Why are you running for State Assembly?
I am running for State Assembly because I care. I care about the future of this district and this state. I am running to make a difference, to lead the effort in policy areas. Currently, we do not have the best system of government. We send people to Sacramento but we do not hold them accountable. For me, I am trustworthy, respectful, not looking for a job, and take this position, if elected to, very seriously…
What do you love most about District 25?
It is my home; I love everything about it. The diversity, the history, the culture, and the political landscape.
If elected, what would your legislative priorities be?
Stem cell funding for research and job growth
Lead the effort in climate change
Create safe schools for our kids
For those that do not know, I have helped pass laws in two states to benefit people with spinal cord injuries. Passing the Roman Reed spinal cord injury research law in California and Alabama…the two most blue and red states possible. We passed our law for research for the greater good! Our law produced the Asterias Trials headquartered in Fremont, CA, America’s FIRST FDA approved human clinical trials with hESC Stem Cells. Our funded research of pioneer Dr. Hans Keirstead resulted in paralyzed people getting back the use of their arms. We created jobs from blue-collar building of labs and maintenance to white-collar scientists and post doc students. 295P reviewed medical breakthroughs from Roman’s Law alone. As a patient advocate I had helped pass California proposition 71, which created the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). This funded over $6 billion of research and has 54 human clinical trials going on right now with stem cells.
But both of these laws are now OUT OF FUNDING because of politics. There is $0 investment in new funding for stem cell research currently coming from the leader California. That is a travesty that stem cell research is not being funded anymore. As CIRM just announced, they are accepting no more grant requests to research cures. Lack of stem cell research funding in our state must change. I will make sure that it does. This investment in research can find cures for cancer, diabetes, paralysis and even blindness.
California proposition 71 and the Roman Reed spinal cord injury act both produced over 94,000 jobs here in California. Roman’s Law paid back our State – $7 for every $1 that was spent from the state coffers…we returned profit for our State and hope for our patients and people caring for them.
What are some things you see that are happening in local government right now that inspire you?
There is not too much that is going on that inspires me. Actually, the reason I am running is due to my lack of inspiration on the local, state, and federal level.
Where should the state’s priorities be in terms of K-12 education? Do you have any proposals/ideas for increasing funding in education?
California should be a leader in K-12. It needs to be our highest priority. We need better pay for our teachers, and to ensure that kids that need lunches get their lunch. We need to make
sure our students are priority ONE.
Any proposals for bringing more affordable housing to our region?
We need to increase inclusionary zoning. We need more affordable housing at all levels, from low to moderate to high.
Do you have any ideas that would help our state government function more effectively?
We should look at the duplicity we have with a bicameral system. We literally spend more money on a two house system than we need to.
What do you think the biggest issue is that’s impacting residents in our district, and how do you intend to help fix it?
We have a cut through traffic issue and a transportation issue. Local elected pride themselves on not building housing…Great…Kudos…but what you just did is give other areas like San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties the ability to build more housing. So, by not approving more local housing, you have just created more people cutting through Fremont to get to their good paying jobs in Silicon Valley.
What is something unique that you bring to the table?
Regional Planning
Pragmatic Thinking
Collaboration
Appreciation and respect
What is something that not everyone might know about you?
I am very funny and love my kids.
What do you love to do in your spare time?
Ponder why we can’t do better as a society when other countries are.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Yes, you should vote for me for three reasons:
- I care.
- I will make a difference.
- You can trust me.
Where can people go to learn more about you?
My website: https://romanforstateassembly2020.com
And finally, why should people vote for you?
Very simple. I do not need a job. Hell, I do not need a pay cut. I want to represent the community that I have lived and served in for my entire life. People run for office for various reasons and people vote them in for various reasons but we need to get back to reality. I am running because I want to serve, I want to make a difference, and I care. Those are the reasons why people should elect me….very simple.
