WHERE DOES THE CANDIDATE STAND?

By JOE DOVINH

BUDGET DEFICIT, EDUCATION CUTS, & WATER BOND

I would advocate for changes to how we cut spending, borrow money and manage assets. First, I would reverse cuts to education and vital state programs, and seek more federal funding for Health and Human Services in light of the health care reform bill passage. Second, I would limit borrowing from local governments to a minimum. Third, forthwith sale of state-owned properties could serve a dual purpose of balancing the budget while consolidating some state functions.

SHOULD ANY OF THE $6 BILLION IN 2009 EDUCATION CUTS BE RESTORED? IF SO, HOW SHOULD THEY BE PAID FOR?

Yes. Education cuts should be fully restored as a priority. This could be paid for by reversing tax breaks afforded to sections of big business, by increasing dues levied on import of products such as electronics and by enforcing income taxes on jobs outsourced overseas. We must also seek further funding from federal stimulus dollars and the US Department of Education. We can only advance student achievement with more teachers and more classes, not less.

DO YOU SUPPORT THE $11 BILLION IN WATER BONDS ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT?

Yes. I support the bond because it will finance infrastructure overhaul for our severely stressed water system, ensuring that Californians will have safe, clean and reliable water sources long into our future. We must act now to avoid foreseeable crises due to depleted water supplies and drought conditions. Districts, municipalities and private companies may apply for bond money and compete for projects. This would also serve job-creation purposes and stimulate economic recovery.