League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Alameda County, CA November 2, 2004 Election
	Ronald J. Colfer Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 18

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. What does California need to do to address the current budget crisis?

Reduce government expenditures by eliminating redundant programs such as Cal-EPA and Cal-OSHA, both of which have federal counterparts. Reduce entitlement spending by changing the benifit package for all newly hired state workers. Require that all state agencies spend no more that 15% of the agencies budget on administration. Release all prisoners that were convicted of "victimless" crimes, such as recreational drug use.

2. What should the state's priorities be for K-12 education? For the Community College System?

K-12 education should be placed in the control of local governments such as city and county. As far as the Community College System goes, the administrative costs must be reduced so that no more than 15% of the budget is consumed by administrators.

3. What measures would you support to address California's water needs?

Greater emphasis on conservation and especially recycling and reuse. Also all conservation measures that are implemented shall be implememted statewide.

4. What should the Legislature be doing to address the needs of Californians without health insurance?

Investigate the possibility of setting up a user fee supported health insurance service.