher said that regardless of political convictions, all presidential candidates must do what it takes to protect the rights of all.

In regard to the seven state propositions, Miller said he had to do some research to decipher what they're all about.

"People can't vote on a hunch. They should know the depths of each issue and ascertain the end result and the effects of propositions before they cast a vote," he said.

First-time voter Rosa Mendez Rodriguez knew exactly what she was looking for when she cast her ballot to select a presidential nominee. The Moorpark resident said she wants a candidate who supports her views on immigration, and she believes Barack Obama fits the bill.

"Obama can relate to immigrants because his father is from another country," she said.

Moorpark High School senior Heather Glendenning, who was also voting for the very first time, said she was seeking a candidate who will offer practical solutions to preserve the quality of life for her generation.

"I'm scared to death of the economy," said Glendenning, who's looking forward to college after graduating from high school.

The cost of living continues to increase at a rate that's almost quadruple the minimum wage growth, she said, so it will be challenging for young people to start a life on their own.

"I can honestly say that other than working my butt off and getting a lot of help, I don't know how I'm going to survive in this world," she said.

Glendenning still wasn't sure whom to vote for on Monday night, but she ended up voting for Obama because she believes it's time for change in the White House.

"I don't mean to be mean to Hillary but I can't believe she stayed with her husband after what he did while he was in office," she said.

Eileen Squillo, who was the 124th voter at the Civic Center by midday Tuesday, was also seeking change. She didn't specifically divulge for whom she had voted, but clearly indicated that she, too, was ready for change.

"Got to get Bush out," she said.

Moorpark resident Christine Reinhardt, who was somewhat undecided on Monday night, didn't have much confidence in the presidential candidates.

"I'm still looking for somebody else for president," she said.

The war can't be stopped immediately, she added, and it will take years to repair the economy.

"People want an immediate fix but they won't get one."