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LWV League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA June 3, 2008 Election
Smart Voter

Justin Carvalho
Answers Questions

Candidate for
Member, Democratic Party County Central Committee; County of Santa Clara; State Assembly District 24

 
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The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What would you do to increase the number of voters registered in your party?

We need to start registering voters at a young age. A few years ago as a active college Democrat, one of my main tasks was tabling at our campus as often as possible to register college students. At the time many thought it was a futile effort as there was little being offered by the political system to get these young people excited.

That all has changed. We are in the process of a competitive Democratic primary that has excited young people all across the country. This leaves us with a small window of opportunity and we as a party need to take advantage. With the excitement brought about by Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, we need to be proactive is registering students at college campus'. Additionally we need to work with Silicon Valley Companies in organizing voter registration drives as there are many young professionals in their 20s who are not yet registered to vote.

2. What would you do to help the campaigns of candidates of your party?

I have always been an active volunteer at the grassroots level and I will continue to take this role as a Central Committee member. I am always ready to take whatever time necessary to precinct walk or phone bank for candidates I believe in. For the upcoming Fall election, I am absolutely committed to putting in hours for our Democratic Presidential candidate. Additionally we need to ensure that Congressman Jerry McNerney is re-elected. Our county party in particular must play a large role as Santa Clara is part of CD-11. Whether it's in Morgan Hill or traveling to cities like San Ramon or Tracy, I will commit to making sure Congressman McNerney is re-elected.

We can't forget about candidates at the local level. I will also put in the time to help our endorsed candidates for the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and the San Jose, Campbell, Saratoga, and Santa Clara City Councils.

3. Why did you become a member of this political party?

My interest in politics began as a high school student. During the Clinton administration, I was aware our country was in an age of peace and prosperity with our economy going strong and a stable post-Cold war foreign policy. That is why I couldn't believe the Republican Congress went to such lengths to impeach a President for a scandal that didn't exist.

Additionally I was motivated by the excitement of the 2000 election, very much hoping that Al Gore would carry on the Clinton legacy of a solid economy and being shocked that many in our country chose to go another direction.

As a college student I officially joined by Young Democrats chapter at CSU Northridge. I realized that my priorities were very much aligned with the Democratic Party.

I am a major supporter of public education and ensuring that we have federal aid programs in place to help young people go to college.

The environment has always been a priority of mine. It's take that our county and state step up to initiate green initiatives as have taken place in the cities of Palo Alto and Sunnyvale. Global warming is a real threat and we as a party must make sure environmental protection is at the top of our agenda.


Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: May 14, 2008 16:09
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