Policy Positions

Jobs and Economy

Jobs And Economy

As a small business owner since 1998, I have dedicated both my life and career to the success of small business. Unfortunately, the cost of doing business in California has become too great for many family run operations as well as large employers, and our policies continue to diminish opportunities here at home while creating economic booms in neighboring states.

Besides the Silicon Valley in Northern California, our State has failed to truly take advantage of its strengths and incentivize further investment from sectors such as healthcare, science and technology, and aerospace. It is time for California to once again develop an open for business attitude, and that starts with electing representatives who truly understand how to operate a business, expand job opportunities, and shape policies that work across all sectors.

Education

Education

DSC_1671_FINAL_webAs the father of two young children, I see the importance of education on a daily basis. Not only is a good education the key to their success in the workforce, but also the key to California’s economic success in the future. In 2012, our taxpayers made the ultimate commitment to fully funding our public education system with the passing of Proposition 30. In addition, the Local Control Funding Formula has addressed some of the deeper issues facing education by returning authority back to our local school districts and administrators – giving influence to those who truly understand the unique needs of their students.

Our investment is now in the hands of our education professionals. They must ensure that our tax dollars make it to the classroom. We need to encourage workforce development by partnering with local businesses and increase our focus on STEM education. The time to make California’s education system the envy of the nation is now.

Taxes and Fees

DSC_1856_FINAL_webTaxes and Fees

Overtaxed, overregulated and overburdened. That is how the families and business owners of California feel on a daily basis. We have some of the highest taxes in the nation and the strictest environmental policies, yet our legislators continue to look for new fees or taxes to supplement reckless spending and inefficient government programs. It is no wonder that as the 8th largest economy in the world, we continue to have an unemployment rate that hovers above the national average.

As a business owner for almost two decades, I understand the strain that has been placed on our families and I know why companies continue to take thousands of full time jobs to other states. As a Councilman for the City of Rancho Cucamonga, I have taken a private sector approach to my role in local governance, and together, we have created opportunistic policies for businesses and residents in our region. This is the kind of mindset that is missing at the state level, and as your Assemblyman, I will begin to fill this void.

High Speed Rail

high-speed-railHigh Speed Rail

As the State battles back from a recession, suffers from a historic drought, and avoids addressing the threats of a looming pension crisis, the administration continues to push for a $100 billion dollar project that loses both practicality and credibility with each day that passes.

Furthermore, the High Speed Rail Project that is being implemented today does not resemble the project that was passed by voters over five years ago. We cannot allow this blatant waste of taxpayer dollars or abuse of the California initiative system to go forward. We have the ability to invest in areas that can positively impact the future of our state, while benefitting the families and residents who depend on their leaders to make beneficial decisions with their tax dollars. The High Speed Rail project is not one of them.

Water

DSC_2260_FINAL_webWater

As an issue in our State for over a century, it is safe to say that our leaders have failed to act on a water plan that addresses a growing population and the inevitability of cyclical drought. We have allowed overbearing environmental policies and political agenda to stagnate progress in this area, and now we have a serious problem that can no longer be avoided. Already it is projected that our agriculture industry will lose $2 billion this year, and such a heavy reliance on subsurface water will create catastrophic damage if we do not act on a commonsense solution.

While addressing yet overcoming environmental issues, we need to increase water storage, invest in re-usable water technology, and come together on a water plan that makes sense. Our agriculture industry and growing population depend on a reliable water source, and if we do not act on a plan, we will not be able to provide one.

Public Safety

DSC_1179_FINAL_webPublic Safety

Ensuring the safety of the public is a central function of government. If we are unsafe, our schools are unable to educate, our businesses are unable to flourish, and our communities are unable to grow. Our elected representatives must proactively work to ensure the public’s welfare by properly funding California’s public safety community. This is an even more pressing responsibility for elected officials in lieu of AB109, which has increased the risk and strain placed on local and county public safety personnel because of the early release of offenders and at-capacity incarceration facilities.

Our ability to incentivize outside investment and bring business back to our state will increase the safety in our communities by providing the resources to fully fund essential services such as public safety.