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The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Budget,
Government reform,
Higher education,
Major issues
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. How will you prioritize the budget choices the Legislature must make to align the state’s income and spending?
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Answer from Joe Ludwig:
First, I believe that the Legislature should implement a two-year budget cycle, where the budget is the priority for the off-year, and then other issues are in place for the election year. By doing this, we can remove much of the politicization that occurs with the budget and get to serious reform. As to exact budget priorities, I believe by restructuring state government, we can then maneuver freed-up funding to our prison system, effectively eliminating the need for the AB 109 realignment, and infrastructure, especially roads and highways.
Answer from Fredy R. De Leon:
We must prioritize that which will create and retain jobs in the inland empire, and then fund those programs. Education must be part of that budget prioritization.
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2. What types of changes or reforms, if any, do you think are important to make our state government function more effectively?
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Answer from Joe Ludwig:
California's state government is designed not to work-that's why it needs significant restructuring. I will author a bill to consolidate the offices of Treasurer, Controller, and Insurance Commissioner into one position, Chief Financial Officer, and combine those three agencies into a Department of Financial Services. This same type of restructuring was done in Florida 10 years ago, and has worked. I would combine overlapping agencies, such as the Franchise Tax Board and Board of Equalization, to remove redundancy in state government and make it easier for the average Californian to access and use. Finally, I will lobby to change our Legislature to a unicameral (one-house) structure, which will help remove some of the gridlock in our legislative process.
Answer from Fredy R. De Leon:
The Governor in this year's proposed budget wisely suggested several commissions and agencies that should either be eliminated or merged with other state departments. I fully support this policy which will not only reduce government spending but will streamline any redundant regulations.
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3. Fees for public higher education have gone up dramatically and funding has been cut. Is this a priority concern, and if so, what measures would you propose to address it?
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Answer from Joe Ludwig:
By restructuring state government, I believe that tax dollars being allocated currently can be used to help address this. However, California's public colleges and universities have traditionally been of a lower cost than other states; while I believe that it is possible to have that happen again, I do not believe that it will be to the point it was 30-50 years ago.
Answer from Fredy R. De Leon:
This is a top priority of my campaign. In addition to the cuts in k-12 education, higher education has taken too many cuts. It is time for California public universities to no longer see cuts but for that to happen there must be a fundamental change in the way we fund education. The political will must be found to reform Prop 13 and create a split roll. Only then will California have the funding scheme necessary to compete with our sister states in education funding.
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4. What other major issues do you think the Legislature must address? What are your own priorities?
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Answer from Fredy R. De Leon:
Job creation is my number one issue. The cries, and yes they are cries, for jobs is one an elected official must take to heart. I promise to make that my focus if elected. School Districts must be fully funded so that teachers and local employees like teacher's aide's are NOT laid off. Over regulation of small business must stop and we must foster the infusion of capital into the California economy. This single goal will take up most of my time in the legislature if elected. I have heard the people and I promise to make this my first and over riding goal.
Answer from Joe Ludwig:
California's tax system needs a significant overhaul, which is why I oppose raising income and sales taxes. I will author legislation changing our income tax to a flat, 5% rate, with allowances for income and dependents. I will also push for the Legislature to review many overlapping regulations, especially those that directly affect small businesses, so that we can make it easier to do business in California while at the same time protecting environmental quality and our way of life.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' statements are presented as
submitted. References to opponents are not permitted.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
