League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Sacramento, Yolo County, CA June 3, 2014 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Member of the State Assembly; District 7

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 Fiscal Choices, Water, Education, Your Priorities Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. How would you prioritize the fiscal choices the Legislature must make to align the state’s income and spending? Answer from Ralph J. Merletti: I would be looking at who and what have the greatest needs. Then I would evaluate what projects could be cut without seriously affecting the most needy. 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? Answer from Ralph J. Merletti: The proposed reservoir in Colusa County would be a good start. We must be very cautious about any future diversions out of Northern California. The populations of local source areas must first be guaranteed full access for both personal and agricultural needs. 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? Answer from Ralph J. Merletti: The CA state legislature should always be on the lookout for new ideas and solutions that would increase the effectiveness of teaching methods used in educating our students. 4. What other major issues do you think the Legislature must address? What are your own priorities? Answer from Ralph J. Merletti: The Legislature must address issues of moral and fiscal responsibility. There must be better accountability as to how and where our state funds are allocated. The California Legislature needs to be much more careful about which bills are passed, and which are defeated in committee. My values are life, faith, family, and education. I will work for a new common-sense direction that will be more responsible to ALL of the people of our 7th Assembly District, born and unborn. 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.