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 and Jobs,
Health Care,
Energy Policy,
National Security,
Immigration Reform
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. In this time of high unemployment and budget deficits, what are the most important steps that should be taken to improve our nation’s economy and sustain job creation?
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Answer from Johnny Moore:
In order to decrease the deficits, we have to decrease the high unemployment. Since 2009, unemployment was at 7.8 and as of today unemployment is at 6.7. And the consumer confidence went from 37.7 and as of today, it jumped to 78.1. We are moving in the right direction and if we can move forward on President Obama's Budget Control Act we can probably see a continuous improvement. Some of the areas that the Budget Control Act touched on can cut and help reduce spending are: Department of Defense, Agricultural Sector, continue to improve the ACA, and have a Tax reform.
Answer from Dave Peiser:
We can support the middle class through sustainable economic growth, and pass wise small business reforms. Our country also needs to convert to renewable energy sources by 2029, which will help create a boom in employment. There are 5-10 times more people employed in renewable energy projects compared to oil and gas projects. We'll need people to install the power line grid, improve the efficiency of homes, design and install solar and wind projects and manufacture all the parts and products needed. This will bring jobs back to the United States, and propelling our country into a leadership position in the renewable energy field.
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2. What, if any, changes should be made to federal health care policies or programs?
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Answer from Dave Peiser:
The next step is moving towards a Federal Single-Payer Health Care system, which could further reduce administrative and provider costs and provide coverage for all. The Federal government must also protect women's rights to reproductive freedoms.
Answer from Johnny Moore:
Since we are at the infant stage of the Affordable Care Act, congress should continue to find better ways to improve ACA. Most Americans agree that the four area of coverage through ACA should stay; Ends pre-Existing Condition Exclusions for Children; Keeps young adults covered; Ends Arbitrary withdrawals of Insurance Coverage and Guarantees your right to appeal. I would consider a single-payer health care. Employers who provide health insurance (80%) could pay less under a payroll-tax plan, especially if workers paid a share of the payroll tax.
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3. What are your priorities with respect to our nation’s energy policy?
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Answer from Johnny Moore:
Today we have several energy sources that take many forms, including: nuclear energy, fossil energy-oil, coal and natural gas and of course renewable-wind, solar and hydropower. My priorities are Education, Immigration, and the Budget; however, our energy is important to maintain and sustain enough energy without America depending on other countries. As of today, our crude oil production has surpassed crude oil net imports. We are importing less the 50% of foreign oil. However, what we should consider is the danger and destruction of our planet if we continue to use Nuclear and fossil energy.
Answer from Dave Peiser:
Climate change is real, it is primarily caused by humans, and we need to both reduce its impact while developing policies to deal with its impacts. Protecting the environment, protecting our natural treasures and endangered species is a goal well within reach. I support the development and use of alternative and sustainable energy resources. One effort requiring policy change includes a move toward "Community Choice Aggregation," which allows communities to form their own power agencies and decide for themselves the type of power they consume, avoiding the power company monopolies if desired.
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4. What, if any, changes should be made with respect to our nation’s security, including our national defense or anti-terrorism measures?
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Answer from Johnny Moore:
Our nation's security should continue to be on an alert. We face difficult security challenges from groups what would enjoy destroying America, Americans, and American companies though out the planet. That's why, having the best national defense system, is not an option. Our number one priority is the safety of American people on America soil. We will continue to promote the security, and the freedom of our partners by working together and securing key regions. Continue to strengthen our alliances and partnerships with those of similar principles and interests. However, can we cut the defense budget and continue to have the best defense department in the world? And my answer would be "Yes." With over 3 million personnel and over 46 agencies, we can find places where America can save money.
Answer from Dave Peiser:
The United States must remain loyal to international allies, prioritize cultural competency, and refrain from the use of force during the complex peace negotiation process. We can make national security a high priority while at the same time protecting our fragile economic recovery process.
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5. What is your position on the issue of immigration reform? What, if any, changes to legislation or policy would you support?
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Answer from Johnny Moore:
America has an immigration issue. It's broken! I will support the immigration reform that the Senate passed in the summer of 2013. Several issues that President Obama's Administration has touched on:
1) Border Security: more border patrol agencies on the southern border than any other president
2) Strengthening Enforcement: ICE has audited more than 8,500 employers, debarred about 8,500 companies and individuals, and imposed more than $100million in financial sanctions.
3) Earned Citizenship: Change 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to Provisional Unlawful Presence Waivers.
Answer from Dave Peiser:
Congress must pass a comprehensive immigration reform policy. I support protecting undocumented immigrants from unfair treatment by law enforcement officials, as well as protecting immigrant families from forced separation. The more than 11 million undocumented immigrants living in America deserve a fair pathway to earned citizenship.
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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