Candidate for
United States Representative; District 48; Democratic Party

GETTING OUR ECONOMY BACK ON TRACK

One in ten Americans today cannot find work and families across our nation are losing their jobs, their homes, and their access to health care. It will take hard work and vision to rebuild our economy in a way that works for all Americans. I believe that we must turn this challenge into an opportunity. I support incentives for business innovators and entrepreneurs to create jobs and expand markets. I support making capital available for those companies that build their success on a responsible business model. And I believe that accountability must be at the heart of the 21st century business model if we are to grow an economy that builds its strength in a sustainable way.

PRESERVING OUR ENVIRONMENT AND CREATING GREEN JOBS

Our district is home to four coastal cities -- Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel and Dana Point. Coastal preservation is not just about aesthetics and recreation, it is a bottom-line economic issue here. I oppose offshore drilling.

I believe that clean renewable energy holds the key to a lasting economic recovery. That's why I'm a strong supporter of investments in energy efficiency and clean energy technologies, including California's solar and wind energy industries, which will strengthen our local manufacturing and engineering base and create good-paying green jobs that can't be outsourced.

Renewable energy is also critical to our national security to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and regimes that support terrorism.

Meeting the challenge of limited energy reserves and pursuing a lifestyle that supports energy conservation and other earth-friendly habits is a good thing to do. Applying innovation in pursuit of energy independence is the smart thing to do. From energy conservation and investments in alternative fuels to water conservation and resource management, I believe we must continue to be innovative in the way we demonstrate our leadership and stewardship over our precious natural resources.

EDUCATION

As a former teacher and a mother, I regard education as a cornerstone to our success as a nation. I am a product of public education and appreciate the educational resources that were available to my own children. America's future workforce, our think-force, must have access to a high quality education if the United States is to remain a world-leader in innovation.

To remain competitive in a global economy, we need to re-prioritize our commitment to education in America by taking on the challenge of low-functioning schools, and ensuring that all young people are provided the chance to master academics, to think critically, and to embrace new ideas and experiences.

While education is most significantly impacted by decisions at the state and local level, the policies set at the federal level have a tremendous impact on what occurs in the classroom. I believe the federal government must be a partner with local communities by fully meeting their commitment to fund special education programs in our public schools, providing enhanced student loan funding, modeling respect for educators and supporting access to quality learning environments for all children.