League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Merced, Monterey, Stanislaus, Fresno, Madera, San Benito Counties, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues State Senator; District 12

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? (No candidates submitted answers to this question) 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? (No candidates submitted answers to this question) 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? (No candidates submitted answers to this question) 4. What other major issues do you think the Legislature must address? What are your own priorities? Answer from Shawn K. Bagley: California has taken great steps toward achieving fiscal stability. Now is the time for our elected leaders to take bold action to usher in a new era of growth and prosperity. Our state government has managed to pull out of the Recession, but working families are still struggling to make ends meet. We need to make smart investments to help our communities recover + investments in jobs, water, and education are vital. Right now, our education system is ranked 47th in the nation. That's unacceptable. During the Recession, California cut millions of dollars to education. We need to put our kids back on track to a great future. But it's so much more than that. We will be laying the groundwork for prosperity by investing in the young men and women who will bring innovation and jobs to our state. Being in business for 30 years, I know what it takes to make a business grow + investing in people. We have to invest in water. The drought has taken a drastic toll on our community. Passing a comprehensive water bond that includes appropriations for conveyance, storage, and restoration will mitigate these issues in the future while creating much needed jobs now. Every drop of water counts. Illegal marijuana growers are draining water from our creeks and rivers but politicians are too scared to confront the issue. Let's take marijuana from the black market to the free market. I will take the lead to ensure these marijuana growers follow the rules. 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.