Get the facts on the California candidates running for election to the District 61 — California State Assembly
Find out their top 3 priorities, their experience, and who supports them.
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About this office
State assembly members introduce and vote on new laws, hold hearings, and draft the state budget. They are elected to two-year terms.
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California School Employees AssociationCalifornia Teachers AssociationCentral Labor Council, AFL-CIO of San Bernardino and Riverside CountiesSEIU Local 721UAW Region 5United Domestic WorkersCalifornia Professional FirefightersUnited Farmworkers UnionSierra Club (California)California Federation of TeachersCalifornia State University Employees Union
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My Top 3 Priorities
Jobs
Education
Transportation
Experience
Experience
Profession:Teacher/California State Legislator
California State Assemblymember, California State Assembly — Elected position (2012–current)
Teacher, Riverside Unified School District (1996–2012)
Board Member, Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees — Elected position (1997–2010)
Board Member, Jurupa Unified School District — Elected position (1989–1991)
Education
University of California, Riverside — BA - Latin American Studies, UCR (1974), Master's Degree - History, UCR (1984), Latin American Studies, History (1984)
Community Activities
Member, The Latino Network (1998–current)
Member, California Teachers Association (1978–current)
Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America (1966–current)
Biography
Based on my professional experience as well as my years of service to the community as an elected official, I strongly feel that I am the best qualified candidate for the 61st Assembly District.
Questions from League of Women Voters of California Education Fund (4)
What do you think the State should do to encourage affordable housing for all Californians?
Answer from Jose Medina:
I believe the State needs to work with private industries to increase the supply of homes. At the same time, within this supply of homes, there are low - cost and affordable housing being built to ensure that there are enough housing to cater to all levels of income.
The State should work towards lowering the college debt so that students who graduate from college do not have this financial burden that prevents them from purchasing their first home.
According to a "Civility In America” survey, 75% of Americans believe that the U.S. has a major civility problem. If you are elected what will do to address this?
Answer from Jose Medina:
In my 6 years as a State Assemblymember, I have worked with and enjoyed great personal relationships with members of both political parties. Putting politics aside, it’s crucial to continue fostering friendships with Democrat and Republican members to ensure civility is maintained.
Climate changes, and the shifting between very wet weather and drought, worry Californians. What strategies would allow that your district to both satisfy its water needs and protect the environment? Please be specific.
Answer from Jose Medina:
Locally, we must continue to conserve water. At the same time, we need to continue to ensure there's accessibility to the Northern California Water Source while being mindful of the environmental impact.
What programs or strategies would you suggest to meet the educational needs of the youngest and most poverty stricken Californians?
Answer from Jose Medina:
There is high importance of state - supported early childhood education for children starting from 1 - 3 years of age. We must ensure there is accesibility to quality early childhood education for all children regardless of income level. I continue to support the local funding formula that puts more money in the poorest, neediest public schools.
Who gave money to this candidate?
Contributions
Total money raised: $686,858
Top contributors that gave money to support the candidate, by organization:
1
State Building & Construction Trades Council of California
$21,400
2
California Faculty Association
$17,600
2
California Federation of Teachers
$17,600
2
California Professional Firefighters
$17,600
2
California Teachers Association
$17,600
2
SEIU California
$17,600
More information about contributions
By State:
California 79.37%
District of Columbia 3.19%
Texas 2.28%
Washington 1.72%
Other 13.44%
By Size:
Large contributions (99.74%)
Small contributions (0.26%)
By Type:
From organizations (97.56%)
From individuals (2.44%)
Source: MapLight analysis of data from the California Secretary of State.
Political Beliefs
Political Philosophy
As your elected representative, I look for pragmatic solutions to the problems faced by the constituents in my District.
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My Top 3 Priorities
I support TAX CUTS and will work tirelessly for you to eliminate wasteful spending!
PUBLIC SAFETY is one of my top priorities, we must keep California safe.
EDUCATION K-12. I want to pass laws that support our K-12 teachers who impact the first 13 years of our children’s education.
Experience
Experience
Profession:Business Owner, Entrepreneur
Chief Operating Officer, ARCO Travel Zone Center (2000–current)
Owner, USA Tactical (2011–current)
Chief Operating Officer, Pinnacle Real Estate Holdings, LLC (2000–current)
Publisher, IE Commerce B2B (2015–current)
Chair, Mead Valley Municipal Advisory Council — Appointed position (2016–2017)
Education
Cal State Fullerton — Business Administration and Criminal Justice (1996)
Community Activities
Board Member, Coalition Franchise Association (2013–current)
Board Member, Mead Valley MAC (2014–current)
Board Member, Southwest California Legislative Council (2014–2017)
Board Member, Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce (2011–2017)
Questions from League of Women Voters of California Education Fund (4)
What do you think the State should do to encourage affordable housing for all Californians?
Answer from Mohammad-Ali Mazarei:
Cut regulations on home builders and get rid on nonsense mandates placed on new construction. ie solar panels.
According to a "Civility In America” survey, 75% of Americans believe that the U.S. has a major civility problem. If you are elected what will do to address this?
Answer from Mohammad-Ali Mazarei:
Civility needs to be addressed at home. Parents need to take more responsibility for their children's actions. A little civility goes a long away but it seems that thanks to the media and the race to get the highest "likes" or "Clicks" we have stopped caring about being civil.
Climate changes, and the shifting between very wet weather and drought, worry Californians. What strategies would allow that your district to both satisfy its water needs and protect the environment? Please be specific.
Answer from Mohammad-Ali Mazarei:
We must STOP wasteful spending on the Governor’s “Bullet Train” and focus on meaningful projects that enhance our quality of life such as water storage and supply, not on a train to nowhere.
What programs or strategies would you suggest to meet the educational needs of the youngest and most poverty stricken Californians?
Answer from Mohammad-Ali Mazarei:
Education K-12. I want to pass laws that support our K-12 teachers who impact the first 13 years of our children’s education. I believe that education should work to improve the lives of every child; even those who are not going on to University.
Who gave money to this candidate?
Contributions
Total money raised: $142,453
Top contributors that gave money to support the candidate, by organization:
1
IE Commerce Business 2 Business
$57,255
2
Mohammad-Ali Mazarei
$39,453
3
Employees of Riverside County Travel Zone Center
$10,000
4
Abell Properties
$4,400
4
LINCOLN CLUB OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY
$4,400
4
NPG Asphalt
$4,400
More information about contributions
By State:
California 100.00%
By Size:
Large contributions (99.58%)
Small contributions (0.42%)
By Type:
From organizations (53.93%)
From individuals (46.07%)
Source: MapLight analysis of data from the California Secretary of State.
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