Fighting for great health care

Our health care system is broken. We spend nearly twice as much on health care as the average industrialized nation. Yet across the United States, 47 million people lack insurance. In California, 6.8 million people - nearly 1 in 5 state residents - are uninsured. And this number is increasing.

For those with insurance, things aren't that much better. Monthly premium costs are rising, and quality of care is falling. It's hard to be sure if our plans will cover us if we get sick or have an accident. Many who do have insurance try but are not able to understand what their plans will cover.

In my medical practice, I've seen this crisis with my own eyes. I've seen too many patients who struggled with debt and bankruptcy after their insurance companies refused to pay for vital care. And there are many patients I don't see - because without insurance, they can't even afford a doctor's visit. There are many we do see knowing they will have no way of paying but still need the care.

Here's the bottom line: our health care system should ensure quality care for every patient, not record profits for drug and insurance companies. I will not stop fighting until every Californian has quality, affordable health care coverage that protects them and their families. I understand these issues. I am the only candidate who has worked with them for 30 years. There is a better way.

Making education a priority

My wife Lisa worked as a schoolteacher for several years, and we sent our two boys through local public schools. I know that good schools and good teachers can change a child's life.

California is the sixth-largest economy in the world, yet we rank near the bottom of all U.S. states in per pupil spending. If we want to keep our economy strong and secure a great future for our children, we cannot continue to underfund our schools and underpay our teachers.

To fix our education system, we must attract and retain the best teachers from around the country. We must emphasize training in new technology so our students can compete in the 21st century economy. Most importantly, we must realize that educating a student is far cheaper than housing a prisoner. Investing in education isn't just the right thing for our children - it's the smart thing for our state budget.

Protecting our environment

I'm an East-Coaster by birth, but I fell in love with California's beautiful oceans and mountains thirty-five years ago and never looked back. As residents of the Monterey Bay area, we live in one of the most beautiful, cleanest environments in the United States. We are truly lucky.

But there is no guarantee that we'll always enjoy a clean ocean and pristine countryside. We've all driven up to San Jose and seen what can happen when development goes unchecked. We've been down to Los Angeles and seen urban sprawl at its worst. And we've seen dirty oceans and beaches and worried that this could one day happen to Monterey Bay.

Locally, we need to encourage smart growth that allows for affordable housing while preventing unchecked sprawl. We need to aggressively preserve the cleanliness of our oceans and keep oil rigs away from our shores. On a state-wide level, we need to take the lead in investing in alternative energy and cutting down on carbon emissions. Our state can and must lead the nation in fighting global warming and protecting our natural resources. I will encourage the entrepreneurial spirit in making ours the search the cleanest, greenest district in California.

Creating affordable housing

It is simply unacceptable that so many working families can no longer afford to live in the Monterey Bay area. It's not just service workers who are affected. Even middle-income professionals and families can no longer afford local housing. The lack of affordable housing makes our communities less diverse, and it also increases pollution and congestion on our roads. Can your children afford to live in your community or even nearby?

Our state government must offer stronger incentives to cities and counties that build more affordable housing. In the 27th Assembly District, cities like Monterey have worked with developers to make new developments accessible to low and middle-income families. I support these efforts, and I'll make sure that the Monterey Bay area remains an affordable place to live and work.

A healthy, prosperous economy

I have owned and operated a successful private practice for over thirty years. As a small business owner, I know that government must play a role in encouraging entrepreneurship across the state. California is one of the largest and strongest economies in the world. We must continue to support small businesses and invest in technology, agriculture, and sustainable energy.

But strengthening our economy isn't just about investing in new industries or encouraging entrepreneurs - it's about making sure we're generating prosperity for all Californians, not just a few. I will fight in Sacramento to ensure that every Californian has a decent job that pays a decent wage.

In the 27th Assembly District, protecting our local economy goes hand in hand with protecting our natural resources. Our mild climate and healthy oceans and land need to be shared and protected. They are the basis of the tourism, agriculture, and fishing industries in both Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. I've spent thirty years developing my small business and raising my family in this district, and I'll work to keep our economy strong.

Safeguarding civil rights

John Laird has led the way in securing equal rights for all Californians. I believe that government has no place in our private lives, and I will continue John's record of leadership on equal rights and marriage equality.

As a doctor, I believe the right to choose is fundamental. I will fight to make sure that this decision remains one between a woman and her doctor.