League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
San Bernardino County, CA June 3, 2014 Election
	Melissa O'Donnell Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 40

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?

As we continue to bring change to California, we need to always remember the importance of job growth. I don't like that so many businesses continue to leave our State. We need to make our State business friendly again, which will improve our economy drastically. The more businesses that stay in California, the more opportunities there are for employees to grow and prosper. I would make it a priority to work with corporations to continue growth in our State.

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?

Our State needs to share the water supply with all counties. Northern California has water that can be used in Southern California and Southern California has the right to use that water, especially in a time of crisis because of the drought. Certain entities to not have the right to hold on to water, being that our water supply is publicly owned.

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?

"No Child Left Behind" was designed to make sure that all students graduate school, but it also became a crutch that students started to lean on because even if they received bad grades, they would be able to pass and continue in school. This is not working and we need to make stricter policies for our students. It is so easy for them to not study and pass their grades. We need to make these stricter policies so students will learn about discipline and hard work.

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

The Legislation needs to continue to work on Bills that help our environment. In San Bernardino County, some cities have the worst pollution rates in California. We need to work with corporations who are causing this pollution. Punishing them is not the answer, but creating stricter guidelines will help our environment in the long run.

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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 7, 2014 14:44
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