Campaign ‘94: Issues and Answers

Two candidates are running in the Nov. 8 election to represent the 67th Assembly District. They are Democrat Jonathan Woolf-Willis of Huntington Beach and Republican Doris Allen, the incumbent, from Cypress. Here’s where they stand on four issues.

“Three Strikes” Crime Law

Woolf-Willis: “The concept of ‘three strikes’ is good. It prevents violent felons from hurting more victims. But the law must focus on those who commit violent felonies. If we do not combine ‘three strikes’ with alternative programs for nonviolent offenders, we will overcrowd our prisons and bankrupt our state. Here are several additional programs of smart prevention and tough enforcement that I propose: more police on the street, community-based policing, early intervention, a ban on automatic weapons, prisoner work programs to compensate victims and pay for room and board, expanded drug treatment programs.”

Allen: “Although there are always alternatives that may prove effective in dealing with crime, I have always been a staunch supporter of ‘three strikes’ legislation. When fully implemented by the judicial system, these laws put an end to the repetitive nature of felons. If you are not on the street, you can’t commit crimes against society. The people of California called for real time for real crimes, and I agree. What needs to be watched now are the liberals’ attempts to weaken the law by inserting exemption clauses on felonies that otherwise would be included in ‘three strikes.’ This circumvention could render one of the toughest crime deterrents in the state impotent.”

Measure to Curtail Benefits to Illegal Immigrants

Woolf-Willis: “Illegal immigration is wrong. It needs to be stopped. I support what is being called a ‘citizenship based’ immigration policy. It combines support for cutting the flow of illegal immigrants with measures to assist new immigrants in becoming citizens and acculturating. The three key aspects of this policy are: tough enforcement of immigration laws, assimilation of newcomers and re-examination of current immigration policies. ‘SOS’ is not an intelligent response to the problem because it makes our doctors, nurses, teachers and social workers do the job of federal law enforcement. These professionals should not be the ones interrogating and arresting illegal immigrants--that’s like something out of Nazi Germany in the 1930s.”

Allen: “The cost of services for illegal residents in California is enormous. Unless something is done to curtail this, it will bankrupt the state. While it is clear that something needs to be done, the jury on the ‘Save Our State’ initiative is, in my mind, still out. It is unfortunate that the public has had to use the initiative process to resolve this legislative issue. While there were many attempts to address this matter legislatively, certain interests successfully stymied those efforts. Any negative impact on the health and safety, as well as any unanticipated future costs to the legal residents of California, needs to be seriously and thoroughly scrutinized before a vote on this serious ballot measure is cast.”

Single-Payer Health Initiative

Woolf-Willis: “I have two objections to the plan. First, it is funded primarily by a business payroll tax at a time when businesses are leaving California for other states where there are less taxes and less regulations. Secondly, health care is a national problem. Reform should come on the national level. Most Americans want a universal health care program of some type. That need transcends partisan politics. I am hopeful that the current bipartisan efforts in Congress will result in a plan that will have the least impact on small businesses, while meeting the pressing need for reform.”

Allen: “The idea that the government can supply the people of California with a better and more affordable health plan is a fallacy. California currently offers some of the best health care in the world. Forming a huge government bureaucracy to implement health care would neither lower costs nor improve the quality of services available, and it would be an incredible strain on the state’s already fragile economy. What is needed is less governmental involvement, not more.”

Future Uses For El Toro Marine Corps Air Station

Woolf-Willis: “The future use of the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station is the most important regional decision that will be made in Orange County this decade. The appointed commission should finish its job and make its recommendations on the highest and best use for the property. One concept that deservess more study is converting El Toro into a mixed-use sporting facility, including a first-class professional baseball stadium for the California Angels. That would permit a complete renovation of Anaheim Stadium as part of our community’s efforts to keep the Rams. Youth sports and Olympic training centers could also be combined with the stadium.”

Allen: “I have always believed in the process of government responding to the people. The issue of the potential development of a commercial airport at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station will be before the people on the November ballot. The wishes of the voters should be the single most important factor in deciding the future use of this great resource for Orange County. The question before the Orange County electorate is whether the county will choose to aggressively move into the international arena or to continue the status quo.”

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Source: Individual candidates; Researched by ERIC BAILEY / Los Angeles Times