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land trusts can help create more opportunities for families to secure homes without being priced out by corporate buyers. By taking these steps, we can work toward a housing market that serves the needs of our residents and fosters stable, thriving communities. If elected, I will prioritize these regulations to protect homeownership and the wellbeing of families in our district.
Hurd: I do think this is an area that should be scrutinized and solutions brought forth. It works in another way, also. If a property owner is wanting to get a loan on a property that they own with no mortgage (so a cash-out type of loan), the value of the property may actually be lower than it really is due to the comps. I am certainly willing to take a hard look at this issue and see what stakeholders have to say as far as possible solutions.
Kelley: I would support putting limits on entities, to a point. I would have to see said legislation and read it line by line to judge the merits of its value.
In addition to the issues I’ve mentioned, in talking to the people of the 69th Assembly District, what are some of the main issues or concerns you hear brought up, and how do you plan to address those concerns if elected to office?
Halls: In my conversations with residents of the 69th Assembly District, three concerns consistently surface: access to affordable childcare, affordable housing and affordable healthcare. These issues are interconnected and affect the quality of life for families in our community.
Many parents struggle to find quality childcare that is both accessible and affordable, making it difficult for them to work and support their families. If elected, I will advocate for increased funding for childcare programs and expand family subsidies. This will help ensure that all children can access safe and enriching environments, allowing parents to pursue their careers without stress.
Affordable housing is another concern, with rising rents making it challenging for families to find stable homes. I will push for policies that promote the construction of affordable housing and support initiatives for first-time homebuyers, making it easier for families to secure safe and affordable housing in our district.
Healthcare costs continue to burden many families. I will work to expand access to affordable healthcare options, including Medicaid expansion, and support initiatives that lower prescription drug prices. By improving access to healthcare, we can alleviate financial pressure and enhance the wellbeing of our community.
Addressing these issues of childcare, housing and healthcare can create a stronger, healthier community where families can thrive. If elected, I am committed to being a voice for the residents of the 69th Assembly District and working towards real solutions to these concerns.
Hurd: The number one issue, way far and above, is the economy. They are very upset about it — it is expensive… Everybody says they’re worried about gas prices; they’re worried about food. The second thing they’re most concerned about is illegals— the borders. They’re afraid. And most of them have heard about Abbotsford. And they’ve heard that this was not a good situation. And they’ve heard about Whitewater, where we’ve got that situation going on. And a lot of them knew about the refugees, the last ones coming in… now refugees are different than illegal aliens. But it’s the border. That’s a big issue.
Kelley: One of the main concerns I hear a lot of is the lack of action in our government. No one is getting anything done, ever. Everyone is just content with trying to make the other side look bad. As an independent, I would seek to bring both sides back to the table, back together. The word “compromise” means you don’t get everything you want. We can have differing opinions on how to solve problems, but we should all still agree that we have problems that need solutions. If we can’t have a common discourse, then we’ve all lost.
