May 2016 Voters Guide

ELECTION 2016

May 28, 2016

California Primary: June 7

www.vvdailypress.com

Your guide to local, state and national races

DONALD TRUMP | Page 3 THE PEOPLE HOLD THE POWER | Page 5 OVERVIEW OF LOCAL RACES | Page 7

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Voters Guide Weekender

Donald Trump’s Supreme Court list....................................................................................... Page 3 Hillary Clinton and the 2-for-1 presidency............................................................................. Page 4 Helena Johnson: The people and the vote ............................................................................. Page 5 Bernie Sanders refuses to quit .............................................................................................. Page 6 Local races overview ............................................................................................................ Page 7 San Bernardino County 1st District Supervisors race ....................................................... Pages 8-9 San Bernardino County 3rd District Supervisors race .......................................................... Page 10 Proposition 50 .................................................................................................................... Page 11 33rd state Assembly District race ....................................................................................... Page 12 21st state Senate District race ............................................................................................ Page 13 8th Congressional District race .................................................................................... Pages 14-15

Cover photo: Main image by James Quigg; candidates photos by The Associated Press Contributing writers: Shea Johnson, Helena Johnson, Patrick McGreevy, Associated Press Contributing photographers: James Quigg, David Pardo, Jose Huerta, Associated Press Election 2016 is published and copyrighted 2016 by the Daily Press, 13891 Park Ave., Victorville, Calif., 92392 Publisher: Donnie Welch Editor: Steve Hunt Advertising Director: Angie Callahan Production Director: Todd Bradshaw

ELECTION 2016

Trump’s Supreme Court list underscores election’s importance

By Mark Sherman, Jill Colvin Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump’s list of potential Supreme Court nominees is a splashy reminder that the 2016 presidential election could determine the direction of the high court for years to come.

The presumptive Republican nominee on May 18 named 11 federal and state court judges as potential replacements for the late Justice Antonin Scalia, any of whom would restore conservative control of the court lost with his death.

President Barack Obama has nominated Judge Merrick Garland to take Scalia’s place, but Republicans who control the Senate say they will not fill the seat before the election. That leaves the Supreme Court with eight justices, divided 4 to 4 by ideology.

Scalia’s death was a shock, but the next few years are almost certain to produce more

vacancies. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is 83, Justice Anthony Kennedy turns 80 in July and Justice Stephen Breyer will be 78 before the end of the summer.

A Trump nominee in any of those seats would cement conservative domination of the court for years, if not decades. By contrast, a victory by the Democrats in November probably would lead to the most liberal Supreme Court in a half-century.

Trump had said he would appoint justices in the mold of the conservative Scalia, whom Trump called “a remarkable person and a brilliant Supreme Court justice.”

The eight men and three women, all white, on Trump’s list are all judges, six who sit on federal appeals court judges and five state appellate judges.

The announcement came as Trump is working to bring together a fractured Republican Party and earn the trust of still-skeptical establishment Republicans who question his electability in the general election, as well as conservatives

in his party still wary of his commitment to their cause.

In a statement, Trump said the list “is representative of the kind of constitutional principles I value” and said that, as president, he would use it “as a guide to nominate our next United States Supreme Court justices.”

They include Judge William Pryor of the Atlanta-based federal appeals court, who has called the landmark Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion nationwide the “worst abomination in the history of constitutional law.”

Joan Larsen, who serves on the Michigan Supreme Court, is a former law clerk to Scalia who delivered one of the tributes to the late justice at his memorial service.

She served in the Justice Department office that produced the legal justifications for the enhanced interrogation techniques, including waterboarding, that critics have called torture.

“I’m focused on doing my job for the people of Michigan,” she said. “I love being a judge. I love this court. I love the work of this court. And that’s where my focus lies.”

Also on the list is Judge Steven Colloton, a member of the federal appeals court in St. Louis. Colloton was part of a unanimous

three-judge panel that ruled for faith-affiliated groups that challenged Obama administration rules giving women covered by the groups’ health plans access to cost-free contraceptives.

Colloton’s panel was the only one of nine appeals courts that sided with the nonprofit groups, and the Supreme Court last week failed to resolve the conflict among the lower courts.

Instead, the justices threw out all the appellate rulings and ordered the lower courts to re-examine the issue in a search for a compromise outcome.

Advocates on both sides of the abortion debate were quick to react in ways that pointed to the importance of the presidential election.

“Donald Trump’s list of potential Supreme Court nominees are a woman’s worst nightmare. Their records reveal a lineup of individuals who would likely overturn Roe v. Wade if given the chance, gutting what’s left of abortion access in this country and heaping punishment on women,” said Ilyse Hogue, president of NARAL ProChoice America.

On the other side of the issue, Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser said Trump’s list was especially strong

and stood in contrast to judges Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton would choose.

“There is no question Clinton would only nominate judges who stand in lock-step with the abortion lobby and would strike down even the most modest abortion limits,” Dannenfelser said.

Trump’s list is also notable for the names that don’t appear.

It omits two of the biggest stars in the conservative legal world, Judge Brett Kavanaugh of the federal appeals court in Washington, and former Bush administration Solicitor General Paul Clement.

Indeed, none of those mentioned works in Washington, although several have served as Supreme Court law clerks or worked in the Justice Department.

Among the judicial candidates, Sykes, a judge on the federal appeals court in Chicago, is the oldest at 58, while Stras, a justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court, is the youngest at 41.

No one has gone directly from a state court to the Supreme Court since Sandra Day O’Connor in 1981.

— Colvin reported from New Jersey. Associated Press writer Michael Gerstein reported from Lansing, Michigan.

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ELECTION 2016

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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ELECTION 2016

Hillary Clinton and the 2-for-1 presidency

By Lisa Lerer & Catherine Lucey Associated Press

Voters Guide Weekender

HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. — The notion of a 2-for-1 Clinton presidency is back.

Recalling sunnier days of growth, low unemployment and budget surpluses under her husband, Hillary Clinton is telling Americans that Bill Clinton will be “in charge of revitalizing the economy” if she wins the White House.

What his work would be remains unclear: not a cabinet post, she indicated. But, as she has been saying for months, she expects him to play a leading role.

Bill Clinton reigned over a strong economy, especially in the final years of his presidency, yet his economic legacy is mixed.

The late 1990s were the last period to see sustained income gains for the typical American household. Middle-income wages have stagnated since then.

But his refusal to step up regulation of exotic financial instruments known as derivatives was blamed in large measure for the collapse of the financial sector years later. The tech bubble of his time burst.

And his agenda was driven by support for free trade deals, including one that gave China better access to the U.S. market, that are held responsible by elements of both parties for driving jobs out of the country.

Still, in those pre-9/11 days, it’s a stretch of peace and prosperity like Americans haven’t seen since and with her latest remarks, in Kentucky, Hillary Clinton is more firmly laying out how important he would be to her agenda.

The situation is highly unusual: Not only would Clinton be the first president to have a “First Dude,” she’d also be the first to have a former president

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton greets patrons at the Lone Oak Little Castle Restaurant in Paducah, Ky., on May 16. AP PHOTO/ANDREW HARNIK

in the East Wing.

Now, facing a two-front fight against Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump, she’s stressing that Bill Clinton would be an asset in her administration, particularly with the kind of Southern white voters who once backed him but now are drawn to Trump.

“Tell me anybody else who’s been here as much or knows us as well,” said Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin, of Bill Clinton, during a campaign event in West Virginia. Hillary Clinton lost that primary — a state her husband won by double digits — earlier this month to Sanders.

The GOP front-runner and his team are making a different political bet. They see Bill Clinton’s history of scandal as ripe for exploitation.

Still, in recent weeks, Clinton has begun sketching out a bit more of a role for her husband, though there is great ambiguity.

She told West Virginians that

Still, in recent weeks, Clinton has begun sketching out a bit more of a role for her husband, though there is great ambiguity. She told West Virginians that he’d focus on helping economically distressed communities, like those in coal county, reinvent themselves in a changing economy. he’d focus on helping economically distressed communities, like those in coal county, reinvent themselves in a changing economy.

“You’ll get sick of seeing him,” she said earlier this month. “This gets him really, really excited.”

