League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	San Joaquin County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Member of the State Assembly; District 13

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. 1. How will you prioritize the budget choices the Legislature must make to align the state’s income and spending? Answer from Susan Talamantes Eggman: There is no single solution to fixing the budget, and we can't simply cut our way to a better tomorrow. We must close unfair loopholes that allow people to escape paying their fair share, but we also have to deal with existing spending problems. We must continue to invest in developing our future, by giving children a quality education, keeping college costs well within reach of the middle class, and protecting programs that give deserving youth a shot at their dreams. 2. What types of changes or reforms, if any, do you think are important to make our state government function more effectively? Answer from Susan Talamantes Eggman: We have to order government around sensible priorities, and make it work for us, not against us. 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? Answer from Susan Talamantes Eggman: This is a primary concern, and I am committed to fighting to protect access to quality higher education. It's a benefit that accrues to each and every one of us. We have to look for other ways to reduce state spending in order to pay for the things that matter. 4. What other major issues do you think the Legislature must address? What are your own priorities? Answer from Susan Talamantes Eggman: The nationwide foreclosure crisis has hurt San Joaquin County deeply. We have been described as its "Ground Zero" and the consequences -- high crime and unemployment -- haven't spared us, either. We need to fix this, to take advantage of the rich opportunities we have available -- our muscular port, our rich farmland, our hard-working people -- and get working on developing an economy for San Joaquin County's future. I want to get us working again, and I have a track record that proves I can do it. On the council, I've made tough choices to improve government, and fought successfully for local jobs. We also have to protect educational opportunity through these difficult times, to keep quality education within reach of America's middle class. Finally, we need tough, effective leadership to resist the state's attempts to divert water from the San Joaquin Delta, a vital component of our economy and environment. 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.