League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Sacramento, San Joaquin County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Member of the State Assembly; District 9

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. 1. How would you prioritize the fiscal choices the Legislature must make to align the state’s income and spending? Answer from Darrell R. Fong, Ret.: Spending and raising taxes must be considered with great restraint. That being said, making sure we pay for essential services for the public is part of our responsibility. I would prioritize spending on public safety, education and safetynet health services for seniors, the disabled, and the most needy residents of the 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? Answer from Darrell R. Fong, Ret.: The state needs to pass a clean water bond without earmarks in order to invest in regional water projects that include storage, recycling, and conservation. I oppose the construction of twin tunnels to divert water to the Central Valley and Southern California. 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? Answer from Darrell R. Fong, Ret.: The Legislature can lead with increasing emphasis on early education that has been proven to reduce dropout rates. In addition, California is 49th in per pupil spending. Unless we do a better job investing in public education, student performance will not improve. Answer from Jim Cooper: Early childhood education, vocational education and job training for students and adults are essential. We need to make classes smaller and college more affordable. 4. What other major issues do you think the Legislature must address? What are your own priorities? Answer from Darrell R. Fong, Ret.: I believe that the Legislature must focus on comprehensive ethics and open government reform. 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.