By KATHERINE PETERSEN
Trafton Doug Muller's bid for political office took nearly a lifetime in coming, but the retired businessman believes he still has plenty of time to effect change in the federal government.
The seven-year Sunnyvale resident wants to tackle tough national issues, such as reforming health care and balancing the federal budget, as a Republican representative in U.S. District 14, the seat now held by Anna Eshoo (D-Palo Alto).
Muller, 74, said he can make a contribution to the country and the 14th Congressional District, which comprises most of Sunnyvale. "I have the experience and the leadership from the things I've done in my lifetime," he said.
Muller served on the San Francisco Republican Central Committee, worked as a retail executive at the Emporium for 38 years and held leadership positions in several organizations, including the Young Republicans. Muller also served as president of the San Carlos chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons.
Evaleen Hess, who met Muller more than 30 years ago at church, said he is a man of integrity. She said he keeps up with current issues, and is not afraid to speak out for what he believes.
"He's very knowledgeable and well-read. He can strike up a conversation with almost anyone about almost anything," she said. She added that he is aware of local needs and won't hide behind anything just to get elected.
Frank Kearney, who lives in an apartment at Life's Garden retirement community, where Muller also resides, said the candidate seems to have a firm grasp of current issues and what changes are needed.
Kearney has known Muller for a year. He described the candidate as friendly, but not a forward person. "He's not aloof, either. Once you get to know him, you couldn't find a better guy," Kearney said.
Jeanne Brennan, the administrator at Life's Garden, said what strikes her about Muller is how level-headed he is. "He's lived a long life and seen and done a lot of things. He's very aware of the world and how he can make a difference. I think he would be an asset to any position he would be elected to," she said.
She said that Muller, who supervises one of two weekday dinner seatings in the community dining room, interacts well with the senior citizens and high-school students who wait tables.
"He's an open-minded guy," Brennan said.
Yet Muller strongly believes that the Republicans in Congress are on the right track in terms of the budget, but it will be a struggle to get anything passed.
"There aren't provisions in either plan for emergencies or other things that might occur. That has to be looked at," he said.
Muller also expressed concern for the country's tax structure, which he said needs to be redone. "It is very unequitable. I think a flat tax is the best proposal that has been offered at this point," he said.
A firm believer in taxing all income, Muller said that all loopholes need to be closed. He also believes in cutting down on bureaucracy in Washington and that giving the states more freedom with block grants would benefit those in need.
"Money should go to the states and local communities because they are more in tune with where it needs to go," he said.
When asked about his opponent in the March primary, Benjamin Brink, Muller put Brink in the "losers category" because he lost his last primary bid.
"And I'll face Anna Eshoo when I get to that. I think voters in District 14 have a choice. She's a liberal, and I'm a conservative," he said.
Muller said he will be "a full-time campaigner," spending part of every day in a precinct. He described himself as "very energetic" and in good health.
This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun, January 31, 1996
©1996 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.