With the California primary election just over a month away in June, multiple Asian American candidates and supporters gathered at a luncheon in Rosemead City, Los Angeles County on Wednesday (15th) to express their aspirations of bringing about policy change through the election and steering California back on the right track.
Gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton outlined his focus on three key policies before the luncheon, intending to transform California into “Cal-affordable.” This includes making living expenses affordable for residents, such as reducing gasoline prices to $3 per gallon, halving the electricity rate, exempting the first $100,000 of individual income from state taxes, and making housing more accessible. Additionally, his agenda also addresses issues like street crime, homelessness, and drug problems.
According to a February survey by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), 70% of voters believe that the state’s financial situation is dire, with incomes not keeping pace with inflation. 55% of voters are in favor of tax cuts and a “smaller government” approach, while nearly half of the voters see the state budget as a major problem. Furthermore, one-third of voters believe that California is heading in the wrong direction.
Born in the UK, Hilton moved to California in 2012, taught at Stanford University, and later founded a company before venturing into media. He emphasized that if local governments are unwilling to act, he will use state law enforcement power and resources to “truly restore the glory of our beloved state.”
Hosting the luncheon was Liu Longzhu, a candidate for the California 49th District Assembly and a Chinese lawyer. He commented on Hilton’s immigrant background, stating that Hilton truly understands the struggles of all immigrants, has a profound understanding of California’s issues, and has proposed solutions.
Regarding his personal beliefs, Liu Longzhu stated that if elected, he will advocate in the state legislature for no state taxes for those earning below $100,000 a year, free tuition for public universities, property tax exemptions for seniors aged 60 and above, and reducing gasoline prices to below $3. On the 15th, the regular gasoline price in California was $5.878, and in Los Angeles, it was $5.98.
California, once known as the “Golden State” and once the most populous state in America, is now facing numerous challenges and financial deficits. Everyone at the luncheon hoped for California to change direction and return to its golden age.
Councilman Deng Jiayou of the Diamond Bar city shared that they have been residing in California for over forty years. “When I first arrived in California, it was truly the ‘Golden State,’ full of opportunities. But over the past few decades, we have seen the Golden State gradually lose its luster.”
Former California State Assemblyman and multiple-term Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, who is a Chinese son-in-law, stressed that to keep California’s economy moving forward, there is a need to reduce tax burdens and regulations.
President Trump endorsed Hilton’s candidacy for California governor, stating that “Hilton can turn the tide before it’s too late.”
Lee Minli, a commissioner of the Southern California Walnut Valley Water District, mentioned that California is rich in resources with fertile Central Valley farmlands. However, over the past decade, environmental policies have prevented Californians from irrigating farmlands, leading to vast barren fields visible along the Interstate 5 highway. She emphasized the necessity of sound policies for California, which would not only benefit crops but also foster prosperity for businesses and generate tax revenues.
Lawyer Huang Xiaosheng expressed that they initially moved to California due to its pleasant climate. He criticized state legislators for constantly using “climate change” as an excuse, claiming that the climate in California has always been good. He believes that misguided policies have led to soaring prices and exorbitant living costs in the state.
Guests attending the luncheon that day included lawyers Deng Hong, former Diamond Bar Mayor Zhang Wenbin, and retired detective Anthony A. Shapiro of the Los Angeles County Police Department.
The gubernatorial race in California this year is highly competitive, with around sixty candidates vying for the position. The current focus of the election centers around two Republican candidates and five key Democratic candidates. However, neither party has officially endorsed any candidate.
Since Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger stepped down in 2011, the role of California governor has been held by Democrats. Current Governor Newsom’s term will end this year. Presently, Hilton and fellow Republican candidate Chad Bianco lead in the polls. ◇