Candidate for
Member of the State Assembly; District 42; Democratic Party

The issues I support come from a place of deep care for the well-being and dignity of every human being. I believe all people should be treated equally, regardless of color, nationality, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, etc. Everyone must have choice over their own life decisions without undue interference from the government. In fact, I believe part of the purpose of government is to enforce these privacy rights, rather than to impede them.

I believe health-- and access to quality healthcare--are the foundation to every person's well-being. It is often said "without our health, we have nothing." None truer words could be spoken. That's why I've chosen "Health with dignity--let's care for people" as my rally cry.

Here are my three major platform issues....

Chronic pain and Other Chronic Conditions

Due to my personal experience with chronic pain and my nonprofit work, I'm aware that millions of people in California are dealing with at least one chronic health condition. These unfortunate people, especially those impacted with pain, suffer misunderstanding, disbelief from their support systems and many barriers to quality-of-life-preserving healthcare. If elected, I will make it my priority to bring awareness of this healthcare crisis to state agencies and author legislation to improve the lives of those impacted.

The Un-insured

I believe access to good healthcare for all is a right, not a privilege. Tragically, this is not the case in California and women and children are disproportionately un-insured. A healthy community is happier and more productive--and most importantly, no one suffers needlessly. If I am elected, I will support all legislation that promotes universal healthcare in this state.

Consumer Driven Healthcare

More and more healthcare costs are being shifted to the worker--and Consumer Driven Healthcare is another unfortunate example of the further erosion of benefits from employers. This scheme promotes an ever-widening healthcare gap between the have's and have not's. If elected, I will support any and all legislation that keeps families healthy without unfair financial burden and economic stress.

Other Priority Issues are...

HMO reform

We must continue the fight to keep these profit-oriented healthcare systems ethical. I want the Department of Managed Health Care to be a stronger advocate for the vulnerable patient.

Worker's Compensation Re-reform

With the recent reform measure implemented, injured workers are further exposed to harassment and non-care from insurance companies. We need to move this scheme in a better direction.

Medicinal Marijuana

Many people who suffer chronic and end-of-life pain GREATLY benefit from this therapy. I know people who cannot sleep or keep a meal down without it. I will do my best to improve and promote access to medicinal marijuana.

Accessibility and Understanding of People with Disabilities

Being the user of a wheelchair, I am unable to enter many public establishments without great hardship. Access is improving, but not fast enough. I will fight for universal design and better understanding that disabled people are just that first... people.

Gay Marriage

Marriage is a sacred institution that must be open to all, regardless of sexual orientation. I understand intimately the oppression and sadness that results when two people are not allowed to be married--as I have been in this position for 25 years (please see details in the "Meet Cynthia" intro blog.) Civil union is a step in the right direction, and we have a hard fight ahead.

My position on other hot-button issues...

Pro-Union Every worker has the right to be protected from exploitation.

Pro-Public Education Every person has the right to an excellent and affordable learning experience.

Pro-Choice It's a woman's right to privacy over her own body, pure and simple.

Anti-Death Penalty The moral outrage of killing innocent people is enough to end this abomination.

Anti-Tort Reform The individual must have recourse to right corporate wrongs.

Anti-Iraq War We must end this senseless slaughter for greed of oil and world dominance.