Two challengers speak out on why they should represent 11th Assembly District

FAIRFIELD -- Challengers to Assemblywoman Lori Wilson for the 11th Assembly District agree that the cost of living is the biggest issue district residents face today.

Wilson, D-Suisun City, did not respond to the questions sent out by the Daily Republic. The deadline was Friday. One specific question asked of the incumbent was why she supported legislation that allowed the state to bypass local controls for the placing of Battery Energy Storage System facilities.

"The biggest issue facing Assembly District 11 and all of California today is the crushing cost of living. Housing, groceries, utilities, gas and insurance have all risen dramatically over the past decade - making it harder for working families to get ahead," Jenny Callison, 41, of Dixon, stated. She has no party preference.

Rochelle Conner, 68, of Fairfield, said, "The biggest issue facing District 11 is the high-cost of living that diminishes the quality of life for residents, coupled with the state legislature's insatiable thirst to drain the pockets of taxpayers further. California has the highest fuel costs in the nation. The cost of living is directly linked to the high cost of fuel, driving up the cost of goods and groceries."

She added, "I will seek to immediately repeal California's exorbitant gas tax and block the state's effort to enact an additional per-mile driving tax. No region ever taxed its way into prosperity. Taxes have a python grip on the economy and are strangling the life out of it. I will push to repeal legislation that disincentivizes business investment. And I will work to remove regulatory barriers that thwart affordable housing for all Solano County residents, not just special groups identified in targeted legislation like AB 130."

Callison has a four-point solution:

1. Boost housing supply and affordability by cutting burdensome regulations that drive up costs and delay construction, while fast-tracking new homes, ADUs and transit-oriented development in Solano County.
2. Reduce energy and utility bills by expanding rebates, suspending taxes and fees when California rates exceed national averages, and promoting practical efficiency programs that actually lower monthly costs for families.
3. Deliver tax and fee relief through targeted tax credits, no tax on tips or overtime, relief on gas and groceries, and a review of excessive state and local fees that inflate housing and business costs.
4. Tackle rising insurance premiums with transparency and affordability reviews so families aren't priced out of coverage.

"I believe California can be both prosperous and affordable again. By focusing on more housing, lower energy costs, tax relief, and smarter government, we can help working families keep more of what they earn and build a better future in Solano County," Callison said, adding that the "lack of economic opportunity and good-paying jobs," is the second biggest issue facing California.

Her solution:

1. Improve California's business climate by cutting unnecessary regulations, streamlining permitting, and making it faster and cheaper to build factories, warehouses and new businesses.
2. Provide targeted tax relief for working families and small businesses. Get rid of the toll lane on I-80 and reduce bridge tolls to $5 or less.
3. Invest in workforce development by partnering with Solano Community College, local high schools, trade schools and local employers to expand apprenticeships and job training programs focused on high-demand careers like construction, trades and aerospace-related jobs near Travis Air Force Base.
4. Support strategic infrastructure that creates jobs, such as expanding BART and freight rail access, improving port connectivity and ensuring reliable, affordable energy so businesses can stay and grow in Solano County instead of relocating to Nevada, Texas or Arizona.

Conner, who does not identify with a specific party either, said, "California's biggest issue is companies choosing to exit the state due to the overly stringent regulations and costs to do business."

"Big companies are leaving California and taking good-paying jobs with them. According to Business Insider, big companies are leaving because California has made investments in this state unappealing, not only in terms of costs but also in terms of family values. Elon Musk said on Twitter in 2024: 'This is the final straw,' after Gov. Newsom signed AB 1955 into law which barred school staff from informing parents of a student's gender identity," Conner added.

"I will work to reform CEQA, restructure utility rates and repeal regulations that discourage insurers from operating in California. I will support legislation that encourages business and insurers to operate in California by focusing on creating business stability, predictability, and regional competitiveness."

The third question asked the candidates was:

What is your position on the California Forever expansion plan for Suisun City, and would you support a separate shipbuilding project near Collinsville?

"My position on California Forever is simple: Put the people first. If the Solano County residents vote to approve California Forever projects, I will support the will of the people," Conner said.

"Currently, shipbuilding is capital-intensive, with low ROI (return of investment), and dependent on government subsidies. The Collinsville site currently lacks the necessