(August 10, 2003) -- Just ask 100-year Mathilde Karel Spak (who'll be 101 by the time October 7 recall election rolls around) why she's running to replace Gov. Gray Davis and you'll get an earful:

"If you had a business that went bankrupt, you couldn't blame the shipping clerks. That's what Davis is trying to do," she declares in a strong voice and rapid fire delivery.

And she's just gotten started.

"I'm sick and tried of seeing them close all the medical clinics. They're driving businesses out of California! Davis gave out raises. I'd roll them back! Some of them are getting pensions of 90% of what they've earned. And look at those cars they drive! They're driving cars paid for by us!"

Born in Chicago, Ms. Spak came to Long Beach roughly 70 years ago. Is she running because she's mad at Sacramento? "Not mad, but concerned," she says with determinaton.

"I'm concerned that poor people have no place to take their children when medical clinics are being closed," she adds.

We offer to come by and take a picture of her to include in this article. "I'm busy today," she says. "Call me during the week."

OK, OK.

As separately reported by LBReport.com another LB resident -- 39 yr-old electrical engineer (and Summa Cum Laude UCLA grad) Michael Jackson of ELB -- has also filed papers and fees and will be on the ballot.