David Fennell vs. Megan Dahle for state Senate: Candidates answer key questions
The election for California Senate District 1 features two Republicans: Assemblywoman Megan Dahle and businessman David Fennell.
Senate District 1 comprises much of Northern California, including Redding and Shasta, and stretches down to include Folsom.
Sen. Brian Dahle, a Republican from Bieber, currently holds the seat, but he is term limited out. Megan Dahle is Brian Dahle’s wife.
Though neither Megan Dahle nor Fennell have the incumbency advantage, it appears that Megan Dahle does enjoy a name recognition advantage. In the March primary election, she received 77.2% of the vote, while Fennell received 22.8%.
Megan Dahle
Assemblywoman Megan Dahle declined to respond to The Bee’s candidate questionnaire.
David Fennell
Political Party: Republican
Age: 55
Birthplace: St. Louis
Current town of residence: Chico
Current occupation: Entrepreneur
Education: Master of Arts in Asian Pacific Studies at University of San Francisco; Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Degree Marketing, Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University
Offices held: N/A
Campaign website addrees: www.fennellforsenate.com
What would be your budget priorities for the upcoming budget year?
Living in the North State my budget priorities are funding for 1) Economic development to create new jobs in our cities & rural communities 2) Programs to support our Ag industry 2) More water storage for farmers 3) Forest management to prevent wildfires 4) Veteran services 5) Policies to address high costs of property insurance. The problem we face in the North State as a large rural & mountainous area geographically larger than 8 U.S. States is our needs are outvoted by more populated counties such as Los Angeles. I will fight to make sure our communities get their fair share of the budget.
What do you think the Legislature should do to address the state’s ongoing homelessness crisis?
Part of the homelessness problem is rooted in drug & mental health issues. Many of our citizens feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods or avoid shopping in downtown areas due to the homeless issue. We need to incentivize drug & mental health treatment while increasing the penalties for theft. Cost of living, housing and home owners insurance are making our neighbors one step away from becoming homeless. We need to grow our economy and reduce inflation by cutting wasteful spending in Sacramento and address the red tape that is discouraging entrepreneurship and investment in new housing.
How should the Legislature respond to concerns about retail theft and fentanyl and drug overdoses?
Serial smash-grab thefts often involve individuals who are stealing to feed their addiction. Recently, I attended the Yes on 36 Fundraiser in Yuba County. A former addict spoke and explained how he would carefully steal just under $950 so he could evade a felony due under Prop 47. In the past court-ordered drug treatment helped keep addicts off the streets. Unfortunately, Proposition 47 ended this important policy tool. It is time time to promote treatment incentives for addicts and increase criminals penalties for Fentanyl dealers and theft.