Candidate for
Member of the State Assembly; District 79; Democratic Party

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR MAIN ACTIONS/FOCUS AT THE STATE ASSEMBLY?

My principal reason for running is to restore the devastating cuts Sacramento has made to education. Education opens the door of opportunity for our youth and adults. I am a living example of that--earning my bachelors and masters degrees as an adult. Education is the key that unlocks the doors to the American Dream for poor and Latino children and their families.

I've served 10 years on the Sweetwater Union High School District Board--the largest secondary district in California. With a great deal of hard work and focus, we have reduced the drop-out rate and increased the numbers of graduates who go on to 4-year college. But all of our progress is threatened by severe cutbacks in education. We have cut millions of dollars from our budget every year for the last five years. That means increased class sizes, cuts to support programs and fewer extracurricular activities. This has to stop!

Unfortunately, these cuts are only one example of a culture of dysfunction in Sacramento, where government is by and for the special interests. In addition to education cuts, the legislature has cut health care, home care and an array of needed programs + and yet has also voted for billions in tax breaks and has done virtually nothing to close tax loopholes.

In Sacramento, restoring education funding will be my passion; but I will fight equally hard against the culture of dysfunction.

WHAT DO YOU THINK THAT YOU CAN DO IN FAVOR OF THE SANDIEGANS?

Unemployment in California is 12.6%, and more than 10% in San Diego County. We need to create jobs in high-wage, high-growth industries. I will work hard to attract green industries to our area. I've already proven it's possible--the Proposition O construction projects in the Sweetwater District are the largest LEED-certifed projects on the West Coast. That means the district is using the latest green construction technologies to modernize our aging campuses. In addition, San Diegans send far more in taxes to Sacramento than we receive in services. It is time to remedy that inequity. One of my major goals in Sacramento will be to fight to gain San Diego its fair share of our tax dollars. We also must work very hard to restore education funding.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

I have served for nearly 10 years on the Sweetwater Union High School District board. In that time, I have:
- Fought for changes that reduced the drop-out rate
- Increased the numbers of Sweetwater graduates attending 4 year colleges
- Started 3 FREE school based health clinics
- Helped lead the campaigns to raise nearly $1 billion to repair aging schools, build new schools and classrooms, and provide JOBS during this terrible recession
- Passed a balance budget on time without laying off any teachers or classified staff

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE THAT MUST CHANGE IN THE CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY TO IMPROVE THE 79TH DISTRICT?

The assemblymember for this district MUST be a representative for the people--not special interests. My decisions will always be based upon what is in the best interest of the 79th District community. There need to be more members of the Assembly who are willing to work with both sides of the aisle to improve California. I have shown that I can work with very different groups of people to accomplish great things. It's time to bring an independent voice with longtime roots in this community to Sacramento.

THE FACT THAT THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE BELONG TO REPUBLICAN PARTY, IT COULD REPRESENT A LIMIT OF THE ACTION FOR THE DEMOCRATS HOW YOU WOULD DEAL WITH THIS?

The present Governor is a Republican. Hopefully, the next Governor will be a Democrat. Regardless, as I have stated above, I know how to fight for important principles, but still work with people of all political persuasions. Californians are tired of the partisan bickering. They want the Legislature to do what they are elected to do--make decisions that will move our state forward and out of this recession. On my Board, I work equally well with Democrats and Republicans. I will always remember my obligations to the 79th Assembly District.

WHAT STEPS DO THE ASSEMBLY NEED TO TAKE TO IMPROVE THE ECONOMY OF CALIFORNIA AND 79TH DISTRICT

The most important thing to improve the economy statewide and locally is to develop JOBS. Moving into the 21st Century, the Green Economy and High Tech promise to be the engines of our economic comeback. It is a good thing, for example, that Tessla Motors just announced it would be manufacturing a Green Car in California. It would be even better if that plant were located in the 79th Assembly District.

There are two inter-related steps we must take to improve the economy statewide and locally. One is to pursue policies that encourage innovation, technological development, and the Green Economy. That means we may need to create incentives for businesses. At the same time, we need to fight to attract our fair share of those JOBS and those research dollars for the 79th District. There are some very talented job development people in Sacramento. I will bring them to 79th District to show them the potential of this area and to get them fighting to bring businesses to our community.

WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE TAKING TO THE STATE ASSEMBLY?

My life is an example of the power of education, hard work and determination. I was born in a small Texas farming community. We Mexicans were not allowed to go to the white schools. Neither of my parents finished high school.

Yet, as a single mom I was able to both raise my son and pursue an education that brought me into the middle class. I earned my Bachelors and two Masters degrees while working many different jobs and being a parent.

My life reflects many of the challenges and triumphs people in the 79th District have faced. That's why I would truly represent their interests, because they are MY interests. Through school, work and opportunity, I was able to succeed. In the Legislature, I will take these experiences and these values as I fight for this community.... The most pressing issues facing the 79th District and California are: education, jobs, health care, the environment and public safety. I have created solutions for each of these challenges in the Sweetwater Union High School District. I am a proven consensus builder willing to work with very diverse communities. I am an independent thinker who will not be influenced by special interests.

I would be honored to have your support. I will work hard for this community.