Meet the candidates who are running to represent the 24th district

Salud Carbajal (D), Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor
One of the things I pride myself on most is my strong record of working across party lines, bringing Democrats and Republicans together to solve problems and get results for our constituents. As a Santa Barbara County Supervisor, I’ve worked across the aisle to promote sound fiscal stewardship of our financial resources, to expand health insurance for our kids and invest in our highways and roads to create jobs and maintain our quality of life.

The partisanship in Congress is unfortunate and is damaging our nation. There are still opportunities, however, to build relationships with colleagues across the aisle and create trust and bring positive investments and opportunities for our citizens along the Central Coast. I believe that’s the kind of leadership we need in Congress today.

Benjamin Lucas (D), Spokesperson and Businessman
I profess to be a Reagan-Democrat. I have put forth my ideas at thelucassolution.com on how to move the economy forward, including energy and education. I intend to offer fresh ideas and at the same time I understand the need to envision a bigger picture and not hold to party lines to create solutions.

William Ostrander (D), Farmer and Nonprofit Director
A major reason congress is dysfunctional is the amount of money spent to be elected to office. Once elected, the established political parties, lobbyists, special interests and the wealthy write huge checks to candidates and office holders. In return, elected officials reward their benefactors with policies and legislation that favors donors. Elected officials are expected to raise money for their own campaigns and for their respective political parties as well. This results in congress members spending a minimum of four hours a day raising money instead of doing their jobs. The most important step in resolving gridlock in Washington is changing the way elections are financed. We must do away with private money that dominates politics and instead publicly finance campaigns. Special interests and the affluent would have much less control over policy and legislation and voters could no longer be ignored.

Helene Schneider (D), Mayor of Santa Barbara
Like so many Central Coast residents, I’m fed up with Washington’s lack of action on the issues we care most about— especially as it relates to advancing equality issues. For far too long, Congress’ relentless partisan bickering and the ‘politics as usual,’ where the establishment makes the rules and the status quo is the name of the game, has stood in the way of real progress. We’re ready for a transformation from the bottom up— not the top down— and we need leaders who are committed to solving problems and not doing Washington’s bidding. I have experience working with diverse groups of people and I promise to be a strong voice in D.C., not just someone who will do what the party bosses demand.

Katcho Achadjian (R), 35th District Assemblyman
I believe one of the biggest motivators to hold Congress accountable is their paycheck. If hard working Americans do not do their job, they do not get paid. If Congress can’t work together to pass an on-time, balanced budget, I believe their paychecks should be withheld. I will fight for a No Budget, No Pay law. If the federal budget is not passed on time all members of Congress should forfeit their pay every day until the budget is passed. Paychecks should not go on hold in an escrow account where they will collect it later; members of Congress should never receive that pay.

Justin Fareed (R), Businessman
Today, Congress is run by political insiders who care more about winning their next election than the policies that are affecting the next generation. They will say and do anything to get elected, but then fail to do the things necessary to move our country forward, once in office. I’m running for Congress reform the institution, rein-in federal overreach and put forth 21 st century policies to ensure a better future for our country.

As a former legislative aide to a senior member of Congress, I have experience in drafting and moving legislation by building consensus among members. I will take that experience and next generation leadership to Washington in order to reform the institution and get Congress working again for the people of the Central Coast.

Matt Kokkonen (R), Financial Planner
In reality, Congress has virtually always been dysfunctional. Usually people who bring up the issue mean that since they belong to the minority party, their favored legislation is not being passed by Congress. On the other hand, legislation, such as Obamacare, passed solely by the Democrats without a single Republican vote, clearly highlights the bad consequences of not holding meaningful hearings and making common-sense changes to the proposed legislation.

However, the largest problem is the constant expansion of federal involvement in states’ and individuals’ lives contrary to the 10th Amendment. In fact, I won my case, limiting federal powers and jurisdiction, in the US Supreme Court unanimously.

As a financial planner for over 40 years, I have been on, and chaired many committees and boards and been involved in countless negotiations with individuals and large and small employers and groups where we have brought the parties to acceptable agreement.

