California Elections : Q&A; With Dornan, Robinson: How They Stand on 5 Key Issues

During their hard-fought race in the 38th Congressional District, Rep. Robert K. Dornan (R-Garden Grove) and Assemblyman Richard Robinson (D-Garden Grove) have spent much of their time attacking each other, raising thousands of dollars in contributions and preparing a flurry of political mailers.

Relatively little energy, however, has been focused on exploring local issues facing the district--an area that includes Garden Grove and parts of Anaheim, Buena Park, Santa Ana, Westminster, Stanton, Midway City and Cerritos.

To help voters evaluate where the candidates stand on the issues, The Times invited Dornan and Robinson to answer five questions, ranging from the fate of Buena Clinton--a 39-acre slum in Garden Grove--to the $1.1-billion Santa Ana River Flood Control Project.

Both candidates were asked to limit the lengths of their answers, to focus on the issues and to refrain from personal attacks. Here are the questions and the candidates’ responses.

Q: What will you do as a congressman to help reduce freeway congestion and other traffic problems in the 38th District?

Dornan: As a U.S. congressman my job is to see that the federal government continues to fund the construction, expansion and improvement of our interstate freeways. Budget permitting, we also should assist state and local governments with local mass transit systems. Since returning to Congress, I have twice voted to remove the Highway Trust Fund from the federal budget so that it will be safe from any automatic cuts in federal spending. After all, we specifically pay gas taxes to fund freeway construction. These funds should not be cut to pay for other programs that should be paid out of our income taxes. I have also been a major backer of the Surface Transportation Act of 1986. It will redefine the formula for distribution of federal highway funds more favorably to California. This act also includes my amendment to give Anaheim $900,000 to reduce traffic congestion on the Katella traffic corridor between Disneyland and Anaheim Stadium.

Robinson: In 1981, the Congress enacted a 5-cents-per-gallon additional federal tax on gasoline and ordered these funds deposited in the Federal Highway Trust Account. In the last five years, motorists in the 38th Congressional District as well as the rest of the United States have paid more than $10 billion into this account. Even though the citizens are paying this money, it is not being used to relieve the overcrowded freeways in this district. My top priority will be to seek the release of these funds and to ensure that the appropriate formula for disbursement results; at a minimum, every penny that has been paid by Orange County will be returned. Furthermore, I am a strong advocate for a balanced solution to our transportation ills. This, of course, includes fixed guideway, light rail and mass vehicular transportation.

Q: Buena Clinton in Garden Grove is considered the county’s worst slum. What programs will you pursue to reduce blight and unemployment in this area?

Robinson: Another major priority of mine in Washington will be seeking solutions to the housing problems experienced by the residents of the 38th. A slum such as Buena Clinton exists in large part because there is no federal housing program. In my first term in the state Assembly, I was vice chairman of the Housing Committee which produced the California Housing Finance Agency Act. This legislation, which I co-authored, is a model for the other states in addressing housing needs for low- and moderate-income individuals. But the states, with their limited resources, cannot solve this problem alone; the federal government should supply generous tax incentives to the private sector that will both encourage construction of new housing as well as refurbishment of existing dilapidated housing. This program would also go a long way toward relieving the unemployment problems within areas such as Buena Clinton.

Dornan: As a result of my Washington partnership with Garden Grove, Buena Clinton today is vastly different from that of just two years ago. Rundown areas have been leveled, apartment buildings are being rehabilitated, a job-producing light industrial manufacturing plant is being constructed, overcrowding has been reduced and the crime rate has dropped. This ongoing face lift has occurred because I have worked closely with city officials, passed legislation and personally secured major multimillion-dollar federal grants ($2.5 million and $11 million) that have enabled the City Council to implement its local cleanup plan. I have visited Buena Clinton many times and used my influence in the Reagan Administration to get Buena Clinton the personal attention it needs. That’s why the Garden Grove City Council honored me with a unanimous resolution of commendation for my work on behalf of Buena Clinton and one of the reasons why every member of the City Council has endorsed me for reelection.

Q: The Santa Ana River Flood Control Project is crucial to Orange County’s future. As a congressman, what will you do to further this project?

