Platform

By Christopher Lancaster

Chris Lancaster for State Assembly

Lancaster, 47, has been endorsed by scores of leaders and Countless Police and Fire Association such as San Marino Police Officers Association, Monrovia Police Officers Association, San Bernardino Police Officers Association, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Association, Los Angeles Police Pertective League, Los Angeles County Firefighters Local 1014, Arcadia Police Association, Glendora Police Officers Association, Victorville Firefighters Association,­ former Secretary of State Bill Jones, L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca, State Senator Bill Campbell (ret.), and many mayors, city council members, water board presidents, school board members, college board presidents (including Dr. David Hall, president of the Board of Trustees for Mt. San Antonio College) and community leaders.

A former mayor and city councilman from the city of Covina who is now a resident of La Verne, Lancaster was elected three times and served for a total of eight years. He is currently the Director of Government Relations for the Los Angeles Newspaper Group, which includes seven large community daily newspapers throughout Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. He has a master's degree in public administration from Cal State Fullerton and a bachelor's degree in political science from Cal Poly Pomona University.

"I intend to be a strong advocate for local government. I want to go to Sacramento and change the thinking ­ the state can no longer balance its budget by taking money away from counties, cities, school districts, water districts and special districts. I also look forward to serving in the tradition of my father, who was selfless and tireless in his effort to represent the people."

Lancaster's father, the late Assemblyman Bill Lancaster of Covina, served in the California State Legislature from 1972-1993, representing the 62nd district, which included the cities of Covina, West Covina, Claremont, Glendora, La Verne, San Dimas, and Upland.

While serving on the Covina City Council, Lancaster worked to make city hall more efficient, see that the city lived within its means,

and he supported business and economic growth through the use of redevelopment and business-friendly incentives.

"As a former mayor and city councilman, I know from first-hand experience just how the State Legislature can financially cripple cities through takeaways, unfunded mandates and misguided fiscal policy. Such policies of the past have forced municipalities to reduce services where they are needed most<at the local level. As a State Assemblyman, I pledge to remain a proponent of local government and its needs.

"I want to support legislation that will improve our state's business climate. Increased taxes and regulations are a threat to our state's long-term economic health. By reducing taxes and regulation on business, we create jobs, develop a thriving economy and return our state to its rightful place as a leader in the nation < a place to work, raise a family and live the good life."

Lancaster believes Californians need to prepare now for expected state population growth, and all that accompanies it. The state's current 37-million population is expected to grow to 52 million in the next 25 years. "We can't hide from this, and we can't let it sneak up on us. State decision makers must begin now to prepare and plan for better infrastructure for transportation, housing, medical care, education, water supply and increased energy demands. And we don't need the state Legislature to tie local government's hands. We will need smart growth and land management ideas to handle this challenge," Lancaster said.

Lancaster's platform also includes the financial security of local government, lower taxes, reduced regulation, less government, securing our borders, values and personal responsibility.

The election will be held Tuesday, June 6, 2006.

Contact: Christopher W. Lancaster 626-665-4996