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: Jacob Woo Ho Lee
Current Job Title: Pastor
Political Party Affiliation: No party affiliation
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: California chairman of the National Korean American Republican Committee
City where you reside: Buena Park
Campaign website or social media: www.votejacoblee.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?
Foreign affairs should be handled more on the federal level, but California should be involved when it can help the California economy and deepen cultural exchange.
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?
I agree that voters should be required to have ID in order to vote.
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.
We need to reduce government size and make the government more efficient, and we need to reevaluate spending on wasteful projects.
Speaking of the budget, what are your top three budget priorities?
Education, economic development and tax reduction.
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?
Public safety must take priority. Government should invest in growing family values in order to reduce and prevent criminal activity.
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?
Religious organizations should come together to use their significant resources to assist and educate the homeless population so that the homeless individuals can recover from their situation.
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 there should be a minimum wage. If people truly need help, the government can assist, but we should leave it to the market to determine wages. People who have ability should receive more than the minimum wage.
What is one environment or climate policy you’d champion if elected?
N/A
What is one capital improvement project you’d like to see financed and completed in your district?
A multicultural and international business center that will attract global business and tourism, which I have experienced in revitalizing the Miami fashion district.
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?
Hire Christian counselors and help each family to have a good environment. Also, build facilities where they can receive recreation similar to senior citizen centers.
Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less.
Respect the proclamation of the Declaration of Independence.
What is your go-to campaign trail snack or drink?
Korean ginseng tea.
