Is Ida Obeso-Martinez Qualified for Assembly?

Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez Cites Opponent’s Lack of Preparation

A new column published today by The Press-Enterprise raises serious questions about whether my opponent Ida Obeso-Martinez is prepared to represent the nearly 500,000 people of California’s 36th Assembly District.

Columnist Rafael Perez interviewed Obeso-Martinez about some of the most important issues facing our communities — from healthcare, the state budget to housing.

Her answers were deeply concerning.

When asked where she would look to make California’s budget more fiscally responsible, Obeso-Martinez admitted:

“You know, I need to examine the state budget a little bit more. So I couldn’t give you an answer at this time.”

When asked about Proposition 40, a major healthcare funding measure on the November ballot, she said:

“You know, I need to look at that one a little bit more. I currently do not have a position at this time.”

And when asked about AB 1383, legislation with significant implications for local government budgets, like the City of Imperial which she is a Mayor for, her response was:

“You know what? I don’t know enough about that one at this time. So, I   can’t give you an answer.”

Her lack of preparation was so apparent that Perez wrote:

“Obeso-Martinez demonstrated a disturbing lack of knowledge of important matters that she should know about as a prospective state legislator.”

He went even further, writing that:

“Her lack of preparation for office is disqualifying.”

And in his final assessment, Perez wrote:

“If Obeso-Martinez voted tomorrow, she wouldn’t even meet the standard of being an informed voter.”

This is about more than one interview.

The people of the 36th District deserve an Assemblymember who is prepared to fight for them on day one — someone who understands the challenges facing our hospitals and healthcare system, knows how Sacramento’s budget affects working families, understands the housing crisis facing our communities, and is ready to stand up for Imperial County, the Coachella Valley, Riverside County and San Bernardino County.

I’m proud of the work we have accomplished together, and I’m ready to keep fighting for communities.

This campaign has always been about putting people over politics and making sure the people of the 36th District have a strong, prepared voice in Sacramento.

To read Rafael Perez’s full story, click HERE.

Thank you,

Jeff Gonzalez

Assemblyman, 36th District