Spokesman Nick Merrill said that despite the candidate’s description of her husband’s

in-charge role, Clinton would be getting ahead of herself to talk about “any sort of formalized role for anyone.” But, he added, Bill Clinton “has a lot to offer and it would be foolish not to use that in some capacity.”

More any other political couple in recent American history, the Clintons have long viewed themselves as a joint package.

Shortly after entering the White House, Clinton appointed his wife to head the administration’s effort to pass a major health care bill. The failed measure became known as “Hillarycare.”

But as the party has shifted to the left during the Obama administration, Hillary Clinton repeatedly found herself forced to repudiate key pieces of her husband’s legacy during her primary campaign. She’s distanced herself from the North American Free Trade Agreement, the federal law that defined marriage as between one man and one woman, and the “don’t ask,

don’t tell” policy that banned gays and lesbians from military service. Hillary Clinton has also faced criticism for backing the 1994 crime bill, which led to tougher sentencing for drug offenses.

Her campaign is calculating that in the general election, Bill Clinton’s strong economic record outweighs the criticism.

Bill Clinton has been campaigning in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, New Mexico, California, South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana of late.

Late in Clinton’s presidency, unemployment dropped to 3.9 percent, its lowest level since 1970. It’s 5 percent now — and he set a record in monthly job growth in the post-World War II era. Growth averaged 3.8 percent, better than the record under Ronald Reagan and a far cry from the 0.5 percent of the last quarter or the 1.4 percent of the quarter before. But Clinton also came to office when a recession was ending; Barack Obama stepped into a worsening one that would be unrivaled since the Depression.

“Broadly-shared prosperity is what President Clinton is known for, so I am thrilled Hillary is deploying my old boss,” said former Clinton aide Paul Begala.

“Wherever two or more are gathered, there, too, should he be.”

Campaigning in a smoky diner in Paducah, Kentucky, Clinton was surrounded by people who affectionately recalled previous visits by the Clintons. Bill Clinton campaigned in the town right before the 1992 election that made him president.

Joanne Clark, 54, exclaimed that she had shaken hands with Bill Clinton all those years ago.

“He’s gotta get out of retirement!” replied Hillary Clinton.

— Lerer reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Julie Bykowicz and Christopher S. Rugaber in Washington contributed to this report.

Voting with our heads as well as our hearts is paramount

By Helena Johnson

The greatest formula for a successful government requires the participation of all people. All people includes everyone who is eligible to vote for our public policy regardless of our personal feelings.

In order to have a government “by the people” and “for the people,” the people need to participate and know they have value. As our country grows and becomes more a melting pot than ever imagined, we seek to find ways to exclude rather than include. We cannot leave out the “by the people” clause when voting for what we see as successful government. As voters in the United States of America, we are “the people.”

The American people have the final say about our country’s issues.

After the election, we have given individuals permission to make decisions for us. We can still voice our opinions; however we must live with the consequences of the majority vote.

We must remember our history, and understand that to explore the meaning of the American Way is to realize that our country

We cannot leave out the “by the people” clause when voting for what we see as successful government. As voters in the United States of America, we are “the people.” was founded on division and has always remained a divided country.

Mary McLeod Bethune once said, “We live in a world which respects power above all things.

Power, intelligently directed, can lead to more freedom. Unwisely directed, it can be a dreadful, destructive force.”

We must never lose sight of our people power if used wisely.

Elected officials respond to donations, but they also respond to polling results. You should ask yourself at least two questions when punching your ballot. Question one is: Do I know this person?

Question two is: Do I trust this person to carry out my wishes?

You do not have to know someone personally to trust them, but when you are putting your life, your family’s life, your job, and your future on the line, shouldn’t you know a little bit more than what you read on a sign or a

billboard?

Whatever your political philosophy, the League of Women Voters has been available to assist you in hearing from those who want to be your leaders and discussing issues of importance.

Whether you believe in Paul’s faith, hope and love, Oliver Wendell Holmes’ admonition that the life of the law has not been logic — that law is more about the felt necessities of the times, or Martin Luther King’s moral arc of the universe, what is required for a more just, verdant and peaceful world is action.

Faith without work is dead. We must make our necessities felt where and when it is most important. For us that means going to the polls and voting with our heads as well as our hearts.

Helena Johnson, EdD, is a member of the High Desert League of Women Voters leadership team and a resident of Hesperia.

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When ‘the people’ tackle political participation

Voters Guide | Weekender

ELECTION 2016

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ELECTION 2016

Sanders on the brink as campaign nears end

Voters Guide Weekender

Leading Democrats are growing increasingly vocal in their concerns about the White House hopeful’s continued candidacy, and if he and his legions of enthusiastic supporters ultimately will unite behind Hillary Clinton in a general election against Donald Trump.

By Erica Werner & Ken Thomas Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The awkward embrace between Bernie Sanders and the Democratic Party may be nearing a breaking point as the June 7 California Primary approaches.

Leading Democrats are growing increasingly vocal in their concerns about the White House hopeful’s continued candidacy, and if he and his legions of enthusiastic supporters ultimately will unite behind Hillary Clinton in a general election against Donald Trump.

For his part, Sanders has sharpened his critique of the party. He says it would be “sad and tragic” if Democrats don’t stop relying on big money, and he is assailing Clinton for her dependence on wealthy donors.

Clinton backers grumble that such comments can only help Republicans, belying Sanders’ claims that he’ll work tirelessly to ensure Trump doesn’t end up the president.

The tone on both sides is worsening after the recent fracas at the Nevada Democratic Convention. Furious over rules they claimed favored Clinton, a group of Sanders supporters shouted obscenities, brandished chairs and threatened and harassed the party chairwoman. And after Democratic officials including Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada pressed Sanders to denounce the events, Sanders defiantly asserted that his supporters were treated unfairly.

The tenor of the Sanders’ statement disturbed Democratic leaders. They’re worried that as the primary process nears its end, Sanders may resist the graceful exit that Democrats expect of him and instead heed advisers and supporters pressing him to maintain the fight, perhaps all the way to the Democratic convention in Philadelphia in July.

“Everything our families care

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks at a rally in Carson on May 17. After months when the story of the 2016 presidential campaign focused on divided Republicans, Democrats are now showcasing divisions in their ranks. AP PHOTO/JAE C. HONG

about is at stake here,” said Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer of California, who said she feared for her safety after being booed and shouted down at the Nevada convention.

Boxer said in an interview that she spoke with Sanders last week, and found her Vermont colleague very upset, insisting “my people wouldn’t do this.”

“I just told him, ‘Bernie, you need to take control of this,’” Boxer said.

Boxer and other influential Democrats cited Clinton’s handling of her bitter loss to Barack Obama eight years ago as a model. Then, Clinton washed away a season of bad blood by conceding and throwing her support behind the eventual president.

“The math didn’t add up for her then and it doesn’t add up for Bernie now,” Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan said.

Vice President Joe Biden gently

chastised Sanders, saying he should be more aggressive in speaking out if his supporters behave as badly as they did in Nevada, but expressing confidence the party would unify.

“I’m not worried. There’s no fundamental split in the Democratic Party,” he said.

Few are demanding publicly that Sanders get out of the race immediately. That may change quickly if he doesn’t do so early next month, presuming Clinton wraps up the nomination as expected. But right now, the party’s leaders want to avoid making the campaign so bitter that Sanders’ backers refuse to rejoin the fold.

Looming over all the uncertainty is the prospect of violence in Philadelphia like the riots that marred the 1968 convention in Chicago.

“People are trying to reach out and make sure that this thing doesn’t get ruptured,” Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., said.

The question, she said, is will Sanders “go all-in to help Hillary Clinton defeat Donald Trump?”

Jim Manley, a Democratic spokesman and former top Reid aide, worried that even if Sanders backs Clinton, the rancor of the campaign may lead his supporters to stay home on Election Day. But a bitter end to the ClintonSanders primary may be difficult to avoid.

Sanders has won 20 states.

And his ability to energize progressives and draw huge crowds has contrasted with Clinton’s plodding air of inevitability that has excited few people on her march to the Democratic nomination. Sanders and his advisers can claim to have sparked a movement. Clinton has been more workmanlike in piling up delegates, even if her supporters note that she generated enough energy to swamp Sanders in major states like New York.

