Get the facts on the California candidates running for election to the District 5 — U.S. House of Representatives
Find out their top 3 priorities, their experience, and who supports them.
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About this office
Representatives are elected to two-year terms to represent the people of a specific congressional district in the federal government. They introduce and vote on new laws, hold hearings, and are responsible for approving federal taxes.
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My Top 3 Priorities
First / Stronger Protection of the Wine Industry - I believe that our wine industry as well as other related industries in the 5th district must be better protected against restrictive current and future legislation assuring growth.
Develop New Job Opportunities through Innovation Associated with the Wine Industry & Energy Efficiency Related Skill-Sets - Create a Wine Innovation Center.
Strong Immigration Policies – National Security & Protection & Expansion of US Jobs both regionally, throughout the state as well as throughout the country.
Experience
Experience
Profession:US Congress - 5th District of California
Principal - Founder, CEES-Advisors (2012–current)
Principal - Founder, CEES-Advisors (2012–current)
Energy Committee Chair, Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) California — Appointed position (2012–current)
Commercial Real Estate Energy Efficiency Committee Chair, Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) International — Appointed position (2008–2016)
Vive President - Engineering Services, Glenborough, LLC (2002–2014)
Commercial Real Estate Sector Energy Chair - Chair Emeritus, Department of Energy - Better Buildings Alliance — Appointed position (2011–2013)
Education
United States Green Building Council (USGBC) — LEED AP - Associate Professional , Energy Efficiency & Sustainability - Commercial Real Estate Buildings (current)
Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) International — Real Property Administrator (RPA), Comnmercial Real Estate Management, Development and Operations (current)
California - Department of Real Estate — Department of Real Estae Brokers License, Residential and Commercial Real Estate (2015)
University of San Francisco — Masters in Business Association - MBA, Business Major - Entrepreneurial Studies (2006)
Community Activities
House Capital - Volunteer Christmas In April Event, Rebuilding Together (2008–2010)
Biography
Mr. Santamaria is a native Californian having grown up in Southern California and lived in the Bay Area most of his life.In 2013, he moved to Napa where he lives and conducts his consulting business while enjoying the beautiful lifestyle that Napa provides.He is married and has two wonderful sons, one in college and one in high school.
In his consulting business, he advises owners and managers of commercial real estate and the built environment how to improve building energy efficiency and sustainability while also assisting in the development of curriculum for new and incumbent workers.
Working with the California Community Colleges Chancellors Office, Mr. Santamaria is part of a statewide mission and effort towards creating new jobs and incumbent worker training in energy efficiency that addresses the states critical need for skilled workers. This effort is solely about creating jobs and training an entire workforce in California.
Questions from The League of Women Voters of California Education Fund and California Counts, a public media collaboration. (4)
Should immigration laws be changed? What changes would you support? Please explain why.
Answer from Carlos Santamaria:
I believe that we have good immigration laws in place now, we only have to enforce them! Immigration laws in place currently are no different than other laws that are in place, we need to abide by them and enforce them. Necessary changes would include better inforcement of employor e-verify with allowing our immigration services to enforce current laws with border control ensuring our borders are protected.
The political climate in Washington, D.C. has been extremely partisan in recent years. In that kind of atmosphere, what would you do to get things done while in office?
Answer from Carlos Santamaria:
First of all, I want to say that what is lacking in Washington and with the American people is a “Trust” for politicians and Washington in general. With the recent news about various levels of corruption on both sides of the political fence, we need to restore this trust and faith in our elected representatives and Washington in general. I’m not going to say that this is an impossible goal, but my primary focus in Washington is to restore trust between the voters and residents of the 5th District as well as lead by example showing the American people that their elected representatives are trustworthy, accessible and can work with one another to get important things done in office. Again, the focus and priority is to gain trust, be accessible and work with my fellow representatives towards improving America.
What, if anything, does the U.S. need to do in order to address national security and terrorism? Please explain your answer in detail.
Answer from Carlos Santamaria:
Until time a more fail safe vetting process is put into place for immigrants wanting to come into this country, America needs to pull back our current “open border policy” and regroup until time we are sure those individuals being let into our communities and country share the same belief assuring American citizens are safe. Being “safe” in our communities and country is a concern of many Americans due to the influx of individuals who come into this country not sharing our vision and values of America.
We need to be extra careful with those countries that harbor terrorist activities and terrorism with limiting access to our country and or put into place a fail-safe vetting process assuring that our American families are safe.
The Federal Government plays a part in California water allocation and use through a variety of laws. What, if any, legislation would you support in an effort to handle water shortages caused by the current and any future drought?
Answer from Carlos Santamaria:
Institute a proactive, doable water conservation program that results in real water reductions that are not excessive mandates on customers. provide incentive and education to customers and large water users allowing them the skills and operational strategies to reduce water effectively without adversely affecting business activities. While working for one of the largest commercial real estate investment firms in the nation, I was responsible for a large portfolio of commercial buildings and created and managed one of the most successful Energy & Sustainability programs in the nation. Water conservation programs were a primary focus for our buildings and tenants and we were successful in reducing over 40% water use throughout the entire portfolio.
Utilization of proven practices and technologies to assist water users to reduce water consumption cost effectively and regularly.Work with utilities to “Incentivize” customers for water reduction efforts.
Who gave money to this candidate?
Contributions
Total money raised: $2,700
More information about contributions
By State:
California 100.00%
By Size:
Large contributions (100.00%)
Small contributions (0.00%)
By Type:
From organizations (0.00%)
From individuals (100.00%)
Source: MapLight analysis of data from the Federal Election Commission.
Political Beliefs
Political Philosophy
Mr. Santamaria has a very simple, yet important outlook as it relates to his political positions.He believes many voters share this belief and finds them equally important to the safety and security of their families, livelihood and future of this country.
Strong Immigration Policies – National Security. I believe in strong, enforceable immigration laws and policies that protect both local and statewide jobs strengthening our national security.
Protection & Expansion of US Jobs both regionally, throughout the state as well as throughout the country. – I believe that we need to be more protective of our jobs that are being shipped off-shore.Fairer, yet tougher economic tariffs and or fees need to be levied against US imports that have eliminated or moved US jobs elsewhere. American jobs need to be a priority for our US leaders in congress as well as in the private sector.
Fiscal Responsibility – Limiting Spending and Reduction of both State & National Debt. – While this sounds like what most politicians want and state as important to them, their voting records and political practices show a very different story. More transparency and disclosure needs to be provided by our elected representative(s) demonstrating that they practice and work toward being “Fiscally Responsibly” in their voting and political behavior.
