By Francis Taylor, Executive Editor
CSUDH and KJLH Voter Education & Candidate Forum , Senate District 35
Earlier this month California State University Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) and FM 103.9 Radio Station KJLH hosted a Voter Education and Candidate Forum on the CSUDH campus, for the candidates competing to replace termed-out Senator Steven Bradford. Attended by a number of students, faculty, staff, local residents and elected officials, the first part of the forum was devoted to encouraging students to vote.
The forum moderator, Gus Martin, J.D., PH. D., Professor and Chair of the Criminal Justice Administration, laid out the rules for the candidates including an opening and closing statement for each candidate, a yellow flash card indicating a 15 second warning and a red flash card indicating time is up.
The first candidate to introduce himself was James Spencer an environmental consultant who announced that he was the only republican in the race. He blamed democrats, who control California’s Assembly and Senate for the state’s current negative condition.
Nilo Vega Michelin, the next candidate introduced himself as a member of the Governing Board member of El Camino College expressed his interest in health and the homeless crisis.
Michelle Chambers, a community justice advocate, indicated that she was endorsed by the incumbent and her focus would be on the all the needs of the 35th Senate District, especially the homeless and mental health issue.
Jennifer TM Williams, an Accountant and small business owner, said that her service would be based upon transparency, equity and accountability to address poverty and homelessness.
Laura Richardson, perhaps the most well-known among all of the candidates because of her previous experience as a California elected official, listed her present occupation as a businesswoman and housing advocate and provided a brief overview as her service in the public and private sectors.
Alex Monteiro, City of Hawthorne Council Member and Non-Profit Director, indicated that he wanted to be the citizen’s voice in Sacramento.
Albert Robles, Carson Mayor, Attorney at Law and local businessman, expressed his family’s Mexican heritage and how his parents insisted on him obtaining a quality education, which has led to his current success.
Lamar Lyons, financial consultant, was the final candidate to introduce himself and he declared that he was a 30-year resident of the 35th Senate District.
Candidates responded to questions from the moderator and the audience. The first question pertained to their position on Governor Newsome’s proposal to increase the school district’s budgets five percent over five years. All candidates generally agreed while several said that five percent was not enough, and Richardson said she would support the measure provided student fees are not increased.
The next question pertained to reparations for African Americans and all candidates generally agreed while several indicated that reparations could take many forms beyond cash payments. Richardson again distinguished herself by outlining how reparations could be funded.
The next question asked how each candidate would address constituent outreach and each offered a means for their constituents’ voices to be heard. They were then asked how they would ensure a quality education for their students. Each offered support for their local school district while Richardson said she would support universal kindergarten, pre-school beginning at age three and reinstate art, music, and woodshop in the school curriculum.
Candidates were reminded that over $20 billion had been spent on the homeless issue but the problem persists. They were asked their position on this important problem. Each candidate offered an individual position and most cited the connection with drug addiction and mental health treatment.
The final questions pertained to keeping college student tuition at an affordable limit and free medical for individuals 26-49, regardless of immigration status. Richardson stated that health care is a right and should be available to everyone regardless of their immigration status.
The candidate’s closing statements provided an overview of what each candidate would strive to achieve if they were elected. The complete forum was videotaped and is available online at https://news.csudh.edu/ca-senate-candidate-forum/.
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