For months, Democrats

welcomed the vigor of Sanders’ campaign. Now they want to be sure he’ll transfer that energy to Clinton’s campaign.

Reid and Sanders have discussed Sanders’ Senate future and advancing the 74-year-old, Democratic socialist’s progressive ideals. They’ve also spoken about campaigning for Senate Democrats and like-minded candidates like Wisconsin’s Russ Feingold, who said recently there is no hurry for Sanders to quit.

“We’ll get it all together in July,” Feingold said.

Sanders hasn’t made his intentions clear.

On the campaign trail, he routinely criticizes Trump. Yet Sanders’ public statements sometimes suggest Clinton wouldn’t be a worthy option for his supporters.

In California last week, Sanders said Democrats must choose between welcoming voters “who are prepared to fight for real economic and social change,” or opting to maintain a structure “dependent on big money campaign contributions and be a party with limited participation and limited energy.”

But senior adviser Ted Devine brushed aside concerns about Sanders’ loyalty to the Democratic cause. “He intends to support the nominee of the party even if it is not him,” Devine said.

— Associated Press writer Scott Bauer contributed from Madison, Wisconsin.

From Staff Reports

California’s June 7 primary won’t be nearly as interesting from a national standpoint now that Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have locked up their parties’ presidential nominations, but there are some key local races that demand High Desert voters’ attention.

It all starts with the race for San Bernardino County 1st District Supervisor, where incumbent Robert Lovingood of Apple Valley finds himself facing four challengers — the husband-and-wife team of Rick Roelle and Angela Valles and Hesperia City Councilmen Bill Holland and Paul Russ.

Lovingood beat Roelle in a tight race in 2012 and seeks a second term on the Board of Supervisors. He has significantly increased his presence throughout the district in recent months as it became evident this election wouldn’t be a cakewalk.

Due to the number of challengers, it wouldn’t be surprising if Lovingood were unable to gain the 50 percent, plus one of the vote needed June 7 to automatically win re-election and prevent a runoff in November.

If a runoff is in the cards, it’s difficult to predict which challenger or challengers will continue on to the general election on Nov. 8.

You can’t count out another strong showing from Roelle, a former Apple Valley Town Councilman, though he was unable to best Jay Obernolte in 2014 when he ran for state Assembly.

The wildcard in this race appears to be Roelle’s wife, Valles, a former Victorville City Councilwoman who has accused Lovingood of

San Bernardino County 1st District Supervisor Robert Lovingood will face four challengers in the June 7 Primary in his bid to win election to a second term in office.

conflict-of-interest and isn’t afraid to mix it up with the political establishment.

She’s funding her own campaign and has proved she’s a fighter.

It’s hard to say what Holland’s motive for running is.

He was appointed Hesperia mayor this year and led that City Council’s decision to approve the controversial Tapestry Project that could bring upwards of 60,000 new residents to the city over the next 30 years if the developer and city can prevail in legal challenges brought by environmental groups and the community of Crestline.

Russ’s motive seems a little easier to understand, even though he was only elected to the Hesperia City Council in 2014. Russ and Lovingood are bitter rivals and Russ appears to be calling on his developer friends to fuel his campaign war chest as he tries to at least give Lovingood a run for his money.

Third District Supervisor James Ramos also has a challenger, his former field rep Donna Munoz from the Morongo Valley. While Ramos attempts to win a second term, Munoz is banking on her community

outreach and support for the proposed tribal casino in Barstow to at least force a November runoff.

Rep. Paul Cook, R-Apple Valley, expected the usual Democratic challenge for the primary, but couldn’t have been too happy to see fellow Republican and former state Assemblyman Tim Donnelly throw his hat in the ring.

While Cook seeks reelection, Donnelly’s name recognition and strong support from the Victor Valley will make this an interesting race to follow. The Democratic field is stronger than usual, too, with Victor Valley College Trustee John Pinkerton, veteran Roger La Plante and retired college professor Rita Ramirez all seeking a spot on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Assemblyman Jay Obernolte, R-Hesperia, looks to win his second term in Sacramento after a productive first two years in office. He’s opposed by Democrat Scott Markovich.

The 21st state Senate race features no Victor Valley candidates and no incumbent now that Sharon Runner has decided her health couldn’t take another term.

The favorite seems to be Republican Scott Wilk, a state Senator from Santa Clarita who is running against Republican Star Moffatt, who challenged Runner last year and coowns a legal firm, as well as Democrats Johnathon Ervin, a 38-year-old aerospace engineer who has strong labor union support in the Antelope Valley, and Steve Hill, who did not respond to this newspaper’s request for information or comment.

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1st District Supervisor race most interesting

Voters Guide | Weekender

LOCAL RACES OVERVIEW

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ELECTION 2016

San Bernardino County 1st District Supervisor Questions posed to candidates

Voters Guide Weekender

1. Within 90 days in office, what’s one policy/initiative you vow to strongly push?

2. Victorville has the second-highest homeless population in the county. What more needs to be done to fix this problem while simultaneously assisting those on the streets?

3. The terrorist attacks in San Bernardino were seen as a wake-up call. Why should the public trust that you can use your influence at the county-level to keep residents safe?

4. It took CEO Greg Devereaux seven months to inform Supervisors that the county’s then-HR chief had been arrested for soliciting prostitution. Were the measures taken in the wake of that disclosure enough?

5. The Board of Supervisors have called for investments in infrastructure, public safety, social services and reserves, but also acknowledge tight budgeting will be commonplace for years amid projections that show a possible shortfall in the near future due to employee pay and benefit increases. How can these investments be achieved and which, if any, areas can be cut to ensure priorities aren’t side-tracked?

Robert Lovingood Age: 58 Profession: County Supervisor/ businessman Hometown: Atlanta (lives in Apple Valley) 1. I will continue to work with Sheriff McMahon and District Attorney Ramos in their efforts to protect our neighborhoods and communities — while preserving tax money. I have supported Sheriff McMahon in a series of crime sweeps that have taken 1,600 hardcore felons off our streets. I have also worked with District Attorney Ramos to combat welfare fraud and a new innovative anti-crime initiative aimed at stopping the revolving door of recidivism. I’m proud to report that the High Desert crime rate has been falling steadily for the past four years — with a decline of 14 percent this year.

2. This issue is heartbreaking, and very dear to me. When I was elected in 2012, I made it one of my priorities to tackle homelessness in our county and eliminate homelessness among our veterans. To do so, I allocated funds to expand the Sheriff’s SHOCK and HOPE programs — programs that specifically target at risk youth and homelessness in our county. As of this year, the HOPE team has placed 400 homeless people and homelessness overall in the County dropped 12 percent. With the help of my colleagues, we were able to eliminate homelessness among veterans this year — something I’m very proud of.

3. I will always be saddened by that day — no one could have anticipated such a horrible event. With that said, the first priority of any elected official is to protect their citizens. As we move forward, I will work to ensure Sheriff McMahon, District Attorney Ramos and their departments have the resources they need to fight crime and terrorism. I have supported their efforts from day one — and I will continue to do so. As a County Supervisor, I will continue to work with my colleagues to find ways we can improve safety for our citizens and County employees.

4. State law prevents the disclosure of such personnel matters. But I can assure you that my colleagues and myself took this matter very seriously and arrived at an effective solution that I am convinced will prevent a recurrence.

5. Public safety, creating jobs and making government efficient for our taxpayers will continue to be my top priorities.

We must remain fiscally prudent with taxpayer money and continue to negotiate contracts that are fair and sustainable, but also protect our county taxpayers. For the first time in seven years, the County has a balanced budget and surplus.

We must continue to live within our means and remain in the black, protecting taxpayer money so we can reinvest those dollars back into the County.

Angela Valles Age: 47 Profession: Director of Finance Hometown: Apple Valley 1. My first priority for the county is to address San Bernardino County CEO Greg Devereux’s contract.

For the county to begin moving forward in a cohesive and positive direction, Devereux needs to manage within the limits of his office. If elected, I will lead the charge to revise Devereux’s contract — and the non-interference ordinance that has left the Board of Supervisors unable to govern or serve their constituents effectively. We need to restore competent leadership along with transparency for the county. Our supervisors must not be hamstrung by the CEO’s contractual power over them, rendering them ineffective.

2. To develop a long-term strategy for addressing homelessness in Victorville, and throughout the county, we need to come together with fellow community leaders to address this problem. We need to focus on crime and drug rehabilitation, psychological treatment, temporary economic assistance, and even social empowerment that would hopefully bring people out of the shadows of our communities. We need to come together, both public officials and members of the community, to consider available resources and funding to address these concerns. And, in the meantime, we need to enforce panhandling laws to ensure the safety and comfort of residents in and around our shopping areas.

3. My experience in law enforcement is central to my platform. I served as a prison warden for many years. Public trust is critical to keeping residents safe, and I will work with residents, neighborhood watch groups and local law enforcement organizations to provide adequate measures of protection and assurance for the public. My policy is to demonstrate an absolute zero tolerance for violence or terrorist acts perpetrated against the public. Simply reacting to crime is not a strategy. I plan to encourage funding for additional resources to crack down on local and regional criminal enterprises that threaten businesses, residents and families.

4. Measures taken after that disclosure were not enough because Devereaux’s noninterference clause is still part of his contract, and he is still employed by the county.

The County CEO has created a mockery out of his leadership position, failing the public’s trust, while placing the Board of Supervisors in an embarrassing situation. Transparency and immediate judicial action must be top priorities for the county if public officials are to retain the public’s trust. It is essential to restore this trust in the public if we are to move San Bernardino County toward its optimistic Countywide Vision. Devereaux’s unethical behavior has been a setback for this vision. The Board of Supervisors must govern, and the CEO needs to manage and implement the policies that the Board puts forward.

5. These investments would absolutely help achieve our Countywide Vision. But we need more than "optimism" that is satisfied on paper. If we are going to improve our communities and get our finances on track, we need to actually implement fiscal responsibility through strong leadership and hard decisions rather than just talk about it. We need for these investments to address long-term savings in smart infrastructure and improved services, eliminating waste and unaccounted spending. To meet the priorities of our Countywide Vision, we require fiscal leadership that will promote real growth for our county, attracting more industry to our region, while implementing strong support for small businesses and eliminating government interference.

1. It is imperative the Board re-establishes the balance of power in government.

When the “non-interference” clause was passed, members gave themselves political cover. Members must be held accountable for their actions rather than deferring to an unelected bureaucrat who does not answer to the voters. The current philosophy of speaking with one voice with no dissension allowed does not serve the wide range of communities. Members must advocate on behalf of their communities without fear of retaliation by the CEO. There is nothing wrong with split votes.

Representing all community members is what our Republic is built upon.

2. A percentage of homeless are homeless because of substance abuse and mental health issues. We must work harder to reach out to offer assistance. However, those issues cannot be treated without the cooperation of the individuals themselves.

They must want to be helped and no amount of intimidation or compassion will help until they are ready to change their lives. For those homeless due to lack of jobs and finances, there are training and jobs programs available. The Sheriff’s Department’s HOPE Program has enjoyed a level of success and could be expanded along with other outreach programs already in place.

3. First the balance of power must be restored in the San Bernardino County so that members of the Board of Supervisors can directly influence and set county policy without interference.

Once control is wrangled away from the CEO, as a county supervisor I would work with county leaders and citizens to get consensus as to a reasonable plan of action. We must tap into the most current information and technology and then use it wisely to increase safety while maintaining freedom for law-abiding citizens. Giving up freedom in the name of security will never be an option under my watch.

4. As soon as Andrew Lamberto was arrested, Board members should have been notified. At minimal, he should have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of his court hearing. Once convicted, he should have been terminated immediately. Because CEO Greg Devereaux kept the matter hidden for seven months and meted out punishment without consulting the Board, taxpayers had to foot the bill to get Lamberto to leave on his own or face an expensive wrongful termination lawsuit.

That action by Devereaux was dereliction of duty and should have resulted in a much harsher punishment, up to and including termination.

5. Our current Supervisor takes pride in placing the burden of balancing the budget on the backs of county employees and has done so since he took office. We must hold the line on employee salaries but not to the detriment of the county.

Many departments, including public safety, are in crisis because of this philosophy.

This is not fair to employees or the public. The Board must set priorities and adhere to those priorities. It must stop vilifying its employees and instead reward them for creating cost-saving programs and innovation that allow the job to be done more cost-effectively.

Age: 57 Profession: Retired Sheriff’s Department lieutenant Hometown: Apple Valley 1. I plan to put in place a competent and experienced staff to address the needs of the First District. A Supervisor is only as good as the staff that works for him or her. There is a large and pressing need for competent leadership in the First District.

2. While homelessness is a nationwide problem, it is at a crisis level in the High Desert. Every resident who drives or shops in the High Desert is confronted by aggressive panhandlers. The reason is quite simple. In the last few years the Board of Supervisors has failed to staff our jails, which are half empty due to the lack of staff. That makes it impossible for local law enforcement to enforce panhandling, urinating and defecating in public, trespassing, squatting, and littering in our communities. Homeless people from all over California have come to the High Desert because it is a haven for them and their culture.

3. I have for the last 33 years dedicated my life to serving and protecting the residents of San Bernardino County. There is no greater priority in government than to protect the public. If elected County Supervisor, I would bring my passion and experience in law enforcement to county government.

4. Absolutely not, especially when the head of one of the largest departments in county government is arrested and convicted of solicitation of prostitution and it is kept a secret and covered up so the Board of Supervisors, county employees, and the public is kept in the dark. It is apparent that corruption is reaching its highest levels within county government.

Termination of the CEO would have been the only outcome which would prevent this type of behavior in the future.

5. While government needs a reserve for the future, it cannot turn a blind eye to larger problems which are occurring presently, such as our sky-rocketing crime rates, overly congested roads and lack of infrastructure. These problems must be addressed for the residents who are paying taxes today. As everyone is aware, property taxes have increased substantially in the last few years, but services such as law enforcement, road maintenance and other services have plummeted. We need to provide these services today and not kick the can down the road.

Bill Holland Age: Did not respond Profession: Law enforcement/Hesperia Mayor Hometown: Hesperia 1. Within 90 days, if it hasn't already been handled, I would press my fellow Board of Supervisor members to settle the contract dispute with the sheriff's union. Our sheriff's deputies need to be fairly compensated. If that issue was resolved, I would immediately begin to build support to eliminate the non-interference clause, and reduce the CAO position to its former status and job description.

2. I would work with the other board members to identify and open a facility in the High Desert to evaluate, house and treat those with mental health issues. It would need to be big enough to accommodate the population and demand the High Desert has for these critical services.

3. I am a 30-year law enforcement professional.

My background and experience, passion as a public servant along with my work ethic and decades of relationships built in the law enforcement community will provide an important component to an even stronger public safety stance.

4. The short easy answer is no, the measures taken were not enough. Greg Devereaux withheld information, and that was an act of omission, which constitutes a lie. Greg was given the power and authority he now has in response to scandals and corruption committed by former Supervisors.

He now has done the same kind of thing, meaning he lied by omission. I would have at the very least returned Greg to the authority for his office to what it was before, and possibly put him on a work contract if not have fired him for cause. It was also the time to remove the non-interference clause.

5. I believe the first and most important job, priority or what ever it's called by every elected body is to provide for top notch public safety.

That is priority number 1. If other things can't be accomplished, making sure we have our deputies taken care of and fairly compensated to stop the mass exodus and inability to hire, recruit and retain new deputies has to stop. I'm certain there is plenty of waste and inefficiencies within the county that once eliminated will provide money to accomplish many of the priorities listed by the Board of Supervisors.

Saturday, May 28, 2016 | 9

Age: Did not respond Profession: Retired/business consultant/ Hesperia City Council Hometown: Hesperia

Rick Roelle

Voters Guide | Weekender

Paul Russ

10 Guide | Saturday, May 28, 2016 | Voters Weekender

San Bernardino County 3rd District Supervisor Questions posed to candidates 1. Within 90 days in office, what’s one policy/ initiative you vow to strongly push?

