I believe that education should include "back-to-basics" foundational skills and knowledge. Science, technology, math and phonetic-based reading programs give our children the best hope to succeed in the 21st century and compete in a global economy.
I strongly support Proposition 13, and I oppose new taxes or bonds that deepen the fiscal crisis of our state and local governments. I oppose new taxes and believe the funding of education is being severely short-changed because the current political leadership in Sacramento does not prioritize education.
As a physician and university professor, I favor fundamental curriculums that stress a "back- to-basics" theme, such as science, technology, and math, because they increase our children's opportunities to climb the economic and educational ladders of life. Government functions at its best when it governs the least. I oppose any government policies that limit individual educational or economic opportunities. I believe in greater personal responsibility that makes us less dependent upon government.
I favor eliminating quotas based on gender and race. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. expressed this sentiment best: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
I believe in tough programs that teach discipline and responsibility. I have promoted job training programs that give our communities and families opportunities to provide for their economic future.
Balanced, tax-neutral government budgets are best for our people. The burden from the bureaucratic administration of education programs is great because of unfunded mandates from the federal and state governments. For example over $200,000,000 was taken from Orange County schools and classrooms in the past because of the federal government interfering with local education boards.