League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Los Angeles County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Member of the State Assembly; District 48

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 Joe Gardner: It is essential that government operates within its budget. Escalating taxation is not the answer. All non-essential spending must be eliminated. The key to improving our economy is to embrace the concept of creating private-sector jobs and develop small businesses to generate revenue. The Legislature must be focused on being fiscally responsible for the greater good of all Californians. 2. What types of changes or reforms, if any, do you think are important to make our state government function more effectively? Answer from Joe Gardner: Government must restructure its system of taxation and eliminate redundancy and waste to attract business back to the state. That means dismantling job-killing regulations and directing its resources to the more important issues of public safety, improving our infrastructure and education system. 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 Joe Gardner: We need a skilled workforce for job creation. We must hold administrators of our education systems accountable for proper fiscal management. Funding to them must be spent wisely. Part of funding issues centers around unstable sources of revenue due to a poor economy. Generating opportunity and prosperity for all creates revenue to our schools. 4. What other major issues do you think the Legislature must address? What are your own priorities? Answer from Joe Gardner: The state has abdicated its responsibility regarding AB109, "Realignment." It has created public safety concerns and elevations in crime. The state must take responsibility and actions to properly manage and cut costs to prisons to assure justice is served and the people are protected. 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.