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: Patrick Lee Gipson
Current job title: Retired Deputy Sheriff
Political party affiliation: Republican
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: Porter Ranch
Campaign website or social media: www.gipson4assembly.com
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.)
I support entrepreneurship and innovation; however, I want to make sure that it’s not at the expense of infringing on personal privacy or security. This is an emerging industry and good communication between regulators, the legislature, and industry will be critical as AI technology expands.
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 think we need to address the effects of inflation in other ways – particularly lowering costs on workers which includes tax reductions including gas and diesel fuel. Forcing increases on small businesses will restrict their ability to employ workers.
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.)
First, we need policy making decisions out of the State Legislature. Families, workers, and businesses are not a bottomless ATM machine – but that’s how they are treated in California. I would eliminate “”shell”” budget bills. Those are bills that the Legislature passes and then inserts money later. The budget should be the budget. Secondly, I would like to implement a 2-year budget for education – instead of a 1-year. The Legislature needs to be smarter.
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.)
I don’t think we are in position to currently issue more state bonds. California needs to get on better, sustained financial footing, and make some changes, as suggested above, to how we budget. Further, I think we are over-leveraged on state bonds at the moment.
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.)
Both Vice President Harris and Former President Trump agree that there should be no taxing of tips. I agree – the State of California should not tax tips given to service workers. That is one step. I also support the bipartisan recommendations in the Little Hoover Commission’s May 2024 CEQA Reform Report, although I would like to see additional reforms.
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 believe that past racism and slavery is inexcusable. As the husband of an Armenian immigrant who had family killed in the Armenian Genocide, I firmly believe that these periods in our nation and world history must be recognized. However, I would not support compensation at this point.
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.)
I would propose a law making it illegal to camp within 100 feet of schools, parks, and playgrounds. As a retired Sheriff’s Deputy, I know that these “camps” are serious safety threats. Further, I want to make it easier for individuals and non-profits to sponsor or foster homeless families, seeking to get out of the homeless spiral. As a child, my family was homeless for an extended period, and we were able to find a home and work thanks to a foster family.
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.)
I think the Legislature needs to insist that local agencies employ wrap around programs rather than simply “”housing first””. The “”housing first”” model has been unsuccessful due to a large extent & they need to move resources from that to a more holistic effort.
What’s the No. 1 song on your playlist while you’re on the campaign trail?
On The Road Again by Willie Nelson
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