|
Former Irvine Mayor and City Councilwoman Beth Krom is running a campaign to replace Congressman John Campbell in the United States House of Representatives. Mrs. Krom is using her earlier experiences in local politics and as a former schoolteacher to out the incumbent, who has held the seat since 2005. PAYAM Magazine is proud to present this exclusive interview with Beth Krom.
What made you decide to run for Congress?
During my term as Mayor of Irvine, the city accomplished a great deal. I’m very proud that we were recognized as a safe city, a great city for children and families and a city with a strong environmental profile. It was also during my term as Mayor that we enhanced our support for local schools.
What frustrated me was that we did not have effective representation at the state and federal level. In fact, during my four years as Mayor, our Congressman didn’t once come to City Hall, inquire about our priorities or even send a letter of congratulations when we were named “Safest Big City in America” four years in a row. To this day, he has not taken the time to visit the Orange County Great Park. He showed no interest in the cities he represents.
If we want to change the tone in Washington, we have to change the people who are there. As someone who believes in our democracy and values my role as a representative of the people, I felt it was time to challenge the status quo. Partisan divisions are undermining our ability to make progress as a nation. That’s why I decided to run for Congress. I want to bring real leadership to the people of California’s 48th Congressional District — to ensure that we have a seat at the table in Washington.
By focusing on interests rather than positions, I've been able to accomplish a lot. I value my reputation as a problem-solver who works collaboratively to strengthen the fabric of our community and when I am in Congress, I will do the same thing - work with all sides to find solutions to the many challenges our country faces.
How are you and your positions different from your opponents?
The biggest difference is that I believe in the value the role of government in our democracy and my opponent does not. While he reflexively opposes everything and believes government is our biggest problem, I embrace the opportunity to be a problem solver, a community builder and an advocate for the interests of the citizens I represent.
This district, which includes the cities of Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin, Lake Forest, Laguna Beach, Lagina Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Dana Point, Aliso Viejo and portions of Santa Ana and San Juan Capistrano, has so many wonderful assets. We have a strong education profile, with the University of California, Irvine and seven public school districts. We have an impressive environmental profile, with four coastal cities and thousands of acres of preserved open space. And, by any measure, we have the most culturally diverse, thoroughly integrated population of any Congressional district in America.
Unfortunately, Congressman Campbell has not been an advocate for education, for coastal preservation, or for the arts. He does not work with the people in our district. In fact, he has never even been willing to present himself before the people to engage their support. As far as he’s concerned, he owns this seat. While John Campbell focuses on partisanship, I have always focused on the people I represent. To find solutions, we must work collaboratively — across party lines — for the betterment of society. I believe that Mr. Campbell is out of touch with the people of this district. He co-sponsored the “Birther Bill” challenging the legitimacy of the President’s birth certificate. I find this particularly offensive in a district with such diversity.
What's the number one issue of your campaign?
Wherever I go, the number one issue on people’s minds is jobs and the economy. The collapse of the housing market, drastic cuts in education funding, unemployment — these must be our top priorities. I’m proud that, during my term as Mayor, city reserves were tripled. Those funds are now being leveraged, to help us weather these tough economic times.
This district is a job center. We must do everything possible to preserve and expand our local job market to advance the goal of full employment. We must also ensure that we never again see the kind of risky leveraging and manipulation of public and private assets that has undermined our economy and compromised the financial security of our country and our citizens.What I have learned over a decade in public office is that everything is connected. That’s why our priorities must be aligned. Education is tied to economic opportunity. Public safety is enhanced where there is a culture of respect and responsibility. A clean environment contributes to our health and well-being. Access to affordable healthcare is a national security issue — because without health security everyone is vulnerable.
How are you using your experience as the former mayor of Irvine and member of city council in your current campaign?
Having won five consecutive races in Irvine — the largest city in the district — I understand what it takes to build a coalition of support behind people and ideas. Politics, at its best, is about engagement and advocacy. To be an effective advocate, you have to work directly with the communities you represent and educate yourself about the issues and interests on the minds of your constituents. Over my decade in local office, we’ve accomplished a lot. It was the fight to stop the El Toro Airport that propelled me into local office. I believe that redeveloping the base for the benefit of the people is the right thing to do. The Orange County Great Park will be the first “common ground” created in the county. These are difficult issues. I’ve never been afraid to take on challenges. Being in public office presents challenges on a daily basis. It takes courage to do what’s right even when it is not popular. In that sense, the experience of being a mother comes in handy from time to time as well.
I have always focused on the “quality of life” priorities that are so important to building successful communities — public safety, environmental stewardship and education.
Why should our readers vote for Beth Krom for Congress? How do you plan to improve conditions in your constituency?
We have an opportunity, in this election, to replace a Congressman who has done nothing for the district with a Congresswoman who knows how to get things done. We cannot afford leaders who are negative in their thinking. Talking about problems will never produce solutions. The stakes are too high to allow people who care more about partisan politics and negative messaging to control the conversation in Washington.
I have a proven track record for doing the hard work necessary to address serious challenges. I also understand how the decisions made in Washington and Sacramento affect local communities. As I have said, this campaign is not about partisanship, it’s about leadership. I have a lways been willing to work collaboratively — across party lines — and that will not change when I get to Washington. As a mother, I understand something about getting people to play nice in the sandbox. We need statesmanship and diplomacy and respect for our democracy to again hold value in Congress. I value my strong relationship with the many cultural communities in our district. I am particularly proud of my relationship with the Iranian-American community. You have demonstrated a strong civic spirit and a desire to be a positive influence in our country. There is no better way to demonstrate your strength as a community than to exercise your vote in this years election. It is important to have representatives in Congress who know your community and understand your issues. The greatness of America is that we remain the only country in the world where one can arrive an immigrant, gain full rights as a citizen and build a successful life through hard work and a commitment to the values we stand for as a nation. No community exemplifies this more than the Iranian-American community. I would be honored to have your support, but wherever you place your support, it’s important to be engaged in the political process.
Thank you for your interest in my campaign.
|