Dornan: When I ran for this seat two years ago, I said I would hang my head in shame if I did not do what my opponent (former Rep. Jerry W. Patterson) was unable to do for 10 years--secure congressional approval for the Santa Ana Flood Control Project. Well, it’s finally been done. The House and Senate have, for the first time ever, approved the $1.1-billion authorization for full funding of this project. President Reagan will likely sign the bill right here in Orange County this weekend. This was accomplished because of the hard work of all five Orange County Republican congressmen. (I twice testified on behalf of this project, spoke several times for it on the floor of the House and lobbied my colleagues to vote for it.) The money for Phase I has been appropriated, and construction of this life-and-property-saving project is finally well under way.

Robinson: Federal law requires two distinct actions by Congress in order to construct public works projects such as the Santa Ana River Flood Control Project. The Congress recently enacted HR 6, which will authorize the construction of the Santa Ana River Flood Control Project. This was the result of monumental efforts by the county flood control district and the unanimous support of all the elected state and federal officials representing the county. But this was only the first phase; the Congress has yet to appropriate the billon dollars that will be necessary to break ground on this project. As a Democrat, I will be successful at guaranteeing Orange County’s priority in any compromise achieved in a Democrat-controlled Congress.

Q: The 38th Congressional District has Orange County’s largest concentration of immigrants and illegal aliens. What is your position on the new immigration bill signed into law by the President, and how do you think it will affect the district?

Robinson: Illegal immigration is a major problem facing the entire country as well as the 38th Congressional District. While I believe that a legislative solution must be sought that guarantees the security of our borders, I must oppose several amendments of the bill passed by the Congress. First of all, it will make the many small businessmen of the 38th District immigration police. It will mire them with an incredible amount of governmental red tape. It penalizes the employers for the failures of the federal government to protect its borders. I believe discrimination will occur because employers will be wary of hiring people of color. Secondly, the immigration bill will result in over $500 million in increased welfare costs. This expense will be borne on the back of the already overburdened property taxpayer. If there are to be amnesty provisions, the cost should be allocated fairly to all 50 states.

Dornan: With some reluctance I joined my four other Orange County congressmen and voted for passage of the new immigration bill because it was the best and only reform we have been able to achieve in 50 years. Partial amnesty has been granted to illegals--no longer will they live in fear or face exploitation. However, no welfare benefits will be made available to them for five years to avoid a “run on the Treasury.” I also supported the soon-to-be-established special counsel’s office in the U.S. Justice Department to combat specific instances of discrimination against Hispanics. Businesses will only be fined if they have not made a “good-faith effort” to determine citizenship. And most importantly, we have doubled the budget of the INS to secure our border from future illegal immigration to help prevent this massive violation of our laws from ever occurring again. I remain a strong supporter of the use of the military to secure the border if that be necessary as well. Though it has flaws, it is a powerful beginning.

Q: What will you do as a congressman to reduce violent crime, drug abuse and other crime problems in the 38th District?

Dornan: During my eight years in Congress, I have consistently voted for strong, mandatory penalties (including the death penalty for capital murder crimes) for all criminals, but especially for “killer drug” traffickers and pornographers who prey upon our children. I also am a vocal advocate of giving our police the benefit of the doubt over criminals who often take advantage of legal technicalities to escape punishment. The rights of the victim, not the criminal, must come first. Parental support, educational programs in our schools which reinforce traditional moral values, and creating a job-producing economy are essential overall elements to avoiding long-term problems. Equally important is re-establishing respect for our judicial system. That’s why I support the ouster of (California Chief Justice) Rose Bird who, by refusing to enforce the death penalty, has bred anger and disrespect for our laws.

Robinson: All experts agree that one of the major causes of crime is the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol. For over 14 years I have believed the best way to combat substance abuse is through removing the demand for drugs through education. While the last Congress made a modest step toward a solution, it falls short of the federal support necessary to ensure that the next generation is drug-free. I will strongly support federal aid, without strings attached, to the local school districts to be coordinated with law enforcement, parents and teachers in order to eradicate the demand for illicit drugs.