Appeal-Democrat - Political Notes: Garamendi Sends Condolences

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By Kirk Barron

Congressman John Garamendi issued a statement Tuesday extending his condolences to the family of Lt. Col. Ira Stephen Eadie, the U-2 pilot killed when his plane crashed near the Sutter Buttes.

"Even in training, these missions are dangerous, and we are all thankful for the selfless sacrifice of all our servicemembers," Garamendi said. "I know that I join with the entire 3rd District of California in offering our thoughts and prayers to the Beale community, our airmen, and their families today and in the days ahead."

Garamendi, who serves on the Armed Services Committee, said his thoughts are with the other pilot who was injured in the incident and thanked the first responders who arrived quickly to assist in recovering the pilots.

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Garamendi recently sent a letter to Sens. Chuck Grassley and Patrick Leahy of the Senate Judiciary Committee asking for a review of Bayer AG's proposed acquisition of Monsanto Co.

"This merger threatens jobs in my district and risks significant loss of competition in the seed and agricultural industry," Garamendi said Sept. 16. "And I believe it deserves close scrutiny by Congress and the Department of Justice.

In a press release, Garamendi cited Bayer AG's comments that it expects to create $1.5 billion in synergies through the merger, but Garamendi said he is concerned that "synergies" really means eliminating facilities in his district that provide high-paying jobs and provide services to farmers.

Garamendi intends to talk about the issue at an upcoming meeting of his Agricultural Advisory Board, according to the press release.

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Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law a bill authored by Assemblyman James Gallagher that codifies the procedure county recorders will use to re-record deeds, liens and other documents, according to a press release from Gallagher's office.

Assembly Bill 1974 was supported by the County Recorders' Association of California because no consistent practice for re-recording documents existed, the release said.

"After working diligently with county recorders and other stakeholders this bill was crafted to promote good government while protecting the records of consumers," Gallagher said.

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