Steve Isakson (I), Engineer
Congress is dysfunctional because the parties as a whole are more interested in serving their selves or special interest than the public that voted for them. However, there are 435 full voting representatives in Congress and six delegates. Many of them do want to work for the people and solve the problems of government. By seeking out these individuals and working with them, I know common sense solutions that will be beneficial to everyone can be achieved. Those interested in solving the problems of the nation will act on solutions they believe in, even if it goes against the party bosses. Additionally, I will work to overturn Citizens United and promote campaign finance reform to decrease the influence of the special interests. Strength in numbers will allow negotiations with the power players to accomplish what is needed to avoid the serious problems that will occur in the next few years.

John Uebersax (I), Biostatistician and Anti-war Writer
We’ve got to look at the structural causes of gridlock. A major factor is that the power elite — Wall Street, international banks, corporations, oil companies, the defense industry, etc. — want to divide and conquer the American public. As long as we remain divided, these special interests, which manipulate both parties with lobbying and campaign donations, achieve their goals unopposed. The wars today are the worst manifestation of the elite agenda.

To combat this we must take steps to emphasize unity and solidarity, mutual affection and a sense of common purpose. There is an urgent need today to come together patriotically as a nation and face the problem of militarism. We must confront the terrible reality of US military imperialism and work together to stop it. This is the great opportunity of our time.

Salud Carbajal (D), Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor
The Central Coast is home to some of the most diverse and beautiful places in the world. In Congress, I will continue to support Congresswoman Lois Capps’ legislation to improve federal oil and gas pipeline safety regulations. It is imperative that we work to reduce our dependence on offshore oil drilling along our Central Coast. I will continue to say no to any new offshore drilling and instead encourage us to move toward cleaner energy solutions that help create new jobs, like we did with the solar power facilities in the Cuyama Valley and on the Carrizo Plain.

I am proud to have served on President Obama’s task force on climate change to come up with a range of sustainable solutions to be implemented at the state and local levels and to have the Sierra Club’s endorsement. I will fight to protect our Central Coast’s environment and renew our investments in clean energy sources, so that future generations have the opportunity to enjoy these open spaces in our region.

Benjamin Lucas (D), Spokesperson and Businessman
That oil spill was an onshore event and thus completely preventable by enforcing the federal safety standards. The previous congressperson had been informed of maintenance deficiencies 2 years prior to the oil spill and had not followed up on the pipeline co’s performance. I will use my knowledge of regulations as a previously certified nuclear power operator to ensure oversight of federal regulations.

William Ostrander (D), Farmer and Nonprofit Director
The Refugio oil spill taught us that it is crucial that oil and other spill prevention, notification, and rapid response measures be in place and functioning properly at all times to minimize the impacts associated with an oil spill.

In 2015, the Governor required the state fire marshal to annually inspect all intrastate pipelines under its jurisdiction. He signed legislation to require oil pipelines in environmentally sensitive areas be fitted with remote leak detectors and automatic shut-off valves. Another law will speed response to spills by enlisting commercial fisherman and other boat operators outfitted with containment gear to help contain leaks in their area.

There is still litigation pending to recover income lost by those adversely affected by the oil spill, but our best bet in preventing another oil spill is to eliminate oil drilling off the Central Coast.

Helene Schneider (D), Mayor of Santa Barbara
First of all, we need to stop the expansion of offshore drilling along California’s coast. Then we need to ensure that the safety standards and regulations that are in existing law are enforced in a way that protects our environment. Finally, we need to recognize that ending our reliance on fossil fuels is not just a moral issue, but an economic and national security issue as well. Federal investment in clean and renewable energy sources will benefit the people of the 24th district in a multitude of ways, and as your member of Congress, I will push for those investments.

Katcho Achadjian (R), 35th District Assemblyman
Automatic shutoff valves are practically standard now. Last year I took the steps I could at the state level to increase protections of our coastline. I voted to pass SB 295, which requires annual inspections of interstate pipelines, AB 846, which requires remote leak detectors and automatic shut­off valves, and SB 414, which equips commercial fishermen with tools to help contain leaks in their areas.
In Congress, I would support legislation that requires automatic shutoff valves. It’s a commonsense step to protecting our California coastline and preventing serious oil spills. I would also support penalizing the responsible party if they were aware of the weak spot in the pipeline and ignored it.

