TERM LIMITS
I would commit to public service and not a career by limiting my time in office, if I were elected for more than one term, to a maximum of four terms (8 years).
LOCAL BIPARTISANSHIP
I would bring onboard a Democratic Chief of Staff to be my right-hand person. This would allow an avenue for the party not in power to have a voice for our local constituents that would advise me to consider the issues at stake and not to draw on party lines.
TOWNHALLS
I will make myself available to the constituents of the 41st district when congress is not in session. For 180 days or more of the year congress is not in session. Two-thirds of that time would be my commitment to hit the road and visit the 24 cities that make up the district. To talk in open sessions to all constituents without regard to party or donation status. My father used to tell me God gave me two ears and one mouth so I listen twice as much as I talk. I want to hear what people have to say and what they are feeling and not just do all the talking and leave.
DO WHAT IS RIGHT
I will strive to do what is right and to explain the choice I made.
NO PARTY POLITICS
I am a moderate Republican with many values and beliefs that cross party lines. I commit to represent this district from a constituent perspective and not a party perspective. I was elected to give everyone a chance to be heard, I intend to listen.
MONEY
I am like many of you and live paycheck to paycheck. I have no intention of becoming a millionaire. I am not invested in the stock market and I will remain disconnected from making financial gains that might be ethically questionable. I am not beholden to any organization or special interest groups other than those who support military veterans. I will not take money for corporate or special interest groups.
STAFF
I hope that at least half of the current staff will remain. Their years of experience and local contacts can only benefit our district. I would rely on my Chief of Staff to bring onboard a diverse group of individuals to make up the other half of our office staff.
KITCHEN CABINET
I would follow in the footsteps of many established leaders and have a group of advisors who would provide me with a cross-section of opinions on major issues. No elected official can make all of their constituents happy. Having a cross-section of our community representing the many different views and opinions would assist me in considering many views and options that I believe would lead to the best decision for our district.
VETERANS
I am the only veteran running. One of the biggest issues I want to bring attention to is the fact that 22 veterans a day commit suicide. More than just thanking veterans for their service, I want to recognize the mental health issues that contribute to this problem. We cannot rely on just the Veterans Administration to do all the work, we need the general public to recognize the issue and not just thank veterans, but to talk to them, ask them how they are doing, and if they know a veteran who needs help, point them in a direction of the resources available.
JOBS
I would make it a top priority to get funding for jobs and education in our district. I would like to get some of that extra money other states are taking from our federal taxes and get it back to California. The Inland Empire and Imperial Valley have so much more to offer than just logistics and warehousing.