League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara, Alameda County, CA June 5, 2012 Election
	Arlyne M "ArLyne" Diamond, Ph.D. Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 25

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. How will you prioritize the budget choices the Legislature must make to align the state’s income and spending?

Although very difficult, this is not an impossible task if there is cooperation on both sides of the aisle. Wanting to fix it is the first requirement for fixing it. Spending can be reduced by streamlining systems, reducing redundancy in agencies and operations, and being more aware of fraud. We need to help those who truly need our help, and stop helping those who can and should be helping themselves.

2. What types of changes or reforms, if any, do you think are important to make our state government function more effectively?

Government's proper function is to serve and protect the people, not to dictate how they live their lives on a daily basis. In our zeal to be helpful, we have over-regulated individuals as well as businesses. We need to "back off" and reduce the amount of rules we make.

3. Fees for public higher education have gone up dramatically and funding has been cut. Is this a priority concern, and if so, what measures would you propose to address it?

This is an important concern, especially since California has been noted for providing the very best in higher education. We need to make more careful decisions as to where the tax dollars are spent, the ratio of in-state and out-of-state students, and how we can best use the balance of Professors and Technology to provide the very best education at the lowest reasonable price.

4. What other major issues do you think the Legislature must address? What are your own priorities?

1: Bringing Jobs back to California - by becoming more business friendly and reducing unnecessary regulations. 2: Improving K-12 education 3: Streamlining and reducing duplication in agencies and the processes they use.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. References to opponents are not permitted.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: April 25, 2012 16:41
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