League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Alameda, Santa Clara County, CA March 2, 2004 Election
	Alberto Torrico Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 20; Democratic Party

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. What does California need to do to address the current budget crisis?

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.

2. What should the state's priorities be for K-12 education? For the Community College System?

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.

3. What measures would you support to address California's water needs?

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.

4. What should the Legislature be doing to address the needs of California's without health insurance?

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.