I emailed Michael Wozniak to find out if he was serious about legalizing
ferrets if he was to be elected Governor of California.  This is the
response I received from him.
 
Hello Mr. Flanagan,
Yes, I have paid my filing fee, gathered my signatures and I plan on
being a one of a choice of candidates eligible to be elected if current
Governor Gray Davis is recalled on October 7th.
 
I am a retired Oakland California police officer and my love for the
domestic ferret began many years ago.  I was fortunate enough to know
someone who had a ferret and became enamored with the personality, and
character of this wonderful companion animal.  I learned that the
domestic ferret was illegal in California and being a sworn law
enforcement officer at the time it was not in my interest to break the
law to obtain one.  This did not mean that I did not really want one, but
I could not justify breaking the law.
 
I became active with the California Domestic Ferret Association.  Hildy
Langewis, Bill Phillips and a host of volunteers and ferret lovers
convinced me that the effort to legalize these wonderful creatures in
California was a just and noble cause.  I assisted whenever and wherever
I could, even marching on the steps of the State Capitol in Sacramento
during a rally.  My goal was to change the current law to reflect what so
many other states across the country had done, which was to recognize
that the domestic ferret is not a threat to California just like it is
not a threat to any other state where is legal to possess and own.
 
My campaign for the legalization of the domestic ferret has been with me
for many years.  I continually voice my opinion, and have gathered many
in support of this cause to write letters, contact legislators and
support legalization efforts.
 
I am now a candidate for the Governor of California.  I have recently
been interviewed for television, radio and newspapers.  The State of
California has many important and pressing issues facing it and as a
non-professional politician with almost no experience in large government
I hope to bring a common sense and objective solution to many of the
problems facing California.
 
The budget, education, energy, the vehicle registration fees, and a
myriad of other pressing issues garner the scrutiny of the media.  There
are however many unseen issues that don't get the coverage and it would
be unwise to make what many feel is a non-issue the prominent focus of
my campaign.  I do however personally feel that the legalization of the
domestic ferret will positively impact many thousands of California
residents and that is a very worthwhile goal to pursue.  I will do
everything possible to bring these marvelous creatures legally into
the homes of loving owners.  This will also bolster an already sagging
economy with the expansion of the pet industry in California.
 
Thank you for your letter, and I look forward to the day when the
domestic ferret is a welcome legal addition to the homes of deserving
Californians.
 
Michael J. Wozniak
Candidate for Governor
Retired Police Officer
[Posted in FML issue 4225]