League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Napa, Solano, Sonoma Counties, CA November 2, 2004 Election
	F. Aaron Smith Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 7

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

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

Our state government must balance the budget and pay it's debt WITHOUT borrowing or raising taxes. This can be accomplished by: · Cutting $6 billion in wasteful programs · Saving $9 billion through privatization · Divesting $1 billion in assets · Eliminating duplicative agencies, saving $880 million · Reducing personnel costs by 5%, saving $1 billion · Introducing performance-based and biennial budgeting · Creating a legislative sunset commission to cut ineffective programs. · Amending the California Constitution to include revenue and spending limits.

For More information see, http://www.aaronsmith.org

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

Every child in California deserves the very best education possible. The state is failing miserably in this area. My campaign embodies the spirit of individual liberty and free enterprise. This means that parents must be able to choose from a variety of competing educational programs that suit the appropriate values for their family. I propose granting a 100% tax reimbursement per child to all parents who choose to send their children to non-government schools. Most importantly, the state must not meddle in the affairs of these "voucher" schools. Otherwise they would be doomed to the dismal fate of the government-operated schools. I feel that charter schools and/or a "Voucher Program" are steps in the right direction. Let's celebrate diversity in education, give the responsibility back to parents where it belongs.

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

Reduce taxes. Currently, state taxes and hidden regulatory costs consume about 20% of the California economy. I support lowering taxes and regulations to a level of sanity so that employers and employees can once again afford quality health care. Furthermore, I support a 100% tax reimbursement for citizens who donate to non-profit charities that provide health services to lower income groups. These charitable organizations are far better suited to provide for their communities than any state could ever hope to be.