News / Profession

Calif. Gubernatorial Candidate Bill Simon on Chiropractic and the State Board

Editorial Staff

(Editor's note: The following is a brief interview with Bill Simon, Republican candidate for governor of California. We asked him to comment on the attitude of Governor Gray Davis and his administration toward chiropractors.)

DC: Are you familiar with the details regarding the lack of appointments made to the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners?

Simon: Yes, I am. I have to say that I am amazed at the complete neglect the chiropractic profession is experiencing from Governor Davis. For him to ignore the needs of the profession like this shows a complete lack of concern for not only doctors of chiropractic, but for their patients as well. Chiropractic is a large profession in California. One would have thought that you would have been treated with some respect.

DC: As a person familiar with state politics, how do you view what has happened?

Simon: Looking at what's happened, I'm not sure how to read it. All Mr. Davis had to do was review the recommendations of one of his appointment secretaries and make some choices. How hard can that be?

The only thing I can think of is that there is some deep-rooted animosity between the current governor and chiropractic. That's the only thing that makes sense.

DC: We have yet to receive a return phone call from anyone in Governor Davis' office. Should you become governor, how would your relationship with the chiropractic profession and its patients differ from its current relationship with Mr. Davis?

Simon: Well, for one thing, you wouldn't be ignored. Chiropractic plays a very important role in the health of millions of Californians. As the third-largest health care profession, you can expect to enjoy a solid working relationship with my office. There would be no board vacancies, and there would always be the opportunity to dialogue with me about issues important to your profession.

The only reason to be the governor of California is to serve the people of California. When a person forgets that, it's time for that person to step down. Mr. Davis has obviously forgotten his obligation to the more than 10,000 chiropractors, thousands of chiropractic students, and millions of chiropractic patients in California.

DC: Mr. Simon, what is your personal position on chiropractic? Have you ever experienced chiropractic care, and what do you think about it?

Simon: I am a chiropractic patient. I believe strongly in chiropractic's role in the health of all people. Today, health care is about choices. It will be my goal to see that every Californian maintains the right to receive whatever form of health care he or she deems most appropriate for his or her needs.

DC: Do you have anything else you would like to communicate to the thousands of doctors of chiropractic in California, and the profession worldwide?

Simon: The current governor couldn't find the time to address the needs of the chiropractic profession for almost four years. This should tell you a lot about Mr. Davis.

On the other hand, I am anxious to begin a dialogue with the chiropractors of California before I even enter office. This, too, should tell you something about me.

A functioning state government is all about communicating and working together for the benefit of everyone. It's time we had a functioning governor's office. It's time we begin working together. If you agree with me, please let your readers and their patients know.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to candidly share my thoughts with you.

DC: Thank you, Mr. Simon.

To express your opinion to the two main candidates, contact Mr. Simon's office at:

Governor Gray Davis
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916 445-2841
Fax: 916 445-4633

governor@governor.ca.gov

Bill Simon
770 L Street, Suite 950
Sacramento, CA 95827
Phone: 916 441-3745
Fax: 916 441-2925

info@simonforgovernor.com


June 2002
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