2. Barstow has one of the highest homeless populations in the county.

What more needs to be done to fix this problem while simultaneously assisting those on the streets?

3. The terrorist attacks in San Bernardino were seen as a wake-up call. Why should the public trust that you can use your influence at the county level to keep residents safe?

4. It took CEO Greg Devereaux seven months to inform Supervisors that the county’s then-HR chief had been arrested for soliciting prostitution.

Were the measures taken in the wake of that disclosure enough? Why or why not?

5. The Board of Supervisors have called for investments in infrastructure, public safety, social services and reserves, but also acknowledge tight budgeting will be commonplace for years amid projections that show a possible shortfall in the near future due to employee pay and benefit increases. How can these investments be achieved and which, if any, areas can be cut to ensure priorities aren’t side-tracked?

6. Will you actively support the city of Barstow’s effort to build a casino?

James Ramos Age: 49 Profession: County Supervisor Hometown: Highland 1. Homeless youth is a strong passion of mine and I am determined at bringing this serious issue before the full board. Children become homeless for many reasons, which include abandonment from parents or guardians, running away from home, and aging out of state or foster care. The streets are one of the only options for homeless youth when they have no access to resources, adequate support system, and skills to live independently. By helping this group we can diminish the rate of youth that would eventually progress to homeless adults.

Donna Munoz Age: Did not respond Profession: General manager of Morongo Valley Community Services District & Fire Department Hometown: Did not respond

1. As I have gone throughout the District, the number one complaint I hear is a lack of response and attention from the Supervisor and his staff. The first thing I would initiate is a competent, caring and responsive staff. I would also make it a point to go back to each community and assure them that they would see me many times in four years. We would have definite directives; everyone gets a response, we are always on time and no one uses a cell phone or tablet in a meeting.

2. Last year, the Board of Supervisors set the goal of housing 100 percent of an identified group of homeless veterans in our County by Dec. 31, 2015. I am happy to say that we accomplished and exceeded that goal. By the end of the year, all homeless veterans had been housed and about 100 more had been identified. With the help of county organizations and willing partners, we were able to leverage sources, align services, and eliminate impediments to achieving this goal.

The next step is to house the remaining homeless veterans identified since then. In addition to veteran homelessness, my focus is also on helping homeless youth — we can diminish the progression to adult homelessness by helping at this stage.

3. On Dec. 2, 2015 San Bernardino County came under attack by an evil act of terrorism, an act that was halted by the brave men and women in law enforcement. The terrorists were put down because our friends in uniform had the best equipment available to them, including armored personnel vehicles, and were well-trained to use them. The armored vehicles used on that fateful day were purchased by funds from the Sheriff Department’s asset seizures. Law enforcement officers also had helicopter capabilities to transport injured victims from the horrifying scene to local hospitals with the help of the Military Surplus 1033 Program. There are many lessons to be learned from that tragic day but one that stood out from the rest is blue lives matter. Law enforcement officers from various local departments came together for one common goal: to protect the people of this county. During this horrific event our elected leaders also came together and showed unity in handling the situation. Understanding our roles in situations such as Dec. 2nd showed that the leadership of the county family is well positioned to deal with any situation.

4. The Board of Supervisors handled the situation once it became aware of this serious issue; there was a resignation and a public apology. A new policy, driven by myself and Supervisor Lovingood, was implemented to ensure this would not happen again.

2. On the homeless issue, I have worked closely with our local homeless coalition. I believe in a hand up, not a handout. It is important to partnership and have resources available. For the homeless in our community, we have access to computers for job hunting, clothing, haircuts, showers, etc. I do believe this is a county-wide problem, along with a huge rise in crime.

3. As general manager for a Fire Department, I am very familiar with large incidents. I have taken NIMS (National Incident Management System) classes. Additionally, after the 1992 Landers 7.2 earthquake, working as field rep to Supervisor Turocci, I ran all emergency services and briefings out of my Yucca Valley office.

I am well acquainted with our County Sheriff and Fire personnel, and I believe that they are aware of my level of experience.

4. Just as my board relies on me for accurate and timely information, the Board of Supervisors trusts that they get the same from their County CEO. I would have considered the delay of Mr. Devereaux a huge error in judgment. We cannot know what went on in closed session, or what the legal teams might have disclosed, however I would think a very strong discipline action, some time off or possibly even stronger action, was needed for the CEO.

5. On the infrastructure and budget shortfall, my answer is pretty simple. As I prepared my first budget, I realized the District could not afford the salary they proposed. I have cut my own salary three times to be able to give my employees their full number of hours. Belt tightening should begin with management.

I would study the current salary levels and salaries and benefit packages. A bankrupt county that cannot take care of their obligations will not help all their former employees. Balance is important.

5. The Board of Supervisor operates on and respects a budget process which is public and transparent. Budget workshops aid in identifying areas that are a concern and need attending to. It is important to point out that the county has and will continue to present a balanced budget to its residents!

6. The county remains neutral in its position.

6. I have told the residents and two council members in Barstow I fully support the casino. The city could use the revenue it would bring in, it lends itself to the tourists and others heading to Primm and Las Vegas and they have chosen a spot that is very workable.

We have a casino in our basin and it has been a huge plus for area business owners.

Legislation would let lawmakers suspend colleagues without pay

By Patrick McGreevy Los Angeles Times

SACRAMENTO — During the eight months that former Democratic state Sens.

Leland Yee and Ronald Calderon were on suspension in 2014 while facing federal corruption charges, they each received more than $63,000 from taxpayers.

Their paychecks were made possible by state law, which does not allow the Legislature to withhold wages from lawmakers who have been suspended. Next month, Californians will have a chance to decide whether to change the law with Proposition 50, which would allow legislators to hold back pay from suspended colleagues.

“The ballot measure closes a technical, but important, loophole in the law,” said Darrell Steinberg, former president pro tem of the state Senate. “The Legislature should have authority to suspend members for cause without pay.”

Opponents, including state Sen. Joel Anderson, a Republican, say the measure is unnecessary because the Legislature has the power to expel lawmakers, which permanently removes them without pay. The measure could be misused by the party in power, Anderson said, adding that suspending lawmakers for months also deprives their constituents of representation.

“Proposition 50 will only perpetuate the culture of corruption, stifle opposition to the political establishment and deny millions of Californians their voice in the state Capitol,” he said.

Anderson was the lone vote against suspending Yee, Calderon and Democratic Sen. Roderick Wright in 2014, one of the worst years of scandal in the state Senate in decades. Wright was suspended at the same time as Yee and Calderon, after a jury found him guilty of felony perjury and voting fraud charges for lying about living in his Senate district. He resigned in September 2014, two months before his term was up.

Yee and Calderon were indicted in separate FBI stings and charged with providing official actions in exchange for

Proposition 50 would amend the state Constitution to require a two-thirds vote of the Senate or Assembly in order to suspend a state legislator in that house.

The Senate or Assembly could eliminate that legislator’s salary and benefits during the suspension. payments. Both left office in November 2014 when their terms ended. Yee later pleaded guilty to felony racketeering.

Calderon has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial this summer.

Republican blogger Jon Fleischman said the ballot measure falls short of addressing the problems raised by the three suspensions, including the need for an independent entity with the power to go after corrupt lawmakers.

“Prop. 50 is a meaningless, ‘feel good’ measure designed to make voters feel like they are dealing with corruption in the Legislature,” Fleischman said.

But Helen Hutchison, president of the League of Women Voters of California, supports the measure.

“Lawmakers should be able to hold their own colleagues accountable if they breach the public’s trust,” Hutchison said. The measure, she added, allows lawmakers “to do something short of expelling the member from the Legislature and something more than allowing that member to sit home and collect a taxpayer-funded paycheck.”

Proposition 50 would amend the state Constitution to require a two-thirds vote of the Senate or Assembly in order to suspend a state legislator in that house. The Senate or Assembly could eliminate that legislator’s salary and benefits during the suspension.

Currently, suspensions are possible with a majority vote. By increasing the required vote to a supermajority, the ballot measure provides added protection against abuse, Hutchison said.

