Virtual Town Hall Questions for Matt Mendoza

Patch sent questionnaires to the candidates running for the seat in the 79th Assembly District race. Matt Mendoza is a native of Lemon Grove who works in management at Boeing Satellite Systems. His opponents in Tuesday's primary election are Mary England, Shirley Weber, Sid Voorakkara, Pat Washington and Rudy Ramirez.

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

Matt Mendoza: Because with my leadership we will stop the frivolous spending and get California working again, which includes putting the money that California does have to good works. Of course one of the top priorities is our children’s education and to make sure they are being taught by good teachers who are secure in their jobs.

Patch: I’m 52 and own a greeting card shop, and this economy is still killing me. Why should I vote for you?

Mendoza: By cutting taxes, repealing regulations, balancing our budget and expanding domestic energy production, California can create new jobs, and give already existing companies security with a once again blooming state and a healthy economy. I, as your voice, will make sure this happens, as it is my main focus.

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

Mendoza: With my leadership I will make the necessary changes for California's economy so California will once again be great, which will give companies the security of knowing it is OK to start hiring employees without having the fear of the economy collapsing.

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

Mendoza: I will get the economy back into a healthy state so there will be plenty of good jobs. You will be able to get a part-time job and work your way through college, which is great in several ways. When you graduate you won't have huge student loans to repay, and you can graduate knowing California has a good economy and plenty of opportunities for that successful career you spent your time training for.

Patch: I’m 39 and worried about our country’s moral fabric, since it is moving toward gay marriage and marijuana legalization. My church is my main source of strength. Why should I vote for you?

Mendoza: I also have a strong moral compass, and believe America was based on Judeo-Christian values. I will not support any gay legislation or any laws to legalize drugs. The last thing California needs is people believing it is OK to take marijuana, a known drug that has been proven to cause brain damage.
Patch: I’m 90 and can’t leave my house because I hear police sirens all the time and my neighbors had their car broken into. Why should I vote for you?

Mendoza: I hear your cry! What California needs is to start enforcing the crime laws we already have on the books, and to stop releasing prisoners before their time is served because of overcrowded prisons.

I strongly believe and will support legislation on being tough on crime, so individuals will think twice of the severe consequences before they commit a crime. For those who think they will not get caught or will be released very soon, I will support having more prisons built, and lower the cost per prisoner in the budget, so while the prisoners are in prison they will not have such a lush life and will not want to return. No cable TV. In fact, no TV at all. No work-out center. No conjugal visits. Etc.

Patch: I’m a 47-year-old musician, but singing a sad tune. I’m losing my house to foreclosure. Why should I vote for you?

Mendoza: Because I will turn around the economy and make it where the average American has that extra money to go out and enjoy themselves with friends and family. That will in turn create more jobs all around, including the career you specialize in. Americans love their music!

Patch: I’m a 67-year-old rancher, and illegals use my yard to relieve themselves. The border is still wide open. Why should I vote for you?

Mendoza: I have strong beliefs for legal immigration, and believe we need to stop making California so attractive for immigrants to come over here illegally. This can be done by starting to enforce the laws we already have regarding employers hiring illegal immigrants. If an illegal immigrant is caught driving a vehicle, the car they are driving should be impounded to the full extent of the law, and the illegal immigrant should immediately be deported back to their country of origin.

I will support securing the border once and for all. Ronald Reagan once said; "A country without borders is not a country," and I firmly believe that.

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

Mendoza: I believe basically all Americans want the same thing—to have an America where;

1)     We are free. Free to pursue our dreams, whether that dream is a small business, a large corporation or maybe even a simple farm on a few acres. Freedoms also includs religious freedom that government cannot regulate our conscious and biblical principles.

2)     That America is safe. That we have tough enough laws that criminals will change their ways or go to another country where they can get away with their behavior
there.

3)     That America has a healthy economy. That Americans don't have to live in fear of where their next meal is going to come from, and jobs would be plentiful.

I believe all Americans want these basic things, whether they are Democrats, Republicans, Independents or so frustrated with the laws they have given up and stopped voting altogether.

I will fight for these conditions for all Americans. I have extensive experience in creating teams and setting goals with multi departments and agencies and bringing them together to meet a common goal, all within budget and by the appointed deadline.

This is what I already do on an everyday basis as operating manager at a multibillion dollar company. Now you have the opportunity to vote me in and have me accomplish this for the 79th District of the State Assembly.