League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Los Angeles County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Ian C. Calderon Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 57

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?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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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: October 14, 2014 13:40
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