League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Los Angeles County, CA June 3, 2014 Election
	Steve Neal Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 64

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?

Our first priority should be to the people of California. Our state legislature must work to foster job creation and economic growth. This not only will benefit the 64th District, but our state as a whole. I will work with my fellow legislators to build coalition and consensus and find the best solution for California, moving forward.

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?

In the short-term, I believe we should study ways to divert some water from Northern to Southern California without causing environmental damage. As a coastal state, we should also be investing in desalination technology, so that one day it will be an affordable and environmentally sustainable method of supplying sufficient water resources to our population. I would also work to create a system so that low income and middle class families are still able to access water during drought conditions. Ultimately, the best way to resolve the water supply crisis is by conserving water. I will push for laws that strengthen conservation.

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?

Providing quality education for our young people is critical for producing an informed citizenry that can make wise decisions and a skilled workforce that can compete in a global economy. As an Assemblymember, I will fight for public education, including technical skills training, STEM subjects, and arts and music to develop the important asset of creativity in our students. I will protect funding for these programs and work to increase it so we can education, not incarcerate our children.

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

The Legislature must continue to address the issues of job creation and economic growth, public safety for all of our communities, and a competitive education system for our future generations. I want to transform the 64th District, particularly in the areas of creating jobs and opportunity, increasing and improving public safety, and educating and supporting our youth. As an Assemblymember, I will bring together business leaders, labor leaders, nonprofits and other the community to work on a comprehensive plan to create jobs within my district and within California as a whole. I will also work to increase funding for technical skills training, STEM education, and the arts. Finally, I will work to improve public services.

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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 29, 2014 09:36
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