2012 Primary Endorsements Candidate Statements

2012 Orange County Young Democrats June 5th, 2012 Primary Election Endorsements

Candidate Statements

2012

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2012 Primary Endorsements Candidate Statements

Loretta Sanchez Congress 46th District Born and raised in the district she serves, Loretta Sanchez is a results-driven Congresswoman who is acutely aware of the issues facing her constituents. Sanchez believes that the public school system is one of Americas greatest strengths and she is dedicated to improving our education system and eliminating the achievement gap. She is leading legislation that would give students the skills necessary to succeed in a growing international economy through the introduction of the Global Education Nexus in United States (GENIUS) Act. As a Head Start child and graduate of the public school system, Loretta understands firsthand the value of these programs, and is fighting to protect them. A Pell Grant recipient, Loretta believes every student should have the opportunity to receive a higher education regardless of their financial means - which is why she strongly opposes Republicans attempts to slash this funding. One of Lorettas top priorities in Congress is creating and protecting jobs. She has secured over $50 million dollars for local infrastructure projects and voted in support of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Sanchez is a lead cosponsor in extending the Build America Bonds program that many municipalities have utilized to rebuild schools, hospitals and transportationinfrastructure. Last Congress, Sanchez supported the Affordable Care Act (Health Care Reform) which included a provision to extend coverage for young adults under their parents plan up to their 26th birthday. She believes that quality health care should be affordable and accessible by every American.

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2012 Primary Endorsements Candidate Statements

Sukhee Kang Congress 45th District Sukhee Kang was first elected to the Irvine City Council in 2004 and was successfully re-elected in 2006. With his 2008 election, he became the first Korean-American to serve as Mayor of a major U.S. city. He was re-elected as Mayor with more than 64% of the vote in November 2010. Born and raised in South Korea, Mayor Kang and his wife Joanne immigrated to the United States in 1977 after his graduation from Korea University in Seoul. Since his election to the City Council, his top is education. Under his leadership, the City has invested significant financial resources into education. Such commitments include the Educational Partnership Fund that provides grants to enhance health and guidance services for Irvine children K-12. Mayor Kang is also deeply committed to the health and well-being of Irvine children and initiated the Irvine Childrens Health Program, ensuring that all young people in Irvine have access to affordable health services. Nearly 700 children have been enrolled into qualified health insurance programs at almost no cost to the City, marking one of the most efficient programs in the Citys history. Mayor Kangs own American success story has helped shape his inclusive and engaging leadership style. An advocate for the interests of all residents, he has demonstrated his ability to listen, learn and respond by walking door to door throughout Irvine, engaging in doorstep dialogues with Irvine residents, then working diligently to respond to their interests and concerns. More information can be found at www.SukheeKang.com

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2012 Primary Endorsements Candidate Statements

Julio Perez Assembly 69th District Im running to make politics work for Californias hard-working families. We deserve leaders willing to be held accountable for what they do - or dont do - when its time to step up on critical issues like jobs, education and healthcare. My strong work ethic was taught by my immigrant parents. I graduated with honors from UCI and served as UCI Student Alumni Association President, followed by a Public Policy Masters Degree from University of Michigan. Ive led efforts to create good-paying jobs and provide affordable healthcare. I strengthened procurement policies to select responsible contractors and implemented workforce training standards. On the OC Workforce Investment Board, I fight to drive economic development through job training meeting needs of job seekers and local businesses. My lifelong district ties include serving as founding president of AVID OC Alumni Association mentoring families navigating college admissions. I served on NOCCD Chancellors Latino Advisory Committee and volunteer with El Centro Cultural de Mexico providing cultural arts. Im proud to be an OCYD member and built alliance with young progressives during my tenure as OC Labor Federations Political Director. I bring people together to create thoughtful solutions promoting education, quality LOCAL job growth, and healthcare access. Local Leaders agree including: OCYD President Nick Anas; College Democrats President Lauren Lee; former CYD Presidents Tim Steed and Tefere Gebre; Senator Joe Dunn; Councilwoman Lorri Galloway; elected education leaders Mike Matsuda, John Hanna, Bao Nguyen, Sergio Contreras and John Palacio; California Federation of Teachers; and OC Labor Federation. www.julioforassembly.com
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2012 Primary Endorsements Candidate Statements

Michele Martinez Assembly 69th District Five years ago, I was first elected to the Santa Ana City Council. During this time I have worked to provide the best public services and public safety for our community. Recently, Santa Ana was named by Forbes magazine as the fourth safest city in America. We did this together with the police department, district attorney, members of the community and City Council working to make Santa Ana a safer city. Supporting K-12 education is vital to a strong and healthy economic future for Orange County. I will work in Sacramento to provide adequate funding and more local control of our schools. Similarly, our state colleges and universities need our support to teach, train and prepare our citizens for the future. Equally, I will promote economic development that results in creating good-paying jobs for our community. We must support job training and retraining programs to assist the long-term unemployed gain skills and knowledge to meet the needs of employers. I grew up in Orange County, graduated from Santa Ana High School, attended Santa Ana College and earned a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton. I am currently working on a masters degree in public health at CSU Fullerton. Being local and active in my community has prepared me to represent the 69th district in Sacramento. I can help lead our State with common-sense policies and priorities. Public safety, Education and Economic Development are our priorities. I ask for your support and vote on June 5th. -Michele Martinez

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2012 Primary Endorsements Candidate Statements

Joe Dovinh Assembly 72nd District Dear OCYD member, Thank you for working to make sure that we have a party that fights for the rights of all the people. My top concerns are Jobs, Education and Health Care. I believe we must have a responsible budget and tax policy that properly funds our schools. We must encourage new businesses to come to California and old businesses to stay. These are tough challenges but my experience as a business owner and former union member will guide my decisions. I support unions and oppose the current efforts to break them. I was born in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. In April of 1975, my family and I came to the United States as refugees to Camp Pendleton. Many refugees have become prominent business leaders and elected officials. Many are friends but, we do not always see political issues in the same way. I grew up in Seattle and earned a BA in Political Science at the University of Washington. One of my Professors Bryan D. Jones was an advisor to President Clinton. I worked my way through college in union shops as an apprentice, then journeyman and interpreter for the Vietnamese union workers. This experience helped me become a licensed General Contractor and court certified Interpreter. My wife Dina Nguyen and I own the Business and Law Center in Garden Grove. I respectfully ask for your endorsement for the 72nd State Assembly seat. Please visit my website at www.joedovinh.com <http://www.joedovinh.com/> for more information. Sincerely, JOE DOVINH

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