We asked each candidate to answer a few questions so that you can know a little more about their priorities. See the response from the other candidate running: Jordan Cunningham.

This year, voters in the majority of SLO County cities will have the chance to enact sales taxes that would support long term community and economic health; do you support any of these sales taxes? Why or why not?

I deeply value our democracy. It’s critical that voters weigh in on how their money is spent. These tax measures are linked to many cities’ abilities to provide police and fire services. I support the people being able to decide.

Which Assembly committee has the biggest impact on our region and why?

Serving on the Water, Parks & Wildlife Committee, I can protect SLO’s 80 miles of coastline and clean drinking water supply. AD35 is losing out on millions for local projects and fire safety. I can change that on the Budget Committee.

Do you think the state government is doing enough to support infrastructure in our region? If not, what would you do to change it?

No. We need Sacramento to pay attention to us. We need more resources for
pathways to home ownership, transportation, and fire protection. I will show up and work tirelessly to work for the people of the Central Coast.

Rank the issues in order of importance for our city:

All of the issues below are a tie for most important.

If elected, what will you do to address the issue you identified above as most significant?

All of the issues listed are incredibly important, and inextricably linked. Done well they create an ecosystem of success. I have been a champion for these issues. On Council, this includes working to keep Dog Beach open and conserve the Chevron Property between Morro Bay and Cayucos; promoting investment in wind and solar storage; awarding economic development contracts to the Chamber; worked to refine and streamline government services; lead the way to address the complicated issue of housing; worked on providing homeless services; moved a critical water reclamation project forward; advocated to a science-based approach to the COVID 19 crisis; funded fire truck replacement; and collaborated regionally on the Economic Vitality Corporation. I have also been a member of the Common Ground Task Force and Police and Communities together. This is the kind of leadership I would bring to the State Assembly.

Is there something the state is not currently doing to address impacts of COVID-19 that you would take up if elected?

Economically, I would champion a consistent pathway for businesses success during reopening, while providing enough testing and PPE to re-open safely. We must also fix the problems with services for people out of work due to the crisis.

In healthcare, we must increase public health funding and healthcare access. Additionally we need pathways to housing and home ownership for our healthcare workforce so that healthcare professionals find the Central Coast a viable live and work option.

For our schools, I would work to ensure full funding as well as proactive
prevention of the spread of COVID-19 among students and staff.

What is the most significant difference between you and your opponent?

I will show up, speak up, and advocate for the Central Coast in ways that my opponent hasn’t and won’t. While he may be a nice person, he has voted numerous times against coastal protections, fire prevention, and funding for infrastructure in our County. As a teacher, I advocated strongly for my students – even when it wasn’t popular. As a councilmember I am in tune with boots on the ground needs. As a community organizer I have been shoulder-to-shoulder with residents who are working for change. I understand the community and am unafraid to work for what we need.

Do you support any housing legislation currently under consideration at the state level? If so, which bills are you most in favor of?

Housing is a critical issue for the Central Coast. Since 2016 it’s only gotten worse, not better. When I ran for Council my platform included housing and I led the way to make housing a Major City Goal. There is not a one size fits all solution for Assembly District 35 that goes from Paso to Lompoc. Some communities don’t have room to build, but would do well with home ownership programs. Other communities have the land and water to expand. I would be a champion for the Central Coast and making sure that the housing solutions fit the communities we have here.

Which theme in the Chamber’s economic vision, Imagine SLO, do you think deserves the most focus in the next four years and why?

We Before Me Imagine SLO

I’m very impressed with the thoroughness and thoughtfulness of the Chamber’s “Imagine SLO” proposals. The theme “We Before Me” resonates with me because I believe the people of the Central Coast should come before the special interests in Sacramento.

What are you most proud of having contributed to our community in the past 10 years?

The Central Coast is my home. I have coached futsal, tended the snackbar at
football games, and gone to the 4th of July Blues games here. I have taught in Assembly District 35s largest incorporated school district, SLCUSD, my entire career. I helped found the Women’s March SLO, was named Woman of the Year, then represented our Congressional District at the President’s first State of the Union address. As a Councilmember, I speak up and vote to help my city be an amazing place to live, work, and visit. I am proud of all this and grateful to my family for supporting me along the way.