Assembly contenders part ways on pot, rail and Obamacare at Modesto debate
Differences between five candidates vying to succeed Kristin Olsen in the 12th Assembly District quickly came into focus Wednesday at their first public debate in Modesto.
The three Republican candidates – Heath Flora, Cindy Marks and Ken Vogel – espoused conservative values such as protection of gun ownership and opposing recreational marijuana. On the Democratic side, Virginia Madueño took a centrist view, while Harinder Grewal leaned further left, advocating marijuana legalization, high-speed rail and universal health care.
When the situation is a gun-free zone, criminals are not going to obey it. Citizens need the right to defend themselves.
Ken Vogel
The top two on June 7 will advance to the November ballot, regardless of party affiliation.
The packed audience – more chairs had to be brought in to accommodate attendees in the downtown Stanislaus County Library basement – were asked not to clap or boo, and no candidate attacked another. They agreed on many issues, such as the need for more and better-paying jobs and educating people enough to take them. And all said water issues are at or near the top of their priority lists.
I know how to work with people, I know how to market, I know how to make sure our Valley finally gets noticed. We are the new California.
Virginia Madueño
They parted ways when questions turned to high-speed rail and legalizing marijuana, both supported by Grewal.
“Look, whether we legalize (marijuana) or not, you know and I know a lot of people are using it,” he said. “Why not legalize it and use that (tax) revenue for many purposes?”
The Republican contenders all said they oppose the notion, while Madueño hasn’t decided.
Ag gets beat up a lot. As growers, we need to control that narrative.
Heath Flora
“Just because we don’t have the will to deal with something doesn’t mean we legalize it,” said Flora, who is focusing on public safety.
Some of the candidates’ pet priorities were obvious, such as Madueño’s support for extending Altamont Corridor Express service from Lathrop into Stanislaus and Merced counties, or Marks’ emphasis on education, or Vogel’s experience with water policy.
Students from other countries are taking (university) seats from our students.
Cindy Marks
“We cannot conserve our way out of the drought,” Vogel said, urging more dam storage and groundwater recharge projects.
Madueño and Grewal steadfastly support a transportation tax confronting Stanislaus voters in November, with Madueño saying “We have got to pass it” and Grewal urging “strong political leadership and will.”
Most agreed with Madueño on the ACE extension. But Marks questioned whether it would “cause people to get jobs in the Bay Area rather than here” and result in more children home alone while parents commute over the hill.
High-speed rail was already approved by voters of California. It’s not a matter of choice. Let’s respect that.
Harinder Grewal
The Republican candidates frowned on the Affordable Care Act, with Marks and Flora saying employees of their small businesses were shocked that their medical costs went up. Madueño said the program helped her family because she previously was unable to get medical insurance, and Grewal said everyone should have free health care.
Forum sponsors included the League of Women Voters of Stanislaus County, the League of California Cities and the Latino Community Roundtable.
Garth Stapley: 209-578-2390
This story was originally published March 30, 2016 at 10:59 PM with the headline "Assembly contenders part ways on pot, rail and Obamacare at Modesto debate."