League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles Counties, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues State Senator; District 23

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 Melissa Ruth O'Donnell: On the State level, we need to pass Legislation the promotes job creation. We need to work with small business owners, helping to make their company prosper. Also, we need to continue to help the Public education system. This system creates the leaders of the future. By concentrating on these areas, many people will see a benefit at the local level. 2. What types of changes or reforms, if any, do you think are important to make our state government function more effectively? Answer from Melissa Ruth O'Donnell: I think we need to completely support the teachers. I am a teacher and the cost that is spent in the classroom is minimal compared to the administration costs. We need to cut back on wasteful spending and I do not think that includes the money that is directly used in the classrooms. 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 Melissa Ruth O'Donnell: I think there should be more private colleges that are less expensive. This would help the system overall. Also, public education needs to stay at a reasonable price and does not have to be an outrageous cost. Yes, this is a major concern because we need to create educated leaders for the future generations. 4. What other major issues do you think the Legislature must address? What are your own priorities? Answer from Melissa Ruth O'Donnell: Legislation needs to continue to address the serious real estate problems we are having. Our Attorney General is working to help the home owners and I would support her and work at the State level to help homeowners through this Real Estate crisis. 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.