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LWV League of Women Voters of California Education Fund

Smart Voter
Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino Counties, CA June 5, 2012 Election
Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues
United States Representative; District 39


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 Economy, Budget, Energy, Health care, Campaign financing

Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest.

? 1. In this time of high unemployment, what are the most important steps that should be taken to improve our nation’s economy?

Answer from Jay Chen:

If elected, I would create jobs now by giving tax credits to companies that bring jobs and earnings back to the United States. Supporting our main drivers of economic growth and employment, small businesses, by providing tax credits to encourage the hiring of more workers is one of the most efficient ways we can stimulate our nation's economy. We should also give preference to American products and manufacturing in government contracts.

? 2. How should the federal budget deficit be addressed, now and into the future? How should budget priorities for defense and domestic programs be adjusted?

Answer from Jay Chen:

I would work with all parties to solve problems and get the results we need from Washington to restore America back to its place in the world. This means adhering to no ideology other than a commitment to move America forward and establish a more prosperous and exceptional country for our next generation. I would cut wasteful spending in the defense sector, as too much of our resources go to warfare and not enough to the domestic issues of our people.

? 3. What are your priorities with respect to our nation’s energy policy? Should there be an emphasis on clean energy and reducing carbon emissions, and/or on reducing our dependence on foreign sources?

Answer from Jay Chen:

We should fight for a green economy by reducing tax breaks for oil companies and reinvesting in green technologies. We must wean our nation off dependence on fossil fuels and unstable Middle East oil by exploring renewable domestic energy options, including wind, wave, and solar. Our country must take the global lead in green technology in order to strengthen our national security, create a healthier environment, and generate good jobs. We must end the attacks on science and take responsibility for our impact on the environment, and find ways to reverse the damage that future generations will have to deal with.

? 4. What, if any, changes should be made to federal health care policies or programs?

Answer from Jay Chen:

We should keep and enhance programs such as Medicare that provide vital services to those who need it most. I would promote the Obama administration's public health programs that provide those without necessary resources health coverage.

? 5. What, if any, changes should be made to federal rules on campaign financing?

Answer from Jay Chen:

Campaign finance must be more transparent. We are a democracy that should not be bought by large donors. I would promote further transparency and more enforcement of campaign finance laws in order to hold large donations accountable.


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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Created: July 26, 2012 13:02 PDT
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