Maggy Krell vs. Nikki Ellis for CA Assembly District 6: Candidates answer key questions

Two candidates will face off in the election to represent the heart of the Capital city this November.

Democrat Maggy Krell, a prosecutor, and Republican Nikki Ellis are vying to replace outgoing Assemblyman Kevin McCarty, who is running for Sacramento Mayor.

California’s 6th Assembly District includes the northern portion of Sacramento – including Natomas, Downtown, East Sacramento and Land Park – as well as Carmichael and the Arden-Arcade area.

Krell and Ellis were the top two vote-getters to emerge from a crowded primary in March. Of the ten candidates running in the primary, Krell received 25% of the vote and Ellis got 15%.

Nikki Ellis

Nikki Ellis declined to respond to The Bee’s candidate questionnaire.

Maggy Krell

Political Party: Democratic

Age: 46

Birthplace: San Francisco

Current town of residence: Sacramento

Current occupation: Deputy Attorney General

Education: U.C. Davis, King Hall School of Law J.D. 2003; U.C. San Diego B.A. 2000

Offices held: Deputy Attorney General, Chief Legal Counsel Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, Supervising Deputy Attorney General, Special Assistant United States Attorney

Campaign website address: www.MaggysBus.com

What would be your budget priorities for the upcoming budget year?

My priority will be investment in young people. Funding childcare, funding schools, funding healthcare, making college affordable, and Career Technical Education much more accessible. I will prioritize improvements to our foster care system to provide safety and opportunity to California’s most vulnerable young people.

What do you think the Legislature should do to address the state’s ongoing homelessness crisis?

Let’s start by admitting failure and ending big empty promises. “Historic” “Comprehensive” “First ever” - these words make politicians feel important. But they don’t work. Homelessness is a disaster in so many small ways. It’s one person, one eviction, one addiction, one mental illness. We have 180,000 people who need a place to live in California. 7% of them are kids who are on their own. Through my work combating sex trafficking, I got to know the lives of vulnerable young people on California’s streets. Our first priority should be their safety and well-being.

How should the Legislature respond to concerns about retail theft and fentanyl and drug overdoses?

As a prosecutor who has handled these cases and as Planned Parenthood’s general counsel tasked with improving access to healthcare, I understand the importance of both holding offenders accountable and treating sick people. The legislature must ensure access to treatment for those suffering from drug addiction and real consequences to those who are pedaling poison. We should give law enforcement the tools to hold serial thieves and those who are ransacking our businesses accountable. The legislature hasn’t adequately addressed the issues, causing serious harm to people. I support Prop 36.