Politics & Government

Virtual Town Hall Questions for RJ Hernandez

Hernandez: "I will fight to use every tax dollar wisely without compromising our quality of life, jobs, or the beautiful parks, canyons, and reserves that make our district a special place to live, work, raise a family, and retire."

Patch sent questionnaires to the candidates running in the 77th Assembly District. The primary election is on Tuesday.

Patch: I’m a 37-year-old public school teacher, and every year I fear losing my job. Why should I vote for you?

Hernandez: You should vote for me because I understand the fears and anxieties associated with job loss in these rough economic times. I have been through budget-induced lay-offs myself and know how difficult and scary that possibility is for someone in your age bracket/stage of life. You should also vote for me because I support our public school teachers, will fight for improvement to funding for education while in Sacramento, and make sure that our dedicated, hard-working public employees get a fair shake. As an education advocate, I would be honored to have your support this June 5th.

Find out what's happening in Rancho Bernardo-4s Ranchwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch: I’m 26 and camped for weeks at Occupy San Diego, protesting a tax system that gives the rich huge breaks. Why should I vote for you?

Hernandez: You should vote for me because I support the Occupy Movement’s message of greater economic balance and responsible tax laws. I support an overview of our state and federal tax systems with a sharp focus on who carries the larger burden and why. I believe in Income Tax Cuts targeted at Middle Class families as well as Seniors on Social Security, the Unemployed (who pay tax on their unemployment benefits) and Minimum Wage Earners. I also support the Buffet Rule - the rule embraced by billionaire Warren Buffet that states that the top 1 percent should pay their fair share of taxes and should not pay taxes at a lower rate than those in their employ (such as his secretary). As a member AND supporter of the middle class, I look forward to having your vote for Assembly on June 5th.

Find out what's happening in Rancho Bernardo-4s Ranchwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch: I’m 68 and can’t believe how Obama is moving this country toward a Socialist state. Why should I vote for you?

Hernandez: The No. 1 reason you should support me is because I care about seniors and have a plan to improve the quality of life for those 55 and older throughout our district - via making sure our libraries stay open longer, our seniors centers are both accessible and well-staffed, and our parks, sidewalks, and streets are safe to visit, walk in, and drive down. While I can’t speak for the direction President Obama is taking our country, I can speak to where our state is headed. That direction is one of neglect and drastic cuts to social services, infrastructure, education, and basic amenities. I will fight to use every tax dollar wisely without compromising our quality of life, jobs, or the beautiful parks, canyons, and reserves that make our district a special place to live, work, raise a family, and retire. I hope to win your vote June 5th as we take one step closer to moving California in a healthy direction.

Patch: I’m 45 and have been out of work for 14 months. I’m well-educated, but employers won’t even let me in the door. Why should I vote for you?

Hernandez: You should vote for me because I have walked a mile in your shoes. I have been laid-off and felt the same frustrations about how difficult it can be to find a new, good job even with a college degree from a good school in a high-skilled field. My first job out of college was actually as a job developer, so I am familiar with both sides of this problem. I know how important job creation is at the moment and how creative and innovative legislators need to be to help get the economy moving again and employers hiring people such as yourself. I plan to put a large focus on economic revitalization and job creation through ideas such as economic gardening (a program that builds on a locality’s strengths and was piloted with success in Littleton, Colorado and Portland, Oregon) and investments in fields such as technology, manufacturing, agriculture, local services, and sustainability. As a candidate running on helping make people’s lives better and their family’s future more secure, I hope to earn your support on June 5th and work with you in moving California forward.

Patch: I’m 18 and getting into the state university system is harder than
ever—and more expensive? Why should I vote for you?

Hernandez: You should vote for me because as a fairly recent graduate of our public schools (UC Riverside), I understand your concerns about the rising cost, shrinking admission slots, and added stress today’s students face when it comes to getting a college degree. I know I am privileged to have attended college and gotten my degree before this most recent recession hit. That only serves to increase my motivation to tear down the barriers that exist for students now—via tax credits, tuition breaks such as the one being proposed for Middle Class families by Assembly Speaker John Perez, and help with financial aid, textbooks, and other necessities of college life. It’s important that we also invest in our community colleges for students who prefer to save money while earning their AA (General Ed course credits) as well as fully fund education at the CSU and UC levels. As someone who knows the struggles and sacrifices required by young people today to earn an advanced degree, I hope to have your vote on June 5th and I promise to make your first vote one you can be proud of.

Patch: I’m 81, and my grandchildren are joining the Navy. I fear another needless war will take them away. Why should I vote for you?

Hernandez: You should vote for me because I want to ease your fears and concerns about your grandchildren’s future. While the power to go to war rests solely with Congress and the President as such issues fall under federal jurisdiction, I will do whatever I can to make this state and nation safer for all of us. I will also work hard to protect vital services for members of our military (including members of the MCAS base that sits in the heart of the 77th Assembly district) as well as veterans and their families. Everyone who fights for our country should have a chance at a good education, health care, and the opportunity to own their home. While I can’t control the personal fate of your grandchildren, I can stand up for their rights as citizens and their shot at the American Dream. As your Assemblyman, I would be extremely honored to have that opportunity.

Patch: I’m 35 and see nothing happening in Sacramento or Washington to solve my problems. All I see are the extreme wings of both parties blaming each other and getting nothing done. Why should I vote for you?

Hernandez: You should vote for me because I’m a moderate and I don’t believe in furthering the division currently occurring in either Sacramento or Washington D.C. While what happens in D.C. is out of my control/authority to change, I can and hope to make an impact on both policy and the political climate of Sacramento. I plan to do this by finding common ground with other legislators on both sides of the aisle on bi-partisan issues such as fire prevention, job creation, water conservation, and protecting our children from the dangers of predators both old and new, such as the David Westerfields and John Gardners of this world to the scourge of synthetic drugs such as K2 and Spice. I hope to help usher in a new era of politics in this state - one that is pragmatic, positive, results-oriented, and based on what’s best for the next generation versus just the next election. I hope you will join me in this endeavor by casting a ballot for change on June 5th


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