Justin Fareed (R), Businessman
The Refugio Spill had federal oversight from Congress and the Department of Transportation, which was the regulating body on the Plains All American Pipeline. In 2011, they passed the Pipeline Safety Act, which had around 42 mandates from Congress to improve the oversight on the pipeline. However, there were a number of mandates that were never implemented by the Administration. We need to ensure that the safety precautions taken on our pipelines are most effective and efficient in preventing and handling environmental crises. This raises the question whether oversight is best suited at the federal level, or whether it would be more effective at the local level.

We need to conserve California’s Central Coast for future generations to enjoy, without jeopardizing our economic vitality. I will support reasonable projects that are safe for our environment, and that don’t stifle the growth of businesses and agriculture within our district.

Matt Kokkonen (R), Financial Planner
Refugio spill was unfortunately due to a weak pipeline and its faulty monitoring. That is being remedied by the pipeline company. Let’s keep the spill in its correct perspective. The 1969 oil blowpout leaked about 80,000 barrels or about one year’s worth of natural seeps, while the pipeline spilled only 3,100 barrels, of which only 500 barrels reached the ocean.

The spill shut down major oil transportation. It cost the communities hundreds of millions dollars in lost tax revenue. This pipeline spill must not be used as an excuse to shut down oil drilling in the channel. In fact, one of the most important reasons to continue the drilling is environmental. Just as you pump out your septic tank when it leaks, the best way to clean the beaches from the natural oil seepage is to pump it out as has been proven around platform Holly.

Steve Isakson (I), Engineer
The problem of the Refugio Spill is one of deferred maintenance – which is a problem with a lot of our infrastructure. While pipeline transport of oil is normally the safest and cheapest method, nothing is safe if proper maintenance is not observed.

The San Francisco gas line explosion in 2010, killing 8, was a line installed in 1956. Besides age, the gas pressure was gradually increased to meet service demands. Obviously more tests were needed to ensure all the seams were good for the job. As a consequence of that tragedy, gas lines all over the state, including here on the central coast, are being inspected or replaced to guarantee safety.

There is no excuse for lack of maintenance when safety for both people and ecology is a concern. Bills are going through Congress today to help provide for safe pipeline operations and more is needed for our entire infrastructure

John Uebersax (I), Biostatistician and Anti-war Writer
Naturally I would prefer to stop all offshore oil drilling in Santa Barbara. As a native Californian, especially, I value the natural beauty and ecological health of our coast. Nevertheless dependence on foreign oil has had serious negative effects on our national security. An oil-based economic partnership with Saudi Arabia, in particular, has caused the US to turn a blind eye to human rights abuses in that country and their support of radical groups in the Middle East and Europe. Therefore, on balance, I would support limited offshore drilling for the time being. However we must insist on the most exacting standards and practices to achieve new levels of safety. This can be done by working with oil companies to implement programs of total quality management, and by developing a cooperative, not adversarial, relationship between citizens, environmentalists, oil companies and government oversight agencies.

Salud Carbajal (D), Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor
Our country is witnessing a terrible epidemic of gun violence – one that became deeply personal in our community after the tragic massacre in Isla Vista in 2010. Gun violence touched my own family when my sister committed suicide using a firearm. There is nothing in the Second Amendment that precludes us from taking reasonable restrictions on the sale of military-grade weapons or restricting the capacity of extended ammunition clips and armor piercing bullets.

We need to take issue with the horrendous level of gun violence experienced everyday in our country. California is one state that has taken considerable action on expanding universal background checks for the purchase of firearms and I believe that measure should be extended throughout the country. I believe the government should hold straw purchasers accountable for the sale of illegal firearms and close dangerous loopholes in our laws to keep guns out of the hands of terrorists, domestic abusers and the mentally ill.

