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: Tri Ta
Current Job Title: State Assemblymember
Political Party Affiliation: Republican
Incumbent: Yes
Other political positions held: Former Westminster mayor
City where you reside: Westminster
Campaign website or social media: www.TriTaForAssembly.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?
While California policies often have a global impact, the U.S. Constitution clearly defines foreign affairs as the domain of the federal executive and legislative branches of government. In the legislature, I have spearheaded initiatives related to foreign affairs, such as calling attention to human rights abuses committed by the communist regime in Vietnam. State government, however, should be focused first and foremost on the challenges faced by everyday Californians and should assume an advisory role when it comes to foreign affairs.
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?
We need to ensure our elections are secure, fair and produce accurate results. We should follow the Constitution and not allow noncitizens 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.
Just two years ago, the state had a $97 billion surplus. Last year, when I was sworn in for my first term in office, it had already dropped to a $24 billion deficit. California must return to abiding by the Gann spending limit, which was overwhelmingly supported by California voters, to moderate spending increases during boom years and protect our state from the boom and bust cycle we are currently facing. Our state desperately needs to bring back a limit on massive spending increases during boom years. We should also prioritize state spending on critical programs.
Speaking of the budget, what are your top three budget priorities?
– Public safety- Increase local control over tax dollars- Audit state spending and increase accountability
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?
I am a proud co-author of SB 14, a bill that ensures child trafficking is a felony in our state. Justice reform cannot be done by ignoring the plight of the victims. California has moved too far in protecting criminals, even violent ones. The impact on victims must be taken into account. Our laws should be fair, but they must also be enforced.
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 am currently working on legislation with cities in my district to ensure that they are able to properly fund local homeless outreach programs.
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?
In a state as large and economically diverse as California, a top-down approach will have some disastrous effects. Rural healthcare clinics and hospitals will have a hard time meeting this mandate and healthcare will become even more inaccessible for many Californians.
What is one environment or climate policy you’d champion if elected?
I was glad to see that the governor finally streamlined the approval process for the Sites Reservoir project. This important project will store enough water during the wet season to provide for 3 million Californian households. This should not be a one-off, and I will strongly support streamlining similar projects.
What is one capital improvement project you’d like to see financed and completed in your district?
Last year, I was able to deliver $1 million in additional state funding to build an accessible park in my district. I will continue to champion similar projects that provide a community-wide benefit and increase the quality of life we enjoy.
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?
My focus will be on the implementation of the CARE court program. While this initiative could be key in ensuring individuals suffering from mental health disorders receive necessary treatment, it will only work if properly rolled out. The next year could be detrimental to California being able to treat the suffering we see on our streets every day if it is not done right.
Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less.
Government should work for the people, not against them.
What is your go-to campaign trail snack or drink?
Pizza.
