League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara County, CA June 3, 2014 Election
	Khatchik H "Katcho" Achadjian Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 35

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 would you prioritize the fiscal choices the Legislature must make to align the state’s income and spending?

State revenue sources are highly volatile, and in order to avoid drastic cuts in the future, it is important that all of the funding choices we make are carefully considered and allocated to areas where it will make a clear difference. While California is in a better financial situation this year than last, we still face many unfunded liabilities.

2. Given our current drought condition, concern for water rights and usage is an important issue. What solutions would you support to address our water problems?

As a former San Luis Obispo County Supervisor, I came to Sacramento to empower local governments to make the best decisions for their residents. I support keeping water decisions at the local level.

If the locals do not create a solution for water management, the Governor has proposed that the State Water Board will come in to manage any groundwater basin where the locals have not taken action to govern their water.

This is precisely why I am carrying AB 2453, to address the critical situation facing the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin. This bill was brought to me by the San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors and city of Paso Robles which both voted to support this legislation. They have made their preference clear, and have decided on what they believe is best for the County. My legislation will only affect the governance of the proposed new water district + not the actual creation of the district. The actual creation of a new district must still go through the established LAFCO process.

I remain committed to working with local elected officials, business owners, and residents to find a long lasting solution to this very important issue.

3. California high school students rank lower than many states in student performance. What do you see as the ongoing role of the Legislature in addressing this problem?

I believe the Legislature's role in education should primarily focus on ensuring education funding is a priority and empowering locals to make decisions that are best for their community. The Local Control Funding Formula, as I saw it, was a way to empower local school districts, school boards, and teachers and give them the freedom to make the decisions necessary to provide children with a quality education. Each school district is unique, so a one-size-fits-all approach would not be very successful.

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

I would like to see legislation pass that would cut down the burdensome regulations that are driving small businesses out of the State. Small businesses are the backbone of California's economy. California is the 8th largest economy in the world, but we must realize that being one of the most unfriendly places for business has an impact across the board.

I have seen firsthand the troubling effects some of the laws passed in Sacramento have on small businesses in our community. I will continue to fight for these businesses, which will create more jobs in return. As an owner of a small business for over 35 years, I realize that every law that comes out of Sacramento has the potential to cause dire consequences for small businesses.

I would also like to see legislation pass that would address the long term water needs of our State. The need to have a safe and reliable drinking water supply is essential to the entire State. We must find the balance for agricultural and residential water needs.

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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: May 19, 2014 19:00
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