Benjamin Lucas (D), Spokesperson and Businessman
I have spelled out specific answers on the subject at thelucassolution.com. I have put forth a 2 part solution: The federal government allows a citizen who passes all of the established criteria, including fingerprinting and a DNA sample, the right to carry a concealed weapon. Secondly, gun law enforcement would prosecute violators with a 10 year minimum sentence and enforce it with maximum effort; minors violating the law will serve in a paid work program for up to 10 years.

William Ostrander (D), Farmer and Nonprofit Director
I agree with the President’s efforts directing the ATF to make background checks of gun sellers more quickly, and to prohibit buying dangerous weapons through a trust, corporation, or other legal entity.

We need to replicate and expand these and other laws at the state and local levels, as well as to push for substantive gun safety legislation from City Hall to the White House.

And, we must continue to elect Congress members who support reasonable gun safety measures. Even members of the NRA agree to requiring criminal background checks on gun owners and gun shop employees, prohibit terrorist watch list members from acquiring guns, make gun-owners inform police when their gun is stolen, restrict concealed carry permits to individuals who have completed a safety training course and are 21 and older and deny concealed carry permits to perpetrators of violent misdemeanors or those arrested for domestic violence.

Helene Schneider (D), Mayor of Santa Barbara
Each and every day in America, approximately 289 people are shot, 86 die, 30 are murdered, 53 commit suicide, 2 die accidentally and 1 is shot in a police intervention. These incidents have hit close to home recently in Isla Vista and San Bernardino. As Mayor of Santa Barbara, I have taken a proactive stance by working closely with the Santa Barbara Police Department and the Coalition Against Gun Violence on local gun buyback events. For my campaign for U.S. Congress, I have released a 10-Point Plan to Reduce Gun Violence, which you can find on my website here: http://heleneschneider.org/meet-helene/10-point-plan-to-reduce-gun-violence/. This plan calls for common-sense reforms that will keep our families and our communities safer, including universal background checks (a position even supported by 72% of NRA members), banning assault weapons, and supporting Laura’s Law.

Katcho Achadjian (R), 35th District Assemblyman
While I may support allocating more resources for mental health, I do not support any weakening of the Second Amendment.

Justin Fareed (R), Businessman
We need to make sure our first responders have the necessary resources to do their jobs effectively, and ensure that guns are being bought legally. We also need to address the mental health component, and ensure follow through, so that there are enforceable processes in place to mitigate tragedies like the one in Isla Vista. The San Bernardino shooting was inspired by ISIS. Taking a concerted approach to defeating terrorist groups like ISIS will be a top priority of mine in Congress.

Matt Kokkonen (R), Financial Planner
San Bernardino points out the laxness in our policy admitting radical Islamic refugees. We must not accept any person who cannot be vetted properly. Isla Vista shooting points out the need to keep guns out of the hands of those with mental illness.

The huge majority of gun deaths occur in Democrat run cities that have the strictest gun control laws. Adding more gun control laws will not reduce gun crimes. First of all, we need to enforce the laws we have on the books currently.

People deal with each other only either through reason or force. Once reason is not an option, the only way a weaker person can resist the stronger one is to have the power of a personal weapon. Guns are an equalizer between a large and powerful attacker and his intended victim.
This right to keep guns was placed as the Second Amendment in our Constitution, to defend rights enumerated in the first amendment.

Steve Isakson (I), Engineer

The right to bear arms is a right guaranteed by the Second Amendment. Though drafted to defend and maintain a free state, the Supreme Court now interprets it to include the individual, particularly for self-defend.

But with rights also comes limitations and responsibilities. No one would defend my “right” to keep nuclear arms (the right is arms, not specifically guns) – it is neither rational nor safe for the general public. Also, when you possess a weapon you are responsible for it and its uses. You cannot give or sell a gun to someone who does not know how to use it properly.

It is the states that must decide what weapons an individual can own. What is appropriate in the Wyoming back country is quite different from walking down Wall Street or boarding an airplane. But broad guidelines and background checks can still be implemented at the federal level.

John Uebersax (I), Biostatistician and Anti-war Writer
A major source of violence today is the massive militarization of our country. A state of perpetual war, inhumane and illegal drone strikes, and unlawful detention and torture have introduced violence, callousness, anger and fear that circulate throughout our society. One might even say that violent episodes and mass shootings are a ‘karmic’ price we pay for our own aggression overseas. The most direct and effective way to stem the tide of anger and violence is to stop operating as a ruthless military empire.

