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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
Fiscal Choices,
Water,
Education,
Your Priorities
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. How would you prioritize the fiscal choices the Legislature must make to align the state’s income and spending?
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Answer from Ian C. Calderon:
California is well on its way to recovery from the devastating impacts of the great recession. The state now has a budget that is balanced and is paying off debt and, if approved by the voters, will build a rainy day fund to lessen the impacts of the next economic downturn. While it is important to do these things, it is also important to once again invest in our state's future. That means continuing to increase funding for education, provide the necessary resources for public safety and protect those most vulnerable citizens of our state. As the state continues to recover and grow, we must be prudent in our spending decisions, but must also once again invest in our state and our citizens.
Answer from Rita Topalian:
Our communities thrive when we know we are safe; this is very important.
We can get jobs if they are in our State, and not another; this is very important.
We can educate a child when the proper freedoms with controls, and policies are in place; this is very important.
Prioritizing takes wisdom, and sense-making. I can do this.
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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?
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Answer from Ian C. Calderon:
Water rights and usage remains one of the largest issues faced by California's citizens. I support solutions to the current drought that utilize the water we already have, such as increasing groundwater treatment and remediation projects, reducing the level of contaminants in drinking water, increased water recycling, and the regulation of groundwater usage in California in order to preserve what little water we have. I also support increased funding for infrastructure improvements so we can increase surface and groundwater storage- increased infrastructure ensures a reliable water supply and creating jobs for Californians. I am proud to have supported the water bond on the Assembly Floor and will vote in favor of Proposition 1 this November. Proposition 1 provides funding for the aforementioned solutions and provides drought relief for California, while also ensuring reliable water supply for years to come.
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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?
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Answer from Ian C. Calderon:
The students of California deserve to have the best public schools in the nation as they did for generations. I have worked to ensure the State provides the resources needed to make of schools great again. This includes fully funding Proposition 98, implementing local control funding for our schools so they may address the unique local needs of our students, and supporting a statewide facilities bond to ensure our students have the best environment in which to learn. All of these actions together taken by the legislature since I have been in office put us on the right track to be among the top ranked in high school performance again nationally.
Answer from Rita Topalian:
We must allow for a system that recognizes the uniqueness of every child. As a person who came to this country as a child not speaking English, and afraid, I know first hand the impact that a dedicated, passionate teacher can have (until law school, I attended public schools, and so did my children). We must remove hurdles and put into place tools and strategies that let excellent teachers do their jobs. As a legislator my job will be to make certain that education policy makes sense for the students. Good, faithful, passionate teachers and parents know what is needed to ignite and encourage the pure curiosity of a child.
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4. What other major issues do you think the Legislature must address? What are your own priorities?
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Answer from Ian C. Calderon:
Currently, California ranks first in new job creation in the nation and fourth overall nationally for job creation. However, many students graduating and moving into the job force are still finding it difficult to find employment. The Legislature must continue to build on its past and recent success in guiding the state back to a robust economic recovery. The legislature must continue to focus on helping Californians find jobs, keep those jobs and earn a living wage so they can support their family.
Answer from Rita Topalian:
Californians want the state returned to its greatness. My major issues are the major issues of the People: the economy (practical things like jobs so people can have money for paying the mortgage or rent, gas, and school) , education for our youngest citizens, protecting what all Californians have worked so hard for (including protecting Prop 13 - The People's Initiative).
Our Economy, Our Jobs, the Education for Our Children, Our District and State.
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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League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
