Here’s why a red Assembly seat in Placer County should go to a moderate Democrat

The three Republicans vying for Assembly in the 5th District, encompassing a red swath of Placer and El Dorado Counties, seem more interested in spewing talking points than proposing meaningful legislative ideas that would benefit their constituents.

A fourth candidate, Democrat Rebecca Chenoweth, is a standout by comparison, offering proposals and positions that would help relieve California’s housing and climate crises.

California’s newly drawn 5th District Assembly seat stretches from the bustling suburbs of Roseville, Rocklin and El Dorado Hills to the rural communities of Coloma, Cameron Park and Shingle Springs. Though it’s been rated a safely Republican seat, Chenoweth, a moderate Democrat, is an impressive candidate and the best pick for the job.

Chenoweth, who has lived in the area for more than 20 years, stressed the importance of building more affordable housing and increasing access to health care.

She faces an uphill battle against three Republicans: Rocklin Councilman Joe Patterson, who appears to be the front-runner; law enforcement officer Jason Paletta; and small-business owner Greg Smith. Patterson and Paletta declined requests for interviews from The Bee’s Editorial Board.

Smith and Chenoweth said their opponents have not been willing to debate them in other forums, either. Voters should be leery of any candidate unwilling to debate their opponents or face questions from journalists and the public.

Smith, an Air Force veteran who has experience fighting wildfires from the air, says California needs to allocate more resources to keep up with the mega-fires that threaten districts such as the 5th. Chenoweth had similar concerns.

“I support … forest thinnings (and) making defensible communities so firefighters have a tactical advantage to get in and save the community or at least evacuate if necessary,” she said.

On the subject of the climate change driving such fires, Chenoweth has pledged not to take funds from gas and electric utilities and supports policies that reduce reliance on fossil fuels, including incentives to make it easier to buy an electric or hybrid vehicle.

Regarding the continuing drought, she said, “I think we need to limit water (consumption) a lot more than we have. I know it’s a drastic measure, but we’re in a severe drought situation, and it’s just going to get worse as summer comes along.”

Paletta, a special agent with the California Department of Justice, has offered more partisan broadsides against “illegal aliens,” the “liberal agenda” and perceived attacks on free speech than insights into the type of legislation he would propose in the Assembly.

Despite his experience on the Rocklin City Council, Patterson’s unwillingness to answer questions and engage with voters outside his base raises serious questions about his ability to serve all voters and not just the ones who agree with him. Patterson may be comfortable within the Republican majority of the City Council, but voters would be right to wonder whether he can deliver results in the Democratic-controlled Assembly.

Chenoweth, by comparison, isn’t afraid of questions or debate and is eager to represent her entire district.

This story was originally published May 13, 2022 at 5:00 AM.