Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group 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: Tony Rodriguez
Current job title: Recruiting Construction Manager
Political party affiliation: Republican
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: NA
City where you reside: Tujunga
Campaign website or social media: https://www.tony4california.us/
It’s no secret that California will play an outsized role in AI development and regulation. That was a big topic for the legislature this year, but what is one way you’d like to see the legislature tackle concerns about bias or transparency in the AI space or encourage innovation and start-ups? (Please be specific in your response, and keep your answer to 200 words or less.)
Specifically, I would advocate for the creation of a state-level AI Ethics and Innovation Task Force that includes experts from technology, academia, government, and diverse community groups. This task force would be responsible for developing standards around bias mitigation, transparency, and accountability in AI systems, ensuring that these technologies are fair and unbiased. They could also recommend guidelines for responsible AI usage, mandating that companies disclose how AI algorithms make decisions that impact individuals, particularly in sensitive areas like hiring, lending, and law enforcement.
Before California voters this year is a proposition to increase the state’s minimum wage to $18 per hour, the nation’s highest, by 2026. Do you support increasing the minimum wage in this way? Why or why not? (Please keep your answer to 150 words or less.)
I do not support increasing the minimum wage to $18 per hour until California reforms its workers’ compensation system. The current workers’ comp system is fraught with inefficiencies, excessive costs, fraud, and a lack of support for both employers and employees. These systemic flaws burden businesses, especially small ones, with high premiums and complex processes that make it harder to sustain jobs and wages.
This year, California faced a large budget deficit that put a strain on lawmakers’ ability to fund certain programs and projects going forward. What is one thing you believe the state should do to avoid such large deficits in the future? (Please be specific in your answer, and limit it to 150 words or less.)
To avoid large budget deficits in the future, California should implement stronger fiscal discipline through a Rainy Day Fund policy that is rigorously enforced. This approach involves setting aside a significant portion of revenue surpluses during economic boom years, rather than increasing spending or launching new programs that may not be sustainable in the long term. By bolstering reserves, the state can better weather economic downturns and unexpected revenue shortfalls without resorting to cuts in essential programs, added fees or drastic tax increases. Additionally, California should conduct regular audits and performance reviews of existing programs to identify inefficiencies, eliminate waste, and reallocate funds to high-impact areas. Prioritizing spending on core functions, avoiding unnecessary expansion of government, and maintaining a clear focus on long-term financial health will help California manage its budget more effectively and prevent the cyclical deficits that strain lawmakers and taxpayers alike.
Speaking of the budget, there are multiple proposed bond measures before voters this year. Is the state in a good place to issue bonds for state programs and infrastructure projects? Should certain programs or projects be prioritized over others? (Please be specific in your response, and keep your answer to 200 words or less.)
To address the high cost of living in California, a bipartisan proposal I support is expanding the availability of affordable housing through regulatory reform. One key step is to streamline the permitting process and reduce excessive regulations that delay housing projects and drive up costs. By cutting red tape and incentivizing the construction of multi-family and mixed-use developments, especially near transit hubs, we can increase the housing supply and reduce prices over time. Additionally, the state could offer targeted tax incentives to developers who commit to building affordable units and invest in infrastructure that supports housing growth. Expanding housing vouchers and rent assistance programs, particularly for younger and lower-income Californians, would also help alleviate immediate financial pressures. This approach addresses the housing crisis directly, promotes economic growth, and provides relief to those most burdened by California’s high living costs.
Cost of living is high on the list of concerns among voters, particularly among younger people. What is one bipartisan proposal you have to alleviate concerns about high prices or the cost of living in California? (Please be specific in your response, and limit it to 200 words.)
The state could work with local governments to create incentives for developers to build affordable housing units and support first-time homebuyer assistance programs. This approach would not only make housing more accessible but also stimulate economic growth and job creation, benefiting communities across California without imposing heavy financial burdens on taxpayers. Construction contracts should be awarded through a transparent and competitive bidding process that prioritizes the best interests of taxpayers, not politicians. This means implementing strict guidelines that ensure contracts are awarded based on merit, cost-effectiveness, and quality, rather than political connections or influence.
The legislature this year considered recommendations from a first-in-the-nation task force that considered how California could atone for past racism and discrimination against Black people, including potential compensation. What do you believe is the role of the state in atoning for the atrocities committed against Black people? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
I have been clear when asked about reparations: I do not support California taxpayers bearing the financial responsibility for the wrongs committed by slave states. If reparations are to be pursued, then perhaps it is the slave states and the Democratic Party, which fought to uphold slavery, that should be held accountable for providing compensation. While it’s important to acknowledge past injustices, California, a non-slave state, should not bear the financial burden for actions that occurred elsewhere and under different jurisdictions. Reparations should be addressed by those who directly played a role in these historical wrongs.
Gov. Gavin Newsom recently ordered state agencies to remove homeless encampments on state property and urged cities to follow through. What else do you propose the state do to help eradicate homelessness? (Please limit your response to 200 words or less.)
In addition to removing homeless encampments on state property, the state should conduct comprehensive audits of nonprofits receiving public funds to address homelessness. Many nonprofits play a critical role in providing services to the homeless population, but without proper oversight, there is no guarantee that funds are being used effectively and efficiently.Auditing these organizations would ensure accountability, transparency, and that resources are being directed toward tangible outcomes like housing, mental health services, and job training programs. It would also identify any misuse or mismanagement of funds, allowing the state to reallocate resources to high-performing organizations and programs that have a proven track record of success.
Similarly, Gov. Gavin Newsom has urged county leaders to take advantage more of a new state law that makes it easier to place someone with severe mental health or substance abuse issues into conservatorships, an effort to keep more people out of homelessness. But local leaders in Southern California have said they need more time and resources to build, fund and staff more mental health facilities. Is there anything the legislature could — or should — do to aid communities struggling to find the resources to properly provide this type of mental health support? (Please be specific in your answer, and limit the response to 200 words or less.)
The legislature should ensure that funding is flexible enough to address local needs, allowing communities to tailor their mental health programs effectively. By providing targeted financial support, reducing regulatory barriers, and fostering innovation, the legislature can help local leaders provide the necessary mental health support to prevent homelessness and improve outcomes for individuals with severe mental health or substance abuse issues. Also the state should streamline the regulatory and permitting processes for building mental health facilities, which often face delays due to bureaucratic hurdles. Incentivizing public-private partnerships can also attract investment and expertise in mental health services, accelerating the creation of needed facilities.
What’s the No. 1 song on your playlist while you’re on the campaign trail?
“”We Are Family””
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