These unjust wars show that our government is capable of great injustice and violence. If citizens retain the right to bear arms, we may prevent in this country such military actions against civilians as occurred in Tiananmen Square in China. However we must work harder to draft and enforce common-sense laws that monitor and regulate civilian arms purchase and trading.

This March, Immigration and Custom Enforcement officials raided Bonita Packing Company in Santa Maria and forced the company to fire 291 farm workers because of their non-legal immigration status. According to the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy, about 72% of the roughly 17,000 farm workers in Santa Barbara County are undocumented. This comes when there is a 25% labor shortage in the county, according to the Agricultural Advisory Committee. How would you handle the issue of undocumented workers and the need for labor across the district?

Salud Carbajal (D), Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor
Millions of immigrants currently live in the United States without documentation and without legal protections in constant fear of deportation. These are families that came to America in order to give themselves and their children a chance at the many remarkable opportunities this country has to offer.

When I immigrated with my family, it was through a system that worked. Now that system is broken. The real answer to fixing our broken immigration system is through comprehensive immigration reform that only Congress can enact. In the interim, I support the President’s executive action on immigration reform. When I am in Congress, I will make it a priority to work across the aisle to pass bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform to protect and to keep these families together. Families that, like all of us, want live with dignity, without fear and to contribute to our great nation.

Benjamin Lucas (D), Spokesperson and Businessman
Once again, I will quote from the solution that I have put forth on my website: The federal government has to change the penalty for crossing the border illegally from a misdemeanor back to a felony; but allow all undocumented persons the chance to register. They will be given 90 days to register, a DNA and fingerprint requirement, verified legal address, issuance of a government registration card and after 7 years, citizenship will be granted as determined by immigration law.

William Ostrander (D), Farmer and Nonprofit Director
In 2009, there were about 12 million undocumented immigrants. In 2014, the number dropped to 10.9 million. The number of undocumented immigrants has fallen every year since 2008.

Fewer Mexicans are coming north because of a declining birth rate and an improving economy. The number undocumented Mexican immigrants dropped by 600,000 since 2010.

Legislation effective as of 2015 provides access to a low-cost auto insurance, creates a new DREAM loan program at UC and Cal State systems and added $3 million for legal representation to immigrant minors who arrived without parents and faced deportation.

Fewer undocumented workers may reduce the supply of labor, but it also increases the quality of such labor. And, with new programs in place, it’s drawing undocumented workers out of the shadows and allowing them to apply for a wider range of employment opportunities here on the Central Coast.

Helene Schneider (D), Mayor of Santa Barbara
Our immigration system is flat-out broken and needs a major overhaul. While far from perfect, I support the recent bi-partisan comprehensive immigration reform plan passed by the United States Senate that includes securing the border, a roadmap to citizenship for aspiring citizens in our country, and allowing the millions of people living in the shadows to formally join our society. Not only is this the just thing to do, but according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, it will help reduce our nation’s deficit and strengthen our economy.

Katcho Achadjian (R), 35th District Assemblyman
This critical issue is a prime example of the need for substantial immigration reform. These farm workers comprise an important part of our work force on the Central Coast. It is a priority for me to streamline the work visa program and reduce the complicated bureaucracy that currently exists for both employers in need of a labor force and farm workers looking for honest work.

Justin Fareed (R), Businessman
The issue on immigration has existed in Congress for decades. Politicians on either side of the aisle have failed to address the issue due to partisan politics and the dysfunction in both parties. This is why we need to address it systemically by reforming Congress and looking at legislation on a step by step basis.

The Central Coast has a unique understanding of immigration due to the needs of our local farmers and ranchers, as well as those using the student visa system to attend our colleges and universities. I will support a robust, fair and enforceable guest worker program, especially for our farms and agricultural industries, but the federal government must secure our borders and enforce our immigration laws. Additionally, a universal verification system must be implemented so employers can be sure they are hiring employees legally. Legal immigration policies should be merit-based and support economic growth. This will ensure America maintains its standing as a worldwide beacon of opportunity.

