Jim Shoemaker vs. Jerry McNerney for state Senate: Candidates answer key questions
The election for California Senate District 5 features former Democratic Congressman Jerry McNerney running against Republican construction worker Jim Shoemaker.
Senate District 5 includes Stockton, Lodi, Manteca and Tracy, and is currently represented by Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman, a Democrat who is term limited out.
The March primary for the seat featured McNerney, Shoemaker and Democratic Assemblyman Carlos Villapudua; the latter did not make it to the top two, with Shoemaker earning 43.7% of the vote, McNerney getting 33.2% and Villapudua getting 23.1%.
Jerry McNerney
Jerry McNerney did not respond to multiple requests to fill out a candidate questionnaire.
Jim Shoemaker
Political Party: Republican
Age: 63
Birthplace: San Pedro
Current town of residence: Lodi
Current occupation: Self-employed construction
Education: El Camino College and Harbor College, no degree obtained
Offices held: N/A
Campaign website address: https://www.shoemaker4senate.com/
What would be your budget priorities for the upcoming budget year?
Solving a budget deficit of nearly $68 billion is no small feat. We need to increase accountability in our spending, which starts with reasonable oversight of state-level programs. For example, I would’ve liked to see the vetoed AB 2570 signed into law so that Californians could see where one of the state’s programs created to tackle homelessness is placing our dollars. Members of the Legislature must be responsible stewards of their constituents’ taxes and make it clear how each dollar is spent.
What do you think the Legislature should do to address the state’s ongoing homelessness crisis?
Homelessness in California has become so widespread, mainly because our government continues to create additional avenues to fund third parties whose programs tend to exacerbate underlying problems. We have enough programs to address homelessness and must follow each dollar to reach the person meticulously.
How should the Legislature respond to concerns about retail theft and fentanyl and drug overdoses?
In California, retail theft and drug overdoses have become rampant due to the state tying law enforcement agencies’ hands. Retail theft and smash n’ grabs are becoming more prevalent due to lower penalties enacted by Proposition 47. We are witnessing record-high illegal crossings and probably illegitimate claims for amnesty. This has coincided with a spike in crime, fentanyl overdoses, and all-around insecurity for California communities and families. Our Legislature must support just penalties on retail theft and increase border security to protect our families.