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: Mike Tardif
Current Job Title: Retired businessman
Political Party Affiliation: Republican
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: Member of the OC GOP Central Committee
City where you reside: Santa Ana
Campaign website or social media: Facebook: Mike 4 California AD 68
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?
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s “front and center” global excursions are obviously designed to position himself for a presidential run, even in 2024. Don’t be like Newsom.
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 support a voter ID requirement. I do not support non-citizen voting. Mail-in ballots should be sent out on voter request for ballot only — and should include a voter ID requirement.
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.
When you are in a hole, stop digging. I support across-the-board budget cuts of 5%.
Speaking of the budget, what are your top three budget priorities?
– Crime and safety- Parent choice in education- Lower taxes to discourage taxpayers from fleeing our state.
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 support the repeal of Propositions 47 and 57. The laws under these two propositions are an encouragement rather than a deterrent to crime.
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?
Reintroduce regulated and monitored involuntary commitment for mental illness and drug use — including a rehabilitation regime.
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?
Minimum wage laws result in lost jobs and are inflationary. Government should not be in the business of picking winners and losers.
What is one environment or climate policy you’d champion if elected?
Eliminate California’s pie-in-the-sky economically and socially destructive environmental policies.
What is one capital improvement project you’d like to see financed and completed in your district?
Extensive road repair — without raising taxes.
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?
California needs to expand mental health and addiction treatment facilities — including the establishment of new mental health centers at CSU campuses that specialize in behavioral healthcare-focused degrees.
Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less.
The best government is that which governs least.
What is your go-to campaign trail snack or drink?
Water.
