Incumbent Randy Voepel facing off against Larry Wilske, James Elia — May 9, 2018 San Diego Union-Tribune
District 71 — California State Assembly
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About this office
State assembly members introduce and vote on new laws, hold hearings, and draft the state budget. They are elected to two-year terms.
For this office, only the two candidates who get the most votes in the primary election advance to the general election. The two candidates may be from the same political party.
News and links
News
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Candidates
You can vote for 1 of these 3 candidates.
Randy Voepel
Republican
Top 3 Priorities
Randy Voepel's priorities are not yet available.
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Profile
Endorsed by
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Top 3 Priorities
- public banking
- Medicare for all
- investing in education and apprenticeship programs...
Profile
Endorsed by
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Top 3 Priorities
- Unifying the District to a clear and succinct set...
- Overall neighborhood and citizen safety
- Legislating a clear path to jobs and economic enhancement...
Profile
Endorsed by
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Randy Voepel
Republican
Assemblymember
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Who gave money to this candidate?
Contributions
Total money raised: $152,468
Top contributors that gave money to support the candidate, by organization:
1
Barona Band of Mission Indians
$8,800
1
Chevron
$8,800
1
Philip Morris USA
$8,800
2
AT&T
$8,000
3
Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians
$6,400
More information about contributions
By State:
California 81.86%
North Carolina 2.89%
Illinois 2.62%
Missouri 2.62%
Other 10.01%
By Size:
Large contributions (99.96%)
Small contributions (0.04%)
By Type:
From organizations (99.74%)
From individuals (0.26%)
Source: MapLight analysis of data from the California Secretary of State.
Official Statement
Researched by Voter’s Edge
Source: San Diego County Registrar of Voters
STATE ASSEMBLY
71st District
RANDY VOEPEL
Assemblymember
As your Assemblymember, I am working hard on behalf of this district to lower taxes, support job growth, protect public safety, support veterans, and reduce the size and scope of state government
Lower Taxes - I voted against every proposed tax increase in the legislature, and I strongly opposed the 53-cent gas tax that represents yet another money-grab from Sacramento. As a result of my voting record, I received an “A” rating from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
Job Creation - I have consistently voted against legislation that would expand unnecessary red tape and costs for businesses, and I received a 100% voting record from the National Federation of Independent Businesses for my record of supporting pro-jobs legislation.
Opposed Cap-And-Trade - I voted against the expansion of California’s cap-and-trade program, which could increase gas prices by up to 73 cents.
Protecting Public Safety - I voted against SB 54, which made California a “sanctuary state.” I have supported legislation to protect crime victims and prevent human trafficking.
Supporting Veterans - With two combat tours in Vietnam, I understand the challenges veterans face. I introduced legislation that expands job opportunities for veterans in the private sector, I have supported efforts to reduce the impacts of PTSD, and I was named “Legislator of the Year” by the Vietnam Veterans of America.
If you agree that your next Assemblymember should have a proven record of fighting for conservative policies, then vote Randy Voepel for State Assembly.
www.RandyVoepel.org
Candidate Contact Info
Email outreach@randyvoepel.org
Democratic
Accountant/Business Owner
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My Top 3 Priorities
- public banking
- Medicare for all
- investing in education and apprenticeship programs to rebuild our infrastructure
Experience
Experience
Profession:Non profit executive
Who gave money to this candidate?
Contributions
Total money raised: $46,752
Top contributors that gave money to support the candidate, by organization:
1
California Nurses Association
$8,800
2
James Elia
$4,450
3
Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation
$4,400
4
Employees of pac
$2,500
5
Employees of SARA JACOBS FOUNDATION
$2,000
5
United Domestic Workers of America
$2,000
More information about contributions
By State:
California 98.36%
PN 1.38%
Georgia 0.25%
By Size:
Large contributions (84.96%)
Small contributions (15.04%)
By Type:
From organizations (43.36%)
From individuals (56.64%)
Source: MapLight analysis of data from the California Secretary of State.
Political Beliefs
Do whats best for your community. At a time where we have mass wealth and income inequality in America, where single mothers are working 2-3 jobs, where seniors on fixed incomes are facing rising rents, whers 2/3 of californinas have no retirement, and where our healthcare system leaves many uninsured or under insured, I believe its time to ignore party politics and invest in our most important resources, the people of California.