Saturday, May 28, 2016 | 11

Corruption scandals spawn ballot measure

Voters Guide | Weekender

PROPOSITION 50

12

ELECTION 2016

Guide | Saturday, May 28, 2016 | Voters Weekender

33rd state Assembly District Questions posed to candidates 1. Within 90 days in office, what's one policy/initiative you vow to strongly push?

2. Is raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour the pathway to building a stronger middle class in California? If not, what's the alternative?

3. Do you support the private partnership with China to construct a high-speed rail line from L.A. to Las Vegas with a stop in Victorville?

4. The Victor Valley is largely a commuter region. What would you do to bring more jobs here so that more residents who live here can also work here and spend money here?

5. Residents have been asked to conserve more water to deal with the drought, but many of them say such conservation has been ongoing for some time.

What are your thoughts on water conservation and how the state should be addressing drought-related issues?

6. The current presidential election has revealed a chunk of the electorate that values political outsiders. How can you appeal to local voters who seek an outsider without alienating others?

Jay Obernolte Party: Republican Age: 45 Profession: State Assemblyman/business owner Hometown: Big Bear Lake 1. I would like to continue my advocacy for taxpayers and small businesses. The reason I originally ran for the state Assembly was to improve California’s toxic business and tax climate. Unfortunately, there is still much to do. That is why I have authored and passed legislation to streamline regulations which are hampering our small businesses and why I have continually opposed legislation increasing taxes.

2. Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour will hurt our district and our state. Dozens and dozens of studies in countries all over the world have shown that raising the minimum wage makes the problem of income inequality worse by taking jobs away from the people that need them the most. When we take away an entry level job, we deny a worker not only the lower pay from that job, but also the higher pay they would have earned from the next job they would have secured with the skills they learned in that entry level job. Instead we need to focus on growing our economy. Pro-growth economic policies like eliminating regulations and making our tax code less complicated would encourage more small businesses to open, rather than flee the state. We also need to lower the cost of housing so that young families can purchase a home and start creating wealth. That is the best way to bring back a stronger middle class.

3. I oppose the governor’s publicly funded High Speed Rail project because I fear it will require taxpayers to subsidize operation of the system for generations. I do, however, support privately funded rail projects. I wish we could find the funding for such projects from American investors, but any private investment into the 33rd Assembly District is a boon for our local economy.

4. Bringing more jobs to the Victor Valley won’t happen overnight. We must first invest in infrastructure to attract businesses to our district. That means wisely spending the taxpayer dollars the state already collects, rather than diverting them towards the General Fund (as we do with vehicle weight fees) or wasting them on bloated bureaucracy (as we do with Caltrans). We also need to invest in education and our schools so we build an educated workforce that attracts businesses to locate in the Victor Valley. Lastly we need to stop chasing business out of our state with our overly burdensome tax and regulatory climate. If the state were to peel back regulations and stop taxing already overtaxed Californians, it would go a long way to helping bring jobs to the Victor Valley.

5. I believe the governor’s water conservation mandate is deeply flawed. First, he did not take into account our prior conservation efforts. He also did not factor in average temperature and population density. There are strong correlations between higher average temperatures, lower population density, and increased water consumption.

The governor’s mandate is just another example of why one-size-fits-all mandates do not work. I joined a bipartisan coalition of legislators in writing several letters to Gov. Brown asking him to reform his conservation mandates. I’m pleased that he listened to us and granted some relief to regions like ours. Unfortunately, more reform is still needed. I will continue the dialogue with the governor to bring relief to our district and I am optimistic there will be further modifications to the mandate.

6. Voters are frustrated with politicians who say one thing and do another. I firmly believe in always being upfront and transparent with my constituents, and my record in office reflects those values. I said I would be an advocate for small businesses, and I have received 100 percent ratings from the California Chamber of Commerce, National Federation of Independent Business and California Small Business Association for my voting record in support of small business. I said I would be an advocate for taxpayers and not special interests, and my 100 percent score from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and California Taxpayers Association and endorsement from the Inland Empire Taxpayers Association reflect that. I believe this will appeal to voters across the political spectrum.

Scott Markovich Party: Democrat Age: 54 Profession: Building contractor/ Rim of the World Unified School District Trustee Hometown: Cedarpines Park 1. I would focus on an initiative that would change the makeup of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors from five to seven members. For way too long the High Desert and the San Bernardino Mountains have been represented by an inequitable gerrymandered boundary that has unfairly under-represented us in meeting our local governance needs. The new board leadership makeup would designate two seats for the High Desert, one seat for the San Bernardino Mountains and the other four for the west end. This initiative will not take a county majority vote for approval.

2. Raising the minimum wage is a viable pathway to economic stability for both the middle class and local economy for the added spending value put into the pocket of the middle class will become reciprocal and expand the money multiplier of the local economy.

The one concern I have is, $15 an hour is easier for a business community of Los Angeles than the High Desert to absorb so there should be amendments built in the law that reflect the local economic realities.

3. I do support a private joint venture for a high-speed rail that can expand our future transportation needs that addresses reduction in traffic congestion, expands capacity, meets worker commuter needs and travel needs in general for all Californians. One problem I do have is, typically private venture is market driven therefore, access could be limited so governance oversight must be a part of this.

4. We must focus on expanding our business capacity at all levels, from manufacturing, construction, education, tourism, protection of environment, service industry (medical, senior care, retail, police, fire and utilities). How do we do this? I propose that we work together with governance to develop a sustainable strategic plan on expanding our infrastructure capacity that makes water, power, roads, sanitation, affordable for people and attractive to business. This Strategic Plan must incorporate sustainable EIRs that will use our resources effectively while expanding our economic capacity.

5. The number one priority we must focus on in the High Desert and San Bernardino Mountains with regard to water conservation is sustaining and protecting our Mojave River and the surrounding environment so that we can make this infrastructure last, meet our current and future needs, and allow the Mojave to be expanded to store supplemental water. Projects like the Hesperia Tapestry Development Project and Cadiz Water Project are counter-productive to conservation and to our community’s water needs.

6. Appealing to voters can take many twists and turns, with the voter becoming confused, angry, disengaged, deceived and alienated. Typically what you have to remember in American politics is, the process is two-party driven that contains many pros and cons of party framework. A valid appeal to a voter must reflect a pragmatic bipartisan content that has middle ground, reflects the best of conservatism and progressive thinking. My political content reflects this.

Questions posed to candidates

Scott Wilk

1. Within 90 days in office, what's one policy/initiative you vow to strongly push?

2. Is raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour the pathway to building a stronger middle class in California?

If not, what's the alternative?

3. Do you support the private partnership with China to construct a high-speed rail line from L.A. to Las Vegas with a stop in Victorville?

4. The Victor Valley is largely a commuter region.

What would you do to bring more jobs here so that more residents who live here can also work here and spend money here?

5. Neither of the candidates lives in the Victor Valley.

How will you equally balance the interests of this region with the Antelope Valley?

Steve Hill Did not respond to requests for information or comments.

Star Moffatt Party: Republican Age: 52 Profession: Law firm co-owner Hometown: Palmdale

Party: Republican Age: 57 Profession: Member, State Assembly Hometown: Santa Clarita 1. As co-author of Proposition 1 (water bond), I’ll continue to push the California Water Commission to adopt regulations that will expedite the capture, storage and conveyance of water.

2. No, it will price students and those already unemployed out of the job market. Additionally, it’ll increase costs to state and local government as well as drive up the cost of living for all residents.

One pathway to middle class job creation is a greater investment in public education. A person who receives a bachelor’s degree ovear a lifetime earns $1.3 million more than someone with a high school diploma. We also need a more robust commitment to career tech.

3. Yes. It’ll be an economic driver for the region.

4. The Victor Valley is desirable because of its inexpensive land, access to markets to the south and east by freeway and city councils that are pro-business.

The problem has been Sacramento politicians have not been supportive on pro-business policies. I’ll continue to hold the line on new taxes, fight for regulatory reform and invest in and reform public education.

5. Community involvement is very important to me. As an Assemblyman I hold town halls, community coffees and have advisory groups to stay on top of local needs and concerns. I make it a priority to be a regular presence in every community. Two things my constituents can always count on — I'm there and I'm involved.

