Candidate for
Member of the State Assembly; District 7

My values are life, faith, family, and education. I am pro-life, pro-family, a strong education supporter, and I represent a new direction for the California State Legislature. In a spirit of moral and fiscal responsibility, we must be much more careful about which bills are passed, and which are defeated in committee. There must be better accountability as to how and where our state funds are allocated. 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.

If we are going to fix our communities, we must fix our schools. If we are going to fix our schools, we must fix the family. If we are going to restore the family, we must do it in a way that involves faith-based institutions and traditional morality. Children should be taught to respect all human life from conception to natural death, and to strive for lofty goals in terms of personal discipline, family values, education, vocational and professional achievement.

I support a stronger education system at all levels, from pre-school all the way to post-graduate higher education. I have a long background in education, especially as a substitute teacher in numerous public school districts. No one sees a school district like a substitute! We must strengthen subject areas in addition to math and language arts. We need more emphasis on science, social studies, and the fine arts. There must be more care given to any implementation of common-core education programs of study. There must be careful assessment of what works and what doesn't... with much input from parents and students. If common-core approaches are found to be generally helpful by both parents and students, then fine. However, if it replaces necessary basic and practical learning methods with mostly difficult and complex theory-based approaches, then there is a serious problem, and an appropriate response is needed, especially at the elementary level.

In higher education we must find ways to reduce the burden of ever-increasing student tuition, and help them to graduate in four years. Also, California in-state residents should be given the admission priorities they deserve! We must hold superintendents, chancellors, and other administrators responsible to student well-being, rather than giving them increasingly higher salaries, while students continue to struggle financially.

On other issues: I think high speed rail requires more studies. The current focus should be on our immediate transportation needs and infrastructure... state and local highways in great need of repair and/or upgrading. For example, CA 99 should be given full U.S. Interstate status from Red Bluff to south of Bakersfield.

Marijuana: I oppose full legalization of this mind-altering drug which would only increase the number of people not in full control of their senses at any given time. Marijuana can also be the first step toward usage and addiction to meth, cocaine, heroin, and other dangerous drugs.

Gun control: I would suggest continuing current restrictions, but redefining actual high power/high- capacity assault weapons and ammunition, instead of placing so many different firearms into a single category. We need identification and care at an earlier age for psychological-risk youths. Also there should be a mandatory parental gun ownership responsibility/training law.

Taxes/Spending/Social Services: In addition to my comments on higher education, I would work for an end to state taxpayer-funded abortions. Instead, state taxpayer-funded reproductive health services should be required to give full and accurate life-affirming information and resources concerning the development of the unborn, including mandatory sonograms available for pregnant patients. I would favor increased maternity leave benefits and workplace child care. I would support whatever spending or tax relief that would encourage a return to traditional family values and a culture of life.

I ask for your support on the June 3rd, 2014 election ballot -- VOTE! -- RALPH MERLETTI for your next California Assembly District #7 Member.