League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Alameda County, CA June 5, 2012 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Member of the State Assembly; District 20

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on Budget, Government reform, Higher education, Major issues Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. How will you prioritize the budget choices the Legislature must make to align the state’s income and spending? Answer from Jennifer Ong: The budget choices must be aligned with my priorities to focus on the creation of decent jobs leading to career opportunities, decreasing crime within (addressing child abuse and family violence) and outside the homes and providing accessible public school education from preschool to graduate school. Any tax breaks/incentives must have measurable outcomes showing that either new jobs in California are created by businesses that invest in California or will commit resources to partner in workforce development. Answer from Luis A "Reynoso" Reynoso: My education and qualifications are: I currently serve as an elected member of the Hayward Unified School District Board of Trustees. This district, which comprises an area much larger than the city of Hayward, presents distinctive challenges in its cultural and academic diversity. My earlier background as a real-estate lease analyst for major multi-national corporations gives me the ability to evaluate the bottom line which is rare in education budgeting, and in most government work. I have presented useful approaches on cost cutting to put more taxpayer dollars into classroom teaching and less into sweetheart contracts. Prior to serving in elective office, I was also a classroom teacher, holding a BS in Computer Science, a Multi-Subject Teaching Credential, and MS in Educational Leadership. I am proud to have introduced computer technology to my third-grade Hayward students and raised their test scores 30%. Currently completing a Doctorate in Education, my research evaluates the dollarization of the currency in Ecuador and highlights the importance of the economic literacy we all need. On the Board of the Regional Occupational Program, I also promote both academic and career opportunities. Born in Mexico,I became a U.S. citizen at the age of twelve, when I entered public school in California. Bilingual in Spanish and English, I want to give every California K-12 student mastery of the English language to give them good jobs. In the Assembly, I pledge to help education rebuild prosperity, to reduce government waste, keep taxes low, and to listen to you. Please give me your vote. 2. What types of changes or reforms, if any, do you think are important to make our state government function more effectively? Answer from Jennifer Ong: We must eliminate the supermajority vote requirement in the State constitution to raise taxes. As it currently stands, this 2/3rds vote requirement effectively doubles the power of the decision making to a minority 1/3rd. A simple majority vote is a mathematically fair representation of the will of the voters/legislators. I support all policies that maximize transparency and accountability in the area of reform to increase the effectiveness of government. 3. Fees for public higher education have gone up dramatically and funding has been cut. Is this a priority concern, and if so, what measures would you propose to address it? Answer from Jennifer Ong: Public higher education is the path for low income families to become self sufficient. I am not supportive of funding cuts and increased fees for higher education and support legislation and policies that prioritize identifying tax loopholes that can raise revenue to fund schools such as the Middle Class Scholarship Program. 4. What other major issues do you think the Legislature must address? What are your own priorities? Answer from Jennifer Ong: The legislature and our communities must address increasing access to health care and good health including environmental, individual and public health. My priorities will always focus on our communities' ongoing priorities: 1. Creating jobs that lead to career opportunities 2. Decreasing crime within and outside of homes 3. Prioritizing accessible quality education 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. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.