Matt Kokkonen (R), Financial Planner
Our open borders are a travesty. Our admission policy needs to be based on people entering legally. Obviously agriculture as well as the even larger hospitality industry needs workers. We must update the braceros program for temporary farm workers and utilize the E-verify program for all employers.
Supervisor Carbahal wants “comprehensive” immigration reform. This buzz word means comprehensive admission to everyone.

In 2013, Assemblyman Achadjian voted to give driver licenses to the illegals, voted as the only Republican to expand Medi-Cal to another 1,000,000 Californians, and voted for legislation to give work permits to those who are here already illegally. I oppose them. What part of illegal do you not understand?

Brown eliminated the word “alien” from labor law. How stupid have we become? Stop illegals from taking American’s jobs. I am the legal immigrant from Finland.

Steve Isakson (I), Engineer
Most undocumented farm workers have been here for years (or decades) and have now integrated into our communities, making a productive life for themselves and their families. They are part of our economy and they should come out of the shadows and be recognized. Legal status, either with a path to citizenship or a visa program, is long overdue.

Labor shortage is caused by low wages. Raise the wages and more people will apply. Companies want to maximize the profits, but then should not complain about the lack of labor.

For cases like this, one needs more information to determine who is at fault. Did the workers falsify their employment status or did the companies know what was happening. Did the employers pay minimum wage, withhold taxes, and send those funds to the government as required?

Let’s bring everyone out of the shadows and all play by the same rules.

John Uebersax (I), Biostatistician and Anti-war Writer

What isn’t getting enough attention is the negative effects that the US drug war is having in Latin America. The counter-productive drug war contributes in a major way to violence and economic instability in the region. There is no reason why there shouldn’t be economic growth and jobs in Mexico and Central America, where many illegal immigrants come from. We should stop the drug war, and instead look for ways to provide economic assistance to Latin America.

At the same time, immigrants already here should be treated fairly and with dignity. I favor liberal amnesty for undocumented workers, a clear path to citizenship and free legal assistance to help with administrative obstacles. However, those not interested in working — freeloaders and criminals — should be sent home.

Salud Carbajal (D), Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor
It is becoming more and more difficult for students to graduate from college without an inordinate amount of loan debt. I was the first in my family to graduate from a four-year university with the assistance of financial aid, student loans and the Veterans Education Assistance Program. Unfortunately, these resources are not going far enough to reduce the crushing debt for students and their families.

We need to do everything in our power to make college more accessible and affordable including lowering interest rates for government backed loans, allowing students to refinance their loans, just like mortgages and car loans, expanding the Pell Grant program, and pushing universities to keep costs down if they want to continue to receive federal research dollars and other aid. We should provide public service employment opportunities allowing for student loan reduction or forgiveness. I would also work to implement President Obama’s proposal to allow for two years of tuition-free community college to allow students to take their first step toward a college education.

Benjamin Lucas (D), Spokesperson and Businessman
I feel that there are plenty of grants, scholarships and access available at an undergraduate level.A student entering a graduate program for a doctorates degree can apply to the government to fund their full program through a service to community exchange for tuition. A qualified student can apply for federal grants and in return that student agrees to a five year paid internship at underserved rural and inner city hospitals and clinics.

William Ostrander (D), Farmer and Nonprofit Director
The class of 2015 graduated with an average of $35,051 in student debt. American students are more $1.2 trillion in debt, with more than 7 million debtors in default.

I believe young adults should have some “skin in the game.” That’s why I have proposed a coordinated national civil service program.

Twenty-six million volunteers ages 18 to 24 year old would serve 500 hours in our communities and expose them to experiences they might not have found on their own. Afterword, volunteers would have their college tuition paid by consolidating federal, state, and local programs with already significant budgets and a tax on stock, bond and derivative transactions that would raise as much as $300 billion a year.

We can create a national service program so young people can serve their country or community and earn money to offset the cost of college upon completion of their program.

