League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 2, 2004 Election
	Joe Coto Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 23

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. What does California need to do to address the current budget crisis?

Lawmakers need to take a stand for what is important. As your Assemblyman I plege not to vote for any state budget that includes deep cuts to education, healthcare or public safety. Seniors and school children should not be asked to bear the burden of the boom and bust cycles of the state budget.

In addition, lawmakers must be willing to take the bold steps required to end the boom and bust cycle of the state budget. Potential solutions include multi-year budgets to minimize radical fluctuations from year to year, building budget reserves to provide for tough times, streamlining State spending, balanced budget requirements, exploring creative State/ private partnerships and looking at ways to reform the tax system to stabilize state revenue.

2. What should the state's priorities be for K-12 education? For the Community College System?

Improving our schools must be the State's top priority. It is my top priority. Students should be inspired and challenged to meet the highest standards, be well prepared for Califonria's highly skilled work force, be good citizens and parents, be informed caretakers of our environment, value and promote the diversity of our society and be the life-long learners that the 21st century demands.

How do we accomplish these lofty goals? By attracting and retaining the best teachers to work in our schools. By keeping class sizes small so children get the individualized attention they need. By funding proven and innovative programs that enhance student achievement.

After 30 years as a teacher and Superintendent of Schools, I want to take my experience to Sacramento to make smart policy and budget decisions that improve our neighborhood schools and community colleges.

3. What measures would you support to address California's water needs?

Water is one of the most contentious and divisive issues in California. On one hand, our state must protect our natural resources and environmental treasures. On the other hand, a stable and adequate water supply is required for our economy to thrive and for many California communities to flourish.

Anyone who claims easy answers to this issue is not being honest. Only with thorough review and experienced mediation of interests will good water policy be made.

4. What should the Legislature be doing to address the needs of Californians without health insurance?

It is dispicable that any California child or family should have to go without healthcare. We cannot wait for the Federal Government to solve the healthcare epidemic in our country. California must agressively pursue policies that expand access to healthcare for ALL Californians.