Position Papers
Official Statement
Researched by Voter’s Edge
Source: San Diego County Registrar of Voters
STATE ASSEMBLY
71st District
JAMES ELIA
Non-Profit Executive
At a time when mass income inequality exists, people can't afford healthcare, senior citizens with fixed incomes are facing rising rents, and our children are facing crippling student loan debts, I propose we invest in our greatest resource; working families and blue-collar American workers.
Being one of 8 children, raised by a single father after my mother passed away young from cancer, leaving us with massive hospital bills, I know all too well about sacrifice and the struggles that families face.
From my time as a roofer, working my way through college, to my financial services career managing portfolios and accounting services, to my current position as president of a well established non-profit, I’ve obtained the skills and life experiences to be effective and a responsive representative fighting for your interests in Sacramento.
If elected, I will strongly advocate to establish a public bank in California, where small businesses that need operating capital will receive it, where consumers won't be charged outrageous interest rates, and where homeowners won't be thrown out of their homes with unlawful foreclosures. We must stop rewarding banks billions of dollars to rob our citizens’ with fees, then force us to bail them out because they are "too big to fail."
Endorsed by working men and women, teachers, nurses, small businesses and elected leaders. I will invest in your healthcare, your kid’s education, and in job creation.
I’d be honored to have your vote and go to work for you!
EliaForAssembly.com
Candidate Contact Info
Email james@eliaforassembly.com
Republican
Retired Navy Seal
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My Top 3 Priorities
- Unifying the District to a clear and succinct set of communities.
- Overall neighborhood and citizen safety
- Legislating a clear path to jobs and economic enhancement and better quality of life for ALL the folks in the District.
Experience
Experience
Profession:Retired Navy SEAL
Questions & Answers
Questions from League of Women Voters of California Education Fund (4)
What do you think the State should do to encourage affordable housing for all Californians?
Answer from Larry A. Wilske:
California has the most new construction regulations and fees in our Country. Reducing the insane initial costs for constructino would greatly help lower the cost of housing.
According to a "Civility In America” survey, 75% of Americans believe that the U.S. has a major civility problem. If you are elected what will do to address this?
Answer from Larry A. Wilske:
I fully intend to continue the Ethos I learned during my 30-years in the SEAL Teams. Simply put I swore an oath to support and defend ALL Americans. For me it's much more important to ALWAUS put Patriotism above Party and realize no matter what party someone belongs to they're first and foremost my fellow American. I will completely be dedicated to ending Partisian divides and do this without ever sacrificinig my moral principles.
Climate changes, and the shifting between very wet weather and drought, worry Californians. What strategies would allow that your district to both satisfy its water needs and protect the environment? Please be specific.
Answer from Larry A. Wilske:
Protecting the environment is pure common sense. Climate change is also a moving target as our world is always changing. I don't believe the California's legislatures doubling current federal regulations helps this cause at all. Regulating pollution is a solid idea, finding ways to tax potential (and not proven) emissions (the CA Cap and Trade bill) is nothing more than a cash cow for legislative pork and does nothing to reduce pollutants into the atmosphere.
We need to constantly promote a clean environment, we don't need to create a government industry that gives little results and further limits the ability of small busniess owners to build and expand.
What programs or strategies would you suggest to meet the educational needs of the youngest and most poverty stricken Californians?
Answer from Larry A. Wilske:
Request the Federal government eliminate the Department of Education and the politically driven agenda of "Common Core" education standards. If all the money spent by the Federal government's Education Department added to the monies spent in the state of California for socio-emotional recognition policies (that do nothing to educate) were diverted to solid standards based education in lower income areas coupled with robust vocational training in those same areas we would make significant changes.
Who gave money to this candidate?
Contributions
Total money raised: $14,060
Top contributors that gave money to support the candidate, by organization:
1
Employees of Reno Construction
$2,200
2
Employees of Neil Dymott
$1,000
2
Employees of Shiva Science
$1,000
3
Employees of Rossin Steel
$500
3
Securing Every American's Liberty PAC
$500
More information about contributions
By State:
California 88.64%
Pennsylvania 7.45%
Virginia 3.72%
Ohio 0.19%
By Size:
Large contributions (95.48%)
Small contributions (4.52%)
By Type:
From organizations (5.59%)
From individuals (94.41%)
Source: MapLight analysis of data from the California Secretary of State.
Official Statement
Researched by Voter’s Edge
Source:
No statement provided.
Candidate Contact Info
Email larry@wilskeforassembly.com
