Alan Nakanishi

If elected, what is one thing you want to accomplish and how would you do it? My number one priority is to create new jobs and job opportunities. As a small businessman, I understand what the private sector will need from the public sector to work together. As a state senator, I will focus on improving the economy, decreasing state regulations, decreasing taxes, and cutting unfunded state mandates imposed on businesses, cities and counties.

Do you support the Twin Tunnels, and why?

I do not support the Twin Tunnels. It will destroy our multi-billion dollar farm industry. Besides harming farms, the salt water intrusion into our waterways and aquifers will jeopardize water quality for humans, fish, and the environment.

Do you support the highspeed rail project, and why?

I do not support the high speed rail project. It has been called a “white elephant”, a “boondoggle”, and “a train to nowhere!” The business plan is flawed, costs are ballooning with no foreseeable funds for completion, and millions for ongoing operations. Taxpayers are on the hook for $68 billion and growing. That is $1,700 for every person in California or $6,800 for a family of four. I support Assembly Bill 1866 which takes bullet train funding, and instead, uses those funds for more water storage.

Do you think prison reform has been a success, and why?

It has not been a success. The State of California neglected its responsibility and relegated it to the counties. AB109 has put a strain on our country resources. While I believe in rehabilitation programs and AB47 was supposed to be a solution to the overcrowding problem, it has exacerbated our problems. Criminals now face no penalty for many crimes including stealing a gun. We cannot rehabilitate criminals if they do not experience the consequences to motivate them to get help.

Do you support the minimum wage increase, and why?

I do not support minimum wages because it will hurt workers in the long run. To decrease costs businesses will be forced to cut workers and downsize. Other businesses may increase use of automation rather than using workers. A recent study of the California budget shows increasing the minimum wages will cost the state billions of dollars. The administration projects the annual general fund costs will be $1.1 billion by 2019-20. A better way to increase wages is by bringing good paying jobs back to California.

Do you think pension reform is needed, and why?

Pension reform is needed because of the rising costs and unfunded liabilities. Some reforms have been started, more needs to be done. The promises and obligations to retirees and those who are currently in the system should be kept and honored.

Do you think Common Core has been a success? What would you like to see changed about our education system?

Common Core has not been a success. The curriculum has been complex and counterintuitive for teachers, parents and students to comprehend. The educational system should be directed at the local level. A one-size-fits-all approach will not work not in a country as large or diverse as the United States.

Where do you stand on immigration?

I believe in strong borders. I do not believe that citizenship should be given to those who arrived here illegally. Although citizenship should not be given, I believe those who have lived here for many years, contributed to the community, have a job, have children born here and have been law abiding citizens should have a path to citizenship.

Do you see affordable housing as an issue? If so, what would you do to address it?

Affordable housing is an issue. Both federal and state funds should contribute toward affordable housing. This year, $2 billion from the Prop. 63 fund will go to assist cities to help in affordable housing and the homeless issue.

Do you think recreational marijuana should be legalized? If so, what, if any, regulations should be put in place on the industry?

Recreational marijuana should not be legalized. Under federal law it is against the law for me, as a physician, to prescribe medical marijuana. It is classified as a Class 2 substance, a “drug that is addictive and of no known medical use.” Young people should not start until more research is done. Marijuana is a proven gateway drug to many. The voters of California will decide on this issue at the ballot box in November.

What do you think is the No. 1 challenge businesses face in California?

The number one challenge that business face in California is the job-killing legislation passed each year by the state legislature. Each year, the legislature passes added regulations, taxes and unfunded mandates. They all make doing business in California more expensive than other states.

What do you think about healthcare reform? What needs to be changed about the healthcare system?

As a doctor, I recognize we need reform. ACA is not working as promised. Patients are not seeing their same doctor, waiting lines have increased substantially, health care costs and premiums have skyrocketed. Some provisions are a step in the right direction, including coverage of young adults under 26 under their parent’s insurance, elimination of pre-existing exclusions and elimination of lifetime benefit caps. I support the repeal of “taxing” premium health care insurance and charging higher Medicare premiums to selected individuals. Health Savings Accounts should also be considered, as well as a re-emphasis on preventive care and personal responsibility.

Do you think our ADA laws need to be reformed, and why?

ADA laws were enacted to protect the rights of the disabled. They have also led to expensive ADA lawsuits by individuals taking advantage of the system. There has been an estimated 20,000 lawsuits since 1992 and the litigation costs to California business is estimated at $20 million per year. ADA is a federal law and any revision is in the power of Congress. Even states and cities are not immune from suits. Lodi has several ADA suits on hold. SB 1608 enacted in 2008, in which I voted for, has helped businesses and cities. The bill puts a stay on suits for a period of time so that the business may come into compliance with ADA requirements. Much more needs to be done.