League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Contra Costa, Alameda County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Eugene E Ruyle Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 15

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. How will you prioritize the budget choices the Legislature must make to align the state’s income and spending?

California is the richest state in the richest country in the world, but this wealth is not being used to meet our needs. Instead, it remains in the hands of a few millionaires and billionaires, one of whom bought himself the entire Hawaiian Island of Lanai. Another is married to a U.S. Senator who throws lucrative "defense" contracts his way. The wealthy few enjoy the fruits of our labor, while Californians struggle to make ends meet. The solution is simple: End the Wars and Tax the Rich and their Corporations.

2. What types of changes or reforms, if any, do you think are important to make our state government function more effectively?

Californians will never have a state government that serves their interest as long as we elect politicians who are, in effect, paid employees of those who pay their campaign expenses: the rich and their corporations. This will continue until we have public financing of elections with proportional representation and instant runoff voting. Meanwhile, our children will suffer, along with the poor, the sick, and the elderly.

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?

When I enrolled at the University of California in 1954, I paid $45 in fees for the semester. I graduated debt-free with a fellowship for graduate study at an Ivy League University. I couldn't do that today. I fear that my grand children will graduate into debt slavery unless we make some drastic changes.

4. What other major issues do you think the Legislature must address? What are your own priorities?

The state legislature will not and cannot address the real life problems faced by ordinary Californians, not as long as they remain indebted to the rich and powerful. My priorities, instead, lie with the people. I want to do whatever I can to help Occupy Oakland, Occupy Richmond, Occupy Berkeley, and Occupy Cal become more effective in confronting the 1%. The state legislature cannot do this because they ARE the 1%.

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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.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 28, 2012 23:38
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