Avelino Valencia, AD-68 candidate, 2024 primary election questionnaire

Ahead of the March primary, The Orange County Register compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Avelino Valencia

Current Job Title: State Assemblymember

Political Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: Yes

Other political positions held: Anaheim City Councilmember

City where you reside: Anaheim

Campaign website or social media: www.AvelinoValencia.com

Gov. Newsom has been front and center lately in global affairs, from a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping discussing climate action to a trip to Israel where he met with victims of the Hamas attack. Aside from the governor’s trips, what do you see as the role California should play when it comes to foreign affairs?

California’s primary responsibility is to ensure the welfare and safety of our state’s residents; however, we shouldn’t be afraid to show leadership on the international stage. As the world’s fifth-largest economy, it’s critical that our state engages with world leaders on issues like climate change, trade, immigration and tourism. This was especially important during the Trump administration where the values of California’s residents conflicted with the actions of our federal government.

There have been recent efforts at the local level to change voting requirements — from a proposed voter ID requirement in Huntington Beach to an effort to open up voting to noncitizens in Santa Ana. What changes, if any, should be made to California’s voting laws?

Any changes to California’s voting laws should be aimed at increasing participation in elections and making it easier and more convenient to vote. The attempts to require voter ID in Huntington Beach are disgraceful. I hope the voters of Huntington Beach see through the ballot measure for what it is — a cynical attempt to suppress voter turnout — and reject it on March 5.

The latest state budget projections show California’s deficit has swelled to a record $68 billion, leading to calls for spending cuts. Give us two specific ways California could address the deficit.

I don’t have specific spending cuts in mind, but I take my fiduciary responsibility as an elected leader seriously, and I believe our state should always look for cost savings and efficiencies in order to maximize our tax dollars. I’m excited to have recently been appointed chair of the Assembly’s new Budget Sub Committee No. 7 on Accountability and Oversight where my goal will be to help the state find opportunities to safeguard our tax dollars.

Speaking of the budget, what are your top three budget priorities?

– Our system of public education, from early childhood education through our CSU and UC systems.- Public safety and emergency preparedness.- Mental healthcare infrastructure and safety net programs that our most vulnerable residents rely on.

The legislature garnered national headlines when an effort to increase penalties for child sex trafficking initially stalled. How would you, in the legislature, balance criminal justice reform with public safety concerns?

Ensuring the safety of our state’s residents and neighborhoods is our most important responsibility. During the course of my first term, I’ve worked to prioritize public safety while also recognizing that our criminal justice system needs ongoing scrutiny in order to eliminate and guard against racial and economic bias.

Homelessness continues to be a concern for Californians. While there is no simple solution, what is one proposal you have that could reduce homelessness in our communities?

I’m looking forward to seeing the impact of California’s CARE courts system in the years ahead. We urgently need to get people with untreated schizophrenia spectrum disorder or other serious mental health conditions off the streets and into treatment. I think the CARE courts will save lives and hopefully break the cycle of homelessness for many.

Orange County should be proud of all the work put in by Sen. Tom Umberg along with Gov. Gavin Newsom and many others to get this program launched.

The governor recently signed a law that set a first-in-the-nation minimum wage standard for healthcare workers. Should minimum wage standards vary by industry? Why or why not?

I don’t believe that minimum wage standards always need to vary by industry. I do believe that it’s appropriate for the legislature to be able to examine specific industries where a higher wage might be suitable in order to ensure an adequate workforce or help a segment of workers who have historically been under-compensated.

What is one environment or climate policy you’d champion if elected?

While serving on the Anaheim City Council, I championed the mitigation of contaminated soil at Boysen Park (The Airplane Park) and have continued the effort in my first term as an assemblymember. If re-elected, I will focus on environmental impacts in the 68th district, such as air, water and soil contamination issues.

What is one capital improvement project you’d like to see financed and completed in your district?

I would love to see the development of the Santa Ana River Waterfront. The section of the Santa Ana River and Santiago Creek within the 68th district has the potential to be transformed into a regional entertainment and public destination. Additionally, it would serve as an economic driver and provide much-needed green space in Central Orange County.

The state recently began rolling out the CARE Court program in some counties, the state-funded effort that allows first responders, family and other designated people to petition a court to have someone with untreated severe psychotic disorders receive treatment and services. What other ways can the state prioritize mental health care for its residents, including those with less severe disorders?

I’m optimistic that California’s new CARE courts program will be successful in getting individuals who are experiencing a severe mental health crisis off the streets and into treatment. It’s a system that will prioritize care over incarceration and give individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others access to necessary treatment and services.

Our region, like most of California, lacks adequate access to mental healthcare infrastructure. We need to continue making public investments in mental health and continue working to destigmatize seeking help.

Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less.

I’m a pragmatic progressive who listens and finds common ground.

What is your go-to campaign trail snack or drink?

My go-to campaign trail food is a good taco. Luckily, no matter where I am in the 68th district, there’s always a great taco spot nearby.