
California State Assembly - District 68
District 68 — California State Assembly
Get the facts on the California candidates running for election to the District 68 — California State Assembly
Find out their top 3 priorities, their experience, and who supports them.
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About this office
State assembly members introduce and vote on new laws, hold hearings, and draft the state budget. They are elected to two-year terms.
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Candidates
You can vote for 1 of these 2 candidates.
Top 3 Priorities
- No new tax
- No negative business regulations
- Pro-Education
Profile
Endorsed by
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California Small Business AssociationCalifornia Republican Taxpayers AssociationDiane Harkey, California State Board of Equalization Member
Sean Jay Panahi
Democratic
Top 3 Priorities
Sean Jay Panahi's priorities are not yet available.
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Profile
Endorsed by
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Republican
Mayor/Orange County Businessman
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My Top 3 Priorities
- No new tax
- No negative business regulations
- Pro-Education
Experience
Experience
Profession:MAYOR OF IRVINE
Vice President, New Era Academy (2014–current)
Mayor, City of Irvine — Elected position (2012–current)
Founder and CEO/President, Dr. Choi's Academy (1990–2014)
Councilmember, City of Irvine — Elected position (2004–2012)
Adjunct Professor, Coastline Community College (1981–2004)
School Board Member, Irvine Unified School District — Elected position (1998–2004)
Lecturer, University of California, Irvine (1995–1997)
Assitant Professor, USC (1975–1981)
Education
University of Pittsburgh — Ph.D., Library & Information Science (1976)
Louisiana State University — Master's, Library Science (1971)
Community Activities
President's Advisory Council, Concordia University, Irvine (1999–current)
Chairman, OC Great Park Corporation (2016–current)
Board member, Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) (2012–current)
Vice Chair, OC Great Park Corporation (2015–2015)
Board Member, OC Great Park Corporation (2004–2014)
Who supports this candidate?
Questions & Answers
Questions from The League of Women Voters of California Education Fund and California Counts, a public media collaboration. (4)
Climate changes and the continuing drought worry many in California. What new strategies do you believe would ensure that California is able to both satisfy its water needs and protect the environment? Please be specific.
Answer from Steven S. Choi:
Put the human lives over Delta Smelt small fish.
What are your top three fiscal priorities, recognizing the need to balance the state’s income with its spending?
Answer from Steven S. Choi:
Creat more jobs in California by deregulating the negative business regulations.
There are a variety of proposals to raise California's minimum wage. Many of these proposals face opposition from business groups who are concerned that they would kill jobs. Do you support increasing the minimum wage in California? In your answer please explain your position on the relationship between wages and jobs with specific reference to the situation in your district.
Answer from Steven S. Choi:
No, I do not. The entry level jobs for young people will become fewer and fewer.
Many Californians are concerned about the influence of money in politics. What can the state legislature do to ensure that decision-making by elected officials is not swayed by moneyed interests at the expense of constituents?
Answer from Steven S. Choi:
Prohibit contributions from unions or organizations.
Who gave money to this candidate?
Contributions
Total money raised: $450,020
Top contributors that gave money to support the candidate, by organization:
1
Employees of CHOI, STEVEN
$50,000
2
California Association of Realtors
$17,000
3
Great Far East and employees
$12,600
4
Irvine Company
$8,400
4
Valley Maintenance Corp
$8,400
More information about contributions
By State:
California 97.23%
Ohio 0.80%
Michigan 0.78%
Pennsylvania 0.45%
Texas 0.45%
Other 0.29%
By Size:
Large contributions (99.51%)
Small contributions (0.49%)
By Type:
From organizations (50.69%)
From individuals (49.31%)
Source: MapLight analysis of data from the California Secretary of State.
Candidate Contact Info
Democratic
Attorney at Law
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Who gave money to this candidate?
Contributions
Total money raised: $79,194
Top contributors that gave money to support the candidate, by organization:
1
Employees of PANAHI, SEAN JAY
$37,217
2
Employees of ETAP
$3,000
3
Employees of First Team Real Estate
$2,000
4
Employees of Jafari Law Group
$1,500
4
Pci Management
$1,500
More information about contributions
By State:
California 87.76%
New Jersey 5.33%
New York 5.33%
0.82%
Other 0.76%
By Size:
Large contributions (99.59%)
Small contributions (0.41%)
By Type:
From organizations (5.77%)
From individuals (94.23%)
Source: MapLight analysis of data from the California Secretary of State.