Helene Schneider (D), Mayor of Santa Barbara
Making college affordable must be a priority for all of our leaders. I believe in a comprehensive approach to ensuring that all people have the opportunity to succeed, and higher education is a critical piece in that effort. I propose a few things to start: We have to lower the interest rates on student loans. Corporations shouldn’t be able to get loans at a lower interest rate than students. I also believe that graduates should have the opportunity to refinance their student loans, in the same way that homeowners can refinance their mortgages. I support President Obama’s plan to make community college free for all students. We need to keep college accessible and safe for all students who wish to pursue an education.

Katcho Achadjian (R), 35th District Assemblyman
Affordability is the greatest challenge facing higher education today. I worked many jobs while in college, but the cost of education today has far exceeded the wages a part-time job can provide. The cost of college is putting degrees out of the reach of many students and working families and student loan debt is making it harder for graduates to achieve their goals once they get a degree.

President Obama proposed taxing the savings accounts that many students and families use to save for their education. This would only push families and students deeper into debt. I continue to support the bi-partisan legislation passed by the House to protect tax-free 529 college savings plans to protect college savings accounts.
Additionally, I also support zero-interest student loans and flexible repayment plans for students who have recently graduated.
These protections, and others like them, are imperative to helping working families and students save more money and take on less or no debt in obtaining an advanced degree.

Justin Fareed (R), Businessman
The second largest form of household debt in our country is student loan debt. We need to make college more accessible and more affordable through fiscal management and responsibility by government bodies, and modernize and expand programs like the 529 tax free college savings account that allows parents and students to invest and save for college. We also need to focus on providing alternative options to the traditional four-year university, such as technical and vocational training, in order to give students the ability to choose the best option to make them successful in the 21st century workforce.
In addition, the biggest issue facing our students is the lack of jobs available to them after they graduate. In order to truly help our students, we need to focus on reducing taxes, boosting our economy through regulation and budget reform, and eliminating the excess burdens imposed on our businesses that stifle job growth.

Matt Kokkonen (R), Financial Planner
We face a greater educational problem. Common Core is making our children’s education a social experiment instead of education. I have written about and compared California’s high school exit exams with those in Finland. California’s exams mirror those of junior high exams in Finland and elsewhere. Yet these countries are the ones our graduates will be competing against in just a few years. This general unpreparedness requires many college freshmen to take remedial classes. This extends the studies with their increased costs.

However, not everyone should go to college. We need increasingly more technically trained workers and business owners. There is a huge current need for skilled vocationally trained workers, mechanics, etc. For example, Air-Vol Block, a San Luis Obispo manufactures, has conducted training classes at Cuesta College for masons and would have more, if only the college allowed it.

Ultimately students are responsible for the majors they choose and the financial arrangements they make.

Steve Isakson (I), Engineer
I am lucky and graduated from college without student debt because college was not as expensive then. It would be nice if college was free, but in today’s economy it is not. Federal backed student loans were created to make college “more affordable” by deferring costs until they are employed, and eventually allowing forgiveness of some of the loans. Student loans have terms that help the students meet their goals and enter the job market with little fear of default on their loans.

It is unfortunate that students now suffer with long term debt. Making it easier to refinance student loans at a lower interest would help. Increasing the ability to get loan forgiveness for public service (as teachers and doctors can) would lessen debt as well.

A college education is a boon to both the individual and the economy. It should be made as affordable as possible.

John Uebersax (I), Biostatistician and Anti-war Writer

The high tuition we see today is grossly unfair and irresponsible. Young people should be encouraged to do things like travel and explore their creative potential, not forced to become wage slaves at 21 to pay back student loans. High tuition and student loan debt, combined with things like high taxes, unaffordable housing, and few good jobs, are making young people the new underclass today.

To combat high tuition I founded and direct Californians for Higher Education Reform, and have outlined simple steps to drastically reduce the cost of college. These include: (1) banning diploma discrimination, so that if one is qualified for a job, a college degree shouldn’t be required; (2) phasing out undergrad student loans, which merely enable colleges to raise tuition and fees to any level; (3) credit interchangeability across all colleges; and (4) letting students test out of any class if they know the subject matter.