Assembly Debate Recap > Rexroad.com

This came from someone that attended the debate. Three different people that attended said pretty much the same thing.

The debate was hosted by the Northern Solano Democratic Club at the Courtyard Marriott in Fairfield. The room was filled to capacity, holding 60 people.

As for the debate itself, Christopher went first and used the intro to let the audience know he has worked with many of Solano's leaders on a variety of issues. Mariko read off a pre-written statement for her intro.

The questions where they greatly contrasted were about highway 12, developer/agriculture, budget process, and term limits.

Highway 12 is a big issue in Solano, and Christopher knows the issue backwards and forwards, and displayed that knowledge with a two part plan, which got a great response from the crowd. Mariko's answers were broad and only on-the-surface answers. She said she agrees with Christopher, and that the issue is important, but didn't get beyond that.

As for developer/agriculture issue, Christopher said he is for smart-growth within pre-existing cities and to protect agland by doing so. He said he was against the Dunnigan development project. Yamada said she wants to protect agland because its important. Then said she wants to develop land because keeping housing prices down is important too. Didn't take a stand.

Budget process- Yamada said she favored the reduction of th 2/3 vote for education bonds, but wants to keep it the same when it comes to passing a state budget. Cabaldon said the reduction of the 2/3 vote to 55 for school bonds was an issue he spearheaded to get changed. Said he is in
favor of passing budgets on time with a smaller majority vote, so when the budget flounders, the Democrats will be held accountable, instead of always having to blame Republicans for always blocking the budget.

As for the conclusion, Yamada's was unfocused, and wasn't strong. There weren't any details, plans, or goals she set during the conclusion, except that she wants to run a clean campaign. Cabaldon finished up tying all the issues discussed and stressed immensely his expertise and
accomplishments in the local government arena that would smoothly transition to the state level.

Overall, Christopher's detailed answer after answer came out sounding like he knew the issues, and communicated it well to the audience. Yamada tried to go with emotion instead of detailed substance, but ultimately failed to connect with the audience.

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