LABJ Forum: The Governor’s Race; Issues & Answers
Speculation over who would win the GOP primary for governor and take on incumbent Democrat Gray Davis in November came to an end last week when Republican Bill Simon handily defeated former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan. But the real campaign is just getting started. So the Business Journal asks: What do you think the major issues should be in the race between Davis and Simon?
Sharon Gunther
Director of Administration & Human Resources
Perkowitz & Ruth Architects
Education is one that I think is really important. We do need to have smaller classrooms. Our children are our future. That’s an old cliche but it really holds true. Gov. Davis has been, in my opinion, very pro-labor and we need to build business to provide jobs. There needs to be a balance. The budget issues are important. I am concerned about the power issues. I hate to see taxpayers have to pay enormous prices for fuel and electricity.
Ken Christensen
Vice President/General Manager
Hispanic Broadcasting Corp.
I’d say the finances of the state, energy, education and immigration. I think those issues in some way impact every person in California in their pocketbook and that’s really all people care about.
Charles Gerencser
Publisher
Pasadena Weekly
The key issue that people are going to be concerned with is a universal policy regarding energy, one that involves local utilities, cities, counties and statewide offices. (Another is) education, most specifically higher education, and what the state is prepared to do to truly make educational opportunities available to anyone in the state. I would be curious to know what they are willing to do for small business owners in terms of keeping them here in the state. I am also interested to know what their respective positions are on a woman’s right to choose.
Robert K. Ross
Chief Executive
The California Endowment
In addition to education and the economy, I would hope that health care emerges as a key issue. We are seeing worrisome increases in both the numbers of uninsured Californians as well as health-care costs, and this is a pretty bad combination for families in California, as well as businesses.
Matt Klink
Vice President
Cerrell Associates Inc.
It’s Gray Davis’ experience and leadership vs. Bill Simon’s inexperience and his ability to basically tell Californians that he could do a better job. The main issues will be the $17 billion budget deficit and the energy crisis that no longer exists. Gray Davis will do his best to bring social issues, predominantly the abortion issue, the right to choose, into the debate.
