STEVE COLANGELO
Why are you running for this seat?
I want to provide common sense solutions for problems that we all see in San Joaquin County. I want to use my 35 years of business experience to help get our county government back on track.
What issues set you apart from your opponents?
I’m a conservative who opposes raising new local taxes and fees, and my only special interests are the people of San Joaquin County. I have also run a successful small local business for decades and am the only candidate endorsed by the Central Valley Taxpayers Association.
If elected, what do you hope to accomplish?
I want to provide a visual difference in our homeless problem to increase our quality of life. I want to protect the taxpayer from unnecessary and excessive taxes and fees. I want to support public safety needs so that they have the personnel and equipment to keep us safe from fire incidents and criminals off the streets.
Your thoughts on:
COVID policy: I support business owners and parents’ ability to set policies that best fit the needs of their employees/customers and families.
Public safety/criminal justice: I am proud to have the support of several rank-andfile officers and deputies from across the San Joaquin County. I formerly served in law enforcement as a sworn auxiliary officer for the Sacramento Police Department. I have been outspoken against defund the police and believe that government’s number one job is public safety. First and foremost we need to be outspoken at ending the early release of any violent criminals.
Homelessness: We need to enforce anticamping laws to move these homeless camps from the streets and neighborhoods to shelters. It is neither compassionate or safe, and these mini-tent cities have become a magnet for property crime, assault, drug overdoses, and abuse.
Affordable housing: We need to decrease the fees for permitting and other use taxes causing a rise in the cost of new homes and apartments. We also need to do everything we can to ensure that Prop 13 — the 1978 voter approved law that keeps your property taxes low — remains fully intact.
Economic policy: I am a fiscal conservative and will protect taxpayer money, and look for ways where we can return some of those funds to the individual or small business. I also believe that small business and jobs drive our local economic engine, along with agriculture. We need to make sure that small business, our farmers, and our ag-related businesses have every opportunity we can provide to make them and their employees successful.
Water issues: I believe that the total mismanagement of water policy by the State of California has put our agricultural base in jeopardy. Anything that government touches it ruins or taxes us through the roof. We need new technologies that provide solutions for agricultural and residential use. These technologies are already in existence and need to be exposed and utilized to provide relief in this government created crisis.
Taxes/fees/rates: I will work hard to reduce the size of our county government. San Joaquin County has some of the highest tax and fee structures in our country. I want to see reduction in the size and scope of county government thereby providing necessary tax relief. Lower taxes and fees will help attract businesses and help our farmers that are being crushed.
Cannabis: I support a city or county’s ability to set regulatory policy for these businesses within their jurisdiction that best fit their communities. I also support strong enforcement against illegal growing and distribution.
Winery/events ordinances: I support the existing ordinance and can see further modifications to protect winery interests and to further help nearby residents. A careful balance and constant communication will assist in navigating this issue on the future. I plan on being proactive in protecting this vital region and promoting our valuable wine and agricultural resources.
Transportation/infrastructure: The condition of county roads is problematic. Potholes and uneven pavement are an issue. I know our residents want to traverse streets without throwing their vehicles’ alignment out. I am against the unnecessary expenditure of taxpayer dollars on round-abouts regardless of what government entity is spending our money. Round-abouts on county agricultural roads is problematic and unnecessary.