League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Contra Costa, Alameda County, CA June 3, 2014 Election
	Pamela Y Price Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 15

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?

The release of the Governor's 2014 budget happily restored money in many areas, but did so with restraint and prudence. I think this is a wise approach so that we can save for future downturns and really look at how to structure a sustainable economy and budget without debt. There are still months of budget negotiations to come that will give an opportunity to ensure the most pressing needs and priorities are addressed with new revenues. Certainly services that are for the most vulnerable populations must be restored first.

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?

Clearly, conservation is part of the solution. Individuals, residents need to be a part of the solution, educated on how to conserve and ways to help reduce water use. Additionally, we need to use the innovative spirit of California to think of new ways to use and process the water that is available, including recycling, storage and transfer.

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?

Education has to be our top priority. The Legislature has a responsibility to support local school boards, increase funding for education and provide leadership and support to improve performance. I think secondarily issues related to economic justice, environmental concerns, public safety, health care and implementing restorative justice alternatives to discipline remain essential to the realization of our youth's potential and promise. I think the solutions come from outreach and education. I would like to communicate with the community more regularly, not just surrounding an event or something we need them to participate in. Engaging with people to understand what THEY need is the best way to get communities involved.

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

Small businesses and economic opportunity are the keys to our local economic growth and improving the outlook for the state. I know how hard it has become to pay people and make a profit. Unfortunately, local governments' economic development programs have been dealt a double blow with the elimination of Redevelopment and Enterprise Zone programs. We must find new ways to support local businesses so that they can continue to employ local workers, provide health care benefits, pay a living wage, and make a difference in our neighborhoods. I will work in the legislature to find solutions to support and help small and community-based businesses thrive in California.

I have been working all my life to fight for justice for everyday people. For the past 22 years I have worked as a civil rights attorney successfully arguing against racial harassment in the United States Supreme Court, fighting for ground-breaking changes within the California Department of Corrections to stop sexual harassment of female officers, and handling dozens of other important cases, big and small, to advance and protect civil rights.

My lifelong passion for civil rights is never far from my mind. I will continue this fight in the Assembly with legislation to address sexual trafficking and all forms of violence against women and children. We need to increase funding for programs for the youth aging out of foster care and other vulnerable populations. We need to continue California's leadership role in providing access to health care and acknowledge the need to improve patient safety & the education of our youth.

I strongly support the Blueprint for Reinvesting in our Justice System. We must restore funding to the courts to ensure justice and civil rights for everyone. Our state and residents suffer without a fully functional justice system, I want to work in the legislature to make sure we improve and increase access to justice.

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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 24, 2014 09:25
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