senior-spectrum.com

Candidate: Lawrence Steven Strauss
Ballot Designation: Lawyer/Businessperson/Student
Party: Democratic

1. What do you consider the most pressing issue facing California's senior citizens?
Regardless of whether or not one is a senior, food, clothing and shelter are the most pressing issues. California is one of the most expensive states to live in. Seniors as well as everybody need affordable housing. The housing cost should not exceed thirty-three percent (33%) of anybody's budget. Nobody should go hungry in this state. Clothing should not be a problem for anybody.

2. Do you favor or oppose amending the rates of the following taxes:
Property tax Oppose
State income tax Oppose
Vehicle license fee Oppose
Gas tax Oppose

As stated on my website at www.bestcounsel.com, I think we should start by looking to increase the revenue base by bringing new business and people to California. Raising taxes is always my last resort. I do not like issuing bonds because of the burden of the interest rate. Our goal as a state should be to balance the budget without having to raise taxes or sell bonds.

3. Do you favor or oppose putting new restrictions on older drivers?
I think family members of older drivers have insight as to whether or not the driver is capable of controlling the vehicle. I would hope that the older driver can come to the realization that he or she may not have the reflexes that he or she had when they were younger with the persuasion of family members. I have handled auto accident cases involving elderly drivers and have persuaded some of them into give up driving (not because they are at fault, but because their reflexes are not fast enough to react to certain situations. I do not want to see anybody hurt or injured). The problem stems from not having the most efficient public transit system. We must increase the efficiency of the public transit system so older drivers have more options for transportation. In terms of new restrictions, I think we have to re-examine the current laws and come up with a minimum standard for everybody to operate a motor vehicle. With auto simulators, we have the ability to measure everybody's response time to certain situations.

4. When putting together the state budget for the next fiscal year, would you change current levels of funding for any of the following programs:
In-Home Supportive Services No
Adult Protective Services No
SSI/SSP benefits No
Foster Grandparents Program No
Brown Bag Program No
Senior Companion Program No
California Commission on Aging No

These are important programs. Again, I would look to increase revenue first before doing away with government services.

5. If elected, how will you improve California for seniors and all other residents?
I would improve California by giving people hope for the future. I do not want to see ordinary people burdened with the State's debts. I would rescind the increased vehicle tax because it imposes a burden on the people. I would do the following:

a) Increase the revenue base by bringing business and people back to California through incentives (i.e. if a new business or individual pays taxes and stays here for five years a tax credit should be given in the sixth year);

b) Make sure that everybody pay's their fair share of taxes including the big corporations and Indian casinos by closing any loopholes;

c) Make all top level government officials and employees take a pay cut; and

d) Lower operating expenses by implementing technology such as the internet.

As a last resort, I would increase taxes on the wealthiest individuals and corporations.