The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of California and asked of all candidates for this office.

See below for questions on Budget Crisis, Education, Water, Health Insurance

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

Answer from Alberto Torrico:

In my city, in large part because of our commitment to economic growth and disciplined fiscal policies, we not only balanced our budget, but ended this past year with a multi-million dollar surplus. Even in these tough economic times, I have worked to keep the city budget in Newark balanced while still fighting for our top priorities.

In contrast, the state budget is neither balanced nor disciplined. In order to balance California's budget, I believe some cuts will have to be made to non-vital services. These budget cuts, however, should be balanced against specific tax increases.

Answer from Henry C. Manayan:

We need to first pass Prop. 57 and 58 to keep the State operating. Second, we need to be realistic and accept a level of compromise that contains a certain measure of cuts and taxes that will be fair. Third, we must aggresively establish a business-friendly environment that allows companies to prosper and create jobs for a stronger economy.

Answer from Dennis Hayashi:

The state's budget crisis was not created overnight. It will not be solved overnight or with quick fixes. I don't believe we can "cut" our way out of the problem. Nor do I think we can increase taxes arbitrarily. We must look at spending, look at closing tax loopholes and search for a solution to the partisan bickering that bogs down the Legislature every year the budget comes to pass.

Jobs: We must commit ourselves to creating jobs that come with fair wages and health care benefits. We must also look at the growing problem of outsourcing...too many jobs are leaving our state and going to foreign countries. California is still a great place to do business. If I am elected I will work with other elected officials to promote the benefits of doing business in California.

Answer from Tom Pico:

Republicans - including the Governor, must recognize that we need to increase taxes to address our current budget crisis. Democrats must recognize that we'll need to make cuts in some programs. We need to move the budget to a multi-year, balance sheet-based process to address future liabilities and make decisions based upon priorities and future costs vs. present benefits. We don't have to re-invent the wheel - we can follow the lead of Washington State to "zero base" budget, plan to live within our means, and stimulate our economy to create jobs and bring back the general fund revenue to past levels.

Answer from Ash Bhatt:

We need to resist the temptation to make quick-fixes to the problem, and instead find creative solutions to the budget crisis. Instead of borrowing money that our children will have to pay back, which is what Gov. Schwarzenegger's "Balanced Budget Act," I propose increasing the price of state lottery tickets. This will generate $6 billion for the state. I also propose increasing the state sales tax to generate revenue.

Answer from Alberto Torrico:

The state must continue our efforts to make all of the stakeholders in education accountable. Administrators, teachers, and parents must all work together to provide a world-class education for our children.

If elected, preserving our schools' funding will be a top priority. I will fight to protect all of the school districts in our area from state budget cuts. Unfortunately, when the numbers don't add up, politicians in Sacramento balance the state's budget on the backs of cities, counties and school districts. Each year, our local schools are forced to absorb Sacramento budget cuts.

Answer from Tom Pico:

K-12 education spending is the one sacred area of the budget that I will protect at all costs. We need to push the responsibility of spending and performance in the classroom down to the school district and school level to place ownership of learning in the hands of those who can impact it the most. I believe we need to teach our children to learn - not to pass standardized tests. Finally - we need to make sure that the money earmarked for the community college system gets back to our community colleges - and increases paid by students should go to the community college they attend - not into the general fund for redistribution.

Answer from Dennis Hayashi:

My parent's generation sustained one of the best public education systems in the world. It served as a model of excellence and as means for opportunity. When I was a young man, it was still possible to put oneself through college. Now, I am afraid cost of living increases coupled with higher tuition has made a higher education out of reach for many Californians. I will look for ways to balance our budget without impacting students.

Answer from Henry C. Manayan:

Legislators must be mindful of the public mandate of keeping funding to the minimum levels established by Prop.98. Second, we need to also meet our commitment to the funding levels established for the Community Colleges, which has traditionally been short these past years.

Answer from Ash Bhatt:

The state should be spending less money on our prision system, and instead putting the money into our schools. If we invest more in our schools now, we won't need to pump so much money into prisons.

Answer from Alberto Torrico:

I support efforts to restrict and regulate runoff and stormwater in order to restore the health of our water bodies, and more importantly, to protect our diminishing drinking water quality and supply. I would also like to look at contingency planning in case of a water service interruption caused by a natural disaster or other unforeseen emergency.

Answer from Ash Bhatt:

I support state-funded universal quality healthcare for all.

Answer from Tom Pico:

Water is our most valuable natural resource and will be a limiting factor in our growth if we are not careful. Too much water, and we drown. Too little and individuals and businesses face serious decisions. We must redouble our efforts on conservation, zone for appropriate use of run-off water, re-invest in our state's water infrastrcuture, and continue appropriate conservation measures in good times and bad to keep a steady supply of potable water available to all.

Answer from Henry C. Manayan:

We need to stress the importance of Conservation through more outreach and education. Additionally, we need to make sure that more local governments implement water recycling measures, and clean water programs. Finally, California needs to ready itself for future growth by planning for additional water supplies and resevoirs.

Answer from Dennis Hayashi:

We must practice better water conservation and protect the water systems we have in place.

Answer from Dennis Hayashi:

I envision a health care system that is affordable and allows Californians to receive quality medical treatment when it is needed...without the fear that a trip to the doctor will cause bankruptcy.

Answer from Henry C. Manayan:

SB2 is a good start to add more Californians to the ranks of the insured. However, we need to be careful that we do no unfairly burden small and mid-size businesses. Selective State exemptions will help there. As our economy starts to recover, we should be mindful of the needs of the uninsured and set aside a portion of increased state revenues towards insuring those without health insurance. I would support a minimal plan that can accomodate more of those who can lease afford insurance.

Answer from Tom Pico:

We need to create a health care system that ensures coverage for all Californians. The system needs to be fair and the costs shared amongst all parties. We definitely must continue to fund prevention programs. For example, a few dollars spent on prenatal care can prevent tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills down the line. This type of preventative spending will help our general fund in later years if we prioritize it now.

Answer from Alberto Torrico:

Every Californian deserves access to quality and affordable healthcare but unfortunately many of our citizens go without. We are headed towards a healthcare "emergency." I believe that any expansion of healthcare must include efforts to reduce the cost of providing healthcare. In order to do this, we must seek real reforms and concessions from HMOs.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.