1. Cyber bullying 2. The $15 minimum wage, signed into law by the governor recently, is good for the employees and a job killer to the employers! As a business owner myself and coowner of a law firm, I foresee the $15 minimum wage as a job killer unless something is offered in exchange to employers! Should I receive the blessings to be elected as your next State Senator, I will introduce legislation for employers to receive “Business Exchange Matching Tax Credits” that will act as an offset to the $15 minimum wage. “Exchange Matching Tax Credits” are a win-win for employers and employees.

3. I do not support the current High-Speed Rail Project. Rather than outsource the High Speed Rail Project with foreign partners for construction, let’s manufacture the High Speed Rail in California. Let’s bring back major manufacturing in California to establish more jobs! I am for a pro “Live-Here-Work-Here Program,” so that jobs aren’t outsourced to any other states or foreign countries.

To significantly reduce costs in manufacturing a High Speed Rail system, how about California establishing a liaison with the military to use existing military infrastructure rail tracks that have been in place for multiple years that are going unused, according to certain sources?

4. Establish a “Live Here-Work-Here Program” so that jobs aren’t outsourced to any other states or foreign countries. Additionally, facilitate bi-annual employer workshops to teach employers about California’s wonderful Employment Training Panel (ETP) and various tax credits available that help reduce out-ofpocket employer costs. The Employment Training Panel provides funding to employers…visit http://www.etp. ca.gov/ The key is how to convert commuters, with both education and understanding of business, to start up their own businesses in the Victor Valley. As the only candidate with multiple businesses, I can actually advocate for small business owners and be authentic rather than be a career politician.

5. My top competitor barely lives in the district and actually does not live in the High Desert; he lives in Santa Clarita. I live in Palmdale and have lived in the High Desert since 1989. I have actually taken the time to get to know the community and was well received in my first run in 2012.

I am also involved in a legal case in the U.S. 9th Circuit Court, which happens to address some rampant corruption that has been involved in San Bernardino County.

As such, I know the people, have lived here, and am addressing corruption as we speak in Court.

Johnathon Ervin Party: Democrat Age: 38 Profession: Aerospace Engineer/Senior Master Sergeant, USAF Reserve Hometown: Flint, Michigan (but he lives in the Antelope Valley) 1. Like many in our district, I am a commuter who drives about 100 miles to get to and from work. I understand that investing in our roads and infrastructure is key to the growth of our region.

Much has been said regarding the implementation of a Road Usage Charge (RUC) or “Mileage Tax” which would charge California drivers for every mile they drive. Such a tax would be devastating to the families of the 21st Senate District. In my first 90 days, I intend on introducing legislation that would explore alternative sources of funding for our crumbling roads and seek funding for the High Desert Corridor.

2. I believe the implementation of a $15/hour minimum wage in California by 2023 is definitely a step in the right direction. Through these actions, the state has recognized that working men and women deserve to earn a living wage in exchange for an honest day’s work. I would have liked to see a regional approach to the implementation. However, if we truly want to build a stronger middle class, we need to create an economic environment that attracts mortgage-paying jobs.

3. Public-private partnerships and proposals that lift some of the burden of infrastructure creation and local investment from ratepayers and the California legislature can be viewed as a good thing. Holding our state government and private stakeholders accountable for project timelines, processes and benchmarks will help keep our district moving in the direction we ought to be heading in. We desperately need infrastructure investment and I understand this is the key to a stronger economy.

4. I strongly support the High Desert Corridor as I believe this is the key to ensuring we have economic growth. It is scientifically proven that infrastructure spending directly influences economic growth. Additionally, a four-year public university to the 21st District remains one of my top priorities for the region. I believe such an endeavor is imperative if we wish to retain our local talent and create thousands of mortgage-paying jobs.

5. There are many commonalities between the interests of Victor Valley and those of all other corners of the District. Ultimately, it’s our bread and butter issues that tie us together — like increasing investment in our schools and neighborhoods. On a macro level, we must continue to foment an environment that attracts investment from new industries to diversify our workforce and create an economic climate not dependent on any one industry.

I have a commitment to the entire 21st District and will ensure that the laws that are passed in Sacramento are in the best interests of every region I represent.

Saturday, May 28, 2016 | 13

21st State Senate District

Voters Guide | Weekender

ELECTION 2016

14 Guide | Saturday, May 28, 2016 | Voters Weekender

8th Congressional District Questions posed to candidates 1. Within 90 days in office, what's one policy/initiative you vow to strongly push?

2. With national security as high a priority as it is, what will you do to continue to ensure America is safe from its enemies while balancing that with respect for the plight of refugees?

3. Desert protections in the region made headlines in 2015, with President Barack Obama announcing an executive order to designate three national monuments. What is your plan in 2016 to bolster protections for the local desert? And how does your plan factor in the will of offroad enthusiasts?

4. Apple Valley and Victorville leaders recently traveled to D.C. to lobby for transportation funding for the final phase of the cash-strapped Yucca Loma Corridor project. What can you do to expedite or assist these efforts?

5. What is your position on the transgender bathroom debate?

6. The current presidential election has revealed a chunk of the electorate that values political outsiders.

How can you appeal to local voters who seek an outsider without alienating others?

Paul Cook

Rita Ramirez

Party: Republican Age: 73 Profession: United States Representative/ Retired Marine Colonel Hometown: Yucca Valley 1. For eight years, we’ve had a president who wasn’t serious about fighting terrorism. President Obama has released dangerous terrorists from military custody at Guantanamo, refused to stop the flow of refugees from countries such as Syria and Iraq where ISIS operates, and hasn’t taken meaningful action to secure our borders.

The first 90 days of my next term would be dedicated to working with the next president to combat terrorism meaningfully. I would push to end the transfer of un-vetted refugees into our country, secure the borders, ports, and other points-of-entry, and ensure that terrorists we apprehend are where they belong: in Guantanamo, not in American domestic courts or loose overseas plotting future attacks.

2. Rather than bringing refugees here and risking terrorists entering our country with them, I would work with regional allies such as Jordan to house the refugees in the region so that they can return home when the war is over. The solution to the refugee crisis is not to bring hundreds of thousands of refugees to the United States, but to destroy ISIS, and eliminate the Assad regime and its terrorist allies so that the refugees can return home to Syria and Iraq. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I’ve met multiple times with King Abdullah of Jordan and have worked to strengthen our alliance. We need to support our regional allies so they can keep the refugees there, eliminating the need to bring them to the United States or Europe.

3. I’ve always believed that we need to trust the people in San Bernardino, Inyo, and Mono counties on how best to use our public lands, not bureaucrats in Washington. I’ve spent my time in office working with local stakeholders including the city and county governments, off-roaders, miners, hunters, and local environmentalists to determine the best management plan for our public lands. I believe that our off-road areas ought to have the same type of permanent status enjoyed by existing conservation lands so that they can no longer be closed at the whim of a bureaucrat. Mining is a critical industry in the 8th Congressional District, and I would ensure that all existing mines and mining claims are respected and preserved. Additionally, I would review existing wilderness study areas to see what lands should be released from study for economic and recreational use. The public deserves access to public lands.

4. I’ve always been an advocate for cities and towns in the Eighth District. I’ve written letters on behalf of them when applying for federal grants and have had calls and meetings with administration officials to try to secure them. I work closely with other members of the California delegation to try to bring crucial federal dollars back to our region and will continue this practice while advocating on behalf of the Yucca Loma Corridor project. I was elected to serve my constituents, and advocating for crucial local projects in Washington is a top priority.

5. Our Constitution is clear in that this is a state and local issue, not a federal issue. That being said, my own personal opinion is simple: men should use men’s restrooms and women should use women’s restrooms. This shouldn’t be that complicated an issue.

6. Well, once a Marine, always a Marine. That’s what I consider myself. I’m not running because I need my next job; I’m doing this because I have something to offer our district and our nation. My 26 years in the Marine Corps kept me outside of partisan politics, and I’ve maintained that independence ever since. I don’t grandstand or spend my time antagonizing others. I’m someone who will fight in Congress to bring change. Too many people only fight to get in front of the cameras, and that’s the last thing we need around here. I have a mission — to keep America strong, grow the economy, and work for the people of the Eighth Congressional District — and I want results.

