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LWV League of Women Voters of California Education Fund

Smart Voter
Merced, Stanislaus County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues
Member of the State Assembly; District 21


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 Budget, Government reform, Higher education, Major issues

Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest.

? 1. How will you prioritize the budget choices the Legislature must make to align the state’s income and spending?

Answer from Jack Mobley:

The primary function of government is protection of it's citizens. After first responders are given the ability to meet their obligations I would work on improving the state's business climate. Infrastructure, including water storeage, needs to be a major priority. We need to create an environment where businesses will move back to California. Government does not create jobs, the private sector does. However, government can facilitate business moving back by providing the needed security and facilities businesses need.

Answer from Adam C. Gray:

First and foremost the legislature must balance the state's budget. The legislature must prioritize funding for core services, like public safety, education, healthcare and infrastructure.

? 2. What types of changes or reforms, if any, do you think are important to make our state government function more effectively?

Answer from Adam C. Gray:

We must stop sending inexperienced and highly partisan individuals to Sacramento. Legislators from all parties need to work together to find common ground for improving our communities. The legislature must do a better job of oversight on government agencies and put in place performance based budgeting to ensure we are spending tax dollars effectively. My experience and knowledge of the legislative process in and outside of Sacramento will allow me to start working for my community on day one.

Answer from Jack Mobley:

I am for a part time legislature and for a different way to raise revenues such as replacing all taxes with a state sales tax of the type advocated by Dr Laffer. We need a valid voter ID process to curtail voter fraud. All legislation should be posted to a state web site for a minimum of a week before it is voted on and all legislators should post their office budgets online.

? 3. Fees for public higher education have gone up dramatically and funding has been cut. Is this a priority concern, and if so, what measures would you propose to address it?

Answer from Adam C. Gray:

This is a top priority for me. We must ensure that every Californian has the opportunity to obtain an affordable high quality public education. We cannot continue to be competitive in the world economy without an educated workforce. To accomplish this we must limit tuition increases as well as control costs through proper oversight and the use of performance based budgeting.

Answer from Jack Mobley:

The salaries of staff and the money spent on facilities etc needs to be looked at. The cost of education has risen much faster than inflation and is not being explaned adequately.

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

Answer from Jack Mobley:

Water storeage Voter fraud Lower taxes, state sales tax rather than other taxes Environmental rules being written and enforced by an unelected bureacracy.

Answer from Adam C. Gray:

We must refocus state government on core services that will make our community competitive in the world economy. We must make the necessary investments in education, transportation, water, public safety and health care to ensure that our state can attract new business and high quality jobs for the future.


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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Created: December 17, 2012 13:48 PST
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