Doug LaMalfa vs. Rose Penelope Yee for California Congress: Candidates answer key questions
Longtime Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale, faces Democratic small-business owner Rose Penelope Yee in California’s 1st Congressional District this November.
The solidly Republican district presses against both the Oregon and Nevada borders, incorporating Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter and Tehama counties, as well as most of Yuba County.
The Bee asked the candidates to fill out a survey. Their responses were checked and slightly edited for spelling and grammar.
Doug LaMalfa
Political party: Republican
Age: 64
Birthplace: Oroville
Residence: Richvale
Occupation: U.S. Representative, farmer
Education: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (Bachelor of Science in agricultural business)
Offices held: U.S. Representative (2013-present); California State Senator (2010-2012); California State Assemblyman (2002-2008)
Campaign website address: DougLaMalfa.com
Q. What steps will you urge to improve cost of living and quality of life for people?
Government spending is the main culprit which caused prices to rise so much in recent years. I voted for the largest spending cut ever enacted by Congress, reducing the deficit by $2.1 trillion over six years.
I support reducing tax rates on individuals and small businesses, reducing the gas tax and opening up energy production in the U.S. to bring down prices.
Energy costs are also one of the key drivers of inflation. We need to reduce the regulations that increase costs on power and fuel.
Q. What changes, if any, do you support for immigration and border policy?
I support restarting construction of the border wall which was halted by the Biden-Harris Administration.
Reforming the asylum system by preventing fraud, raising the credible fear standard, and returning asylum to its historical roots and original intent. Increasing the number of Border Patrol agents. Ending the “catch and release” policy and giving the federal government additional high-tech tools to secure the border.
Q. Other than cost of living, immigration and the border, what is one of the greatest issues Californians are facing and what tangible measures do you propose Congress take to address it?
The constant threat of wildfires and the resulting home insurance crisis. I helped author and enact bipartisan forestry reforms, improve forest management, protect local communities and protect fire victims from unfair taxation on grants and support.
Rose Penelope Yee
Political party: Democratic
Age: 64
Birthplace: Manila, Philippines
Residence: Redding
Occupation: Small business owner, Green Retirement Inc.
Education: Asian Institute of Management (MBA); University of San Agustin (Degree in civil engineering)
Offices held: First time candidate
Campaign website address: roseforcongress.com
Q. What steps will you urge to improve cost of living and quality of life for people?
1. Support Medicare for All to reduce health care costs and ensure everyone has access to quality care.
2. Push for student loan forgiveness and affordable higher education to alleviate financial burdens on young adults and families.
3. Work to expand Social Security to ensure seniors can retire with dignity.
4. Push for a federal rent control limit to make housing affordable. Advocate for a federal living wage to ensure workers can support themselves and their families.
5. Support clean energy projects that provide living wage jobs while reducing carbon emissions and energy costs.
Q. What changes, if any, do you support for immigration and border policy?
I support comprehensive immigration reform that:
1. Provides a pathway to citizenship for law-abiding undocumented immigrants, including DACA recipients.
2. Streamlines the legal immigration process to reduce backlogs and waiting times.
3. Enhances border security through technology and increased personnel, rather than physical barriers.
4. Addresses the root causes of migration from other countries through targeted aid and economic development programs.
5. Ensures humane treatment of asylum seekers and refugees, adhering to international law and American values.
Q. Other than cost of living, immigration and the border, what is one of the greatest issues Californians are facing and what tangible measures do you propose Congress take to address it?
Climate change and its impacts, particularly wildfires and drought, are critical issues facing Californians. I propose Congress take the following measures:
1. Pass comprehensive climate legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Invest in forest management and wildfire prevention programs, including controlled burns and underbrush clearing.
3. Fund water infrastructure and conservation efforts to address drought.
4. Provide incentives for renewable energy for green jobs.
5. Support research and development of new technologies to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts.
This story was originally published October 6, 2024 at 4:55 AM with the headline "Doug LaMalfa vs. Rose Penelope Yee for California Congress: Candidates answer key questions."