Party: Democrat Age: 73 Profession: Retired college professor/trustee/ educator Hometown: Twentynine Palms 1. First, I am concerned about all Americans.

Therefore, Social Security affects all Americans and I would fight to eliminate the cap of $165,000 on Social Security, lower the age, and increase the COLA, with the option that all retired state employees have a right to both their pension and medical care.

2. Yes, I would. I believe in a well-prepared military and well-paid service men and women, but I also believe “Americans First” is my priority and no American in harm’s way. However, we are a country of immigrants.

Therefore, there will be a need for a more stringent process of verification and confirmation of future immigrants to enter United States without a ban on religion.

3. I support Senator Dianne Feinstein and the Bureau of Land Management in establishing these three national parks for the preservation of our natural resources. I will oppose anyone who attempts to destroy our environment, such as Cadiz, Inc., which is are attempting to mine our underground water in the Mojave Desert, or the Keystone Pipeline that can destroy our farmers in the Midwest.

4. I will support Apple Valley and Victorville leaders by voicing my support, seeking other elected officials to give their personal support, and representing our local leaders in committees in the House of Representatives.

5. The debate on transgender individuals is we are all Americans and under the law they have the same rights.

The question of privacy and personal safety is not to be denied to any American, regardless of sexual orientation or gender. A transgender bathroom in all public facilities should be provided for privacy and safety.

6. I am an outsider, because I have never been elected to an elected office in Washington, D.C. But I have been elected as a trustee to the Board of the Copper Mountain Community College District. I am a candidate that speaks and supports all Americans to have and achieve their American Dream. I will serve the people, fight for their rights, and believe in the American dream of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I stand for family, home and country. I am an American, first and foremost.

Party: Democrat Age: 58 Profession: Silverado High School counselor/Victor Valley College Board of Trustees President Hometown: Pinon Hills 1. I vow before God and man that I will make job growth in the 8th Congressional District my top priority. Unemployment in the 8th is too high. If you want a job you should be able to get one. I know a lot of our community struggles with not being able to find a good job. By rebuilding our infrastructure we can create jobs. Beautifying our roadways, easing congestion and keeping our landscape clean is not only good for all of us, it can attract projects that create work in our area as well. We can do a lot better.

2. As your Congressman I would work with other legislators to review the laws and their effectiveness. The threat of having terrorists slip under the radar is real as we learned on 9/11. We need to find viable methods that weed out these violent intruders while maintaining the opportunity of asylum for those who truly need it.

At the same time we must preserve Americans’ privacy rights.

3. There are already designated off-road recreational sites. Let’s maintain those while protecting fragile desert landscapes. We can do both. Our National Park system has demonstrated for over a century that we can provide access to our nation’s natural treasures and still maintain their environments. We have done that on our own little desert preserve, where our home is in Pinon Hills. It is far easier to maintain our desert environment than to restore it.

4. All politics really are local. We can put folks to work building our own infrastructure. This one needs to be finished and others need to be started. If this project is still struggling when I am sworn in, I will make this my top priority.

These are good paying jobs. Projects such as these improve our productivity and quality of life. Our district's infrastructure has not kept pace with our growth. Let’s put our people to work.

5. This is primarily a privacy and freedom issue. I personally want privacy when I use any bathroom. I believe most people prefer privacy. If I had my way, every bathroom would be a single-stall toilet and sink. That may not be practical in every public situation, but single-stall unisex bathrooms are pretty common in hospitals, malls and homes.

6. I am an outsider. I can’t be bought. I don’t have to answer to any special interest groups. I will do what’s best for my district. My opponent at the end of this last reporting cycle ended with over $900,000 cash on hand for his campaign. We don’t have that kind of money here in the 8th. I am going to stay focused on bringing more jobs to the High Desert. If that alienates some folks, I guess I will just have to live with that. You can’t please everyone.

Roger La Plante Party: Democrat Age: 53 Profession: Retired Army sergeant Hometown: Big Bear Lake 1. Within my first 90 days in office I will start an 8th Congressional District Job Creation task force to dramatically improve our local job prospects.

2. As a experienced combat veteran I will ensure that our nation’s heroes are properly cared for before we send our sons and daughters off to war. Our entire National Defense complex needs to be reformed in a way that ensures our efforts are directed in the defense of the United States of America, not the rest of the entire world. I would use the Israeli Defense Force model as an example. Our troops are maxed out.

3. I am a Sierra Club Member dedicated to the preservation of all our Natural wonders, such as our desert and natural monuments.

I will act as John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt did to help save our land. We have many authorized off-road sites, we just need to clean up as we go four-wheeling.

4. I was shocked that our local leaders are milking the taxpayers with their wasted trips to get more money for the bridge to NOWHERE; this project was not planned properly at any level. I would propose a total and complete review of what went wrong with this project and why we were told this was going to be a good use of tax dollars.

5. I support human rights for all.

I fought in combat for my LBGT brothers and sisters in the 8th Congressional District and all over our great country.

6. I am a total political outsider myself and not liked in my own party so that is my appeal to all of our voting citizens. Thanks for the opportunity to talk directly to the people. We need to bring "We the People" back to our way of life.

Saturday, May 28, 2016 | 15

Party: Republican Age: 49 Profession: Talk Radio Host/Small Business Owner Hometown: Twin Peaks 1. Reform immigration by defunding Sanctuary Cities, changing the driving force of immigration from "family reunification" to the national interest of the American people beginning with a halt on all immigration from the Middle East until our vetting system can sort out those who want to kill us, from those simply seeking freedom and opportunity. Another priority: Reform the VA so that it serves our veterans and treats them like clients instead of like liabilities. That means realign the incentives, pay doctors more so that we can fill the 4,000 vacancies, and instead of counting success the way bureaucracies do — how many times a chart is touched —begin counting success by lives saved, wounds healed and hearts uplifted.

2. In order to protect American lives, and prevent unnecessary deaths like that of my neighbor, Michael Wetzel, a 37-year-old father of six, I don't care who we offend. It is the duty of the Federal Government to provide for the national defense, and according to Article IV, Section IV of the US Constitution, to keep every state free from invasion, thereby guaranteeing a Republican form of government. Our government has allowed political correctness to pervert its mission of providing for our national security. Only 2 percent of the refugees that we've accepted since 2012 have been Christians, the rest have been Muslim.

3. Almost 90 percent of our land in the 8th District is under Federal control. That land is our land, the public's land. The Federal government then taxes us in the form of fees in order to access our land. This is fundamentally wrong, and their so-called ownership is unconstitutional.

The Federal government was is not authorized to own land beyond 10 square miles in Washington D.C. and Forts and Ports. This land should have been ceded to the state of California and to the people of this district, after the territory became a state. By allowing this unconstitutional condition to stand, we the people continue to lose the use of land that is ironically deemed "public land." First it was Johnson Valley to the Marine Base, and now it's almost 2 million acres by executive order of President Obama. The best way to protect our desert is to allow offroaders to utilize the trails, hunters to hunt and hikers to hike.

4. It would be much better to figure out how to keep more of our own tax dollars — money we paid in — in our community for such projects then going to the Federal government to beg for scraps from their table. That's why I favor abolishing the IRS and instituting a flatter, fairer and simpler tax system, and unleashing a tsunami of economic growth and prosperity.

5. For the life of me, I cannot understand how anyone thinks that government involvement in this would be helpful. A tiny percentage of the population identify as transgender. Wherever possible, schools have allowed them to use private staff bathrooms. That seems like a sensible, non-intrusive way to address this issue. Turning society upside down so that everyone else suffers the same discomfort does not seem like an equitable solution for anyone. Perhaps making counseling and hormone treatment available for transgendered students might help alleviate the unacceptably high suicide rate within this population.

6. As an insurgent candidate, my goal is not to worry about offending those who favor the status quo; it is to get the government to stop interfering in every aspect of our lives. The government has become the greatest threat to the natural rights it was formed to protect. And the political parties — the political establishment — has become the greatest obstacle to our doing anything about that threat.

John Pinkerton

Voters Guide | Weekender

Tim Donnelly

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Guide | Saturday, May 28, 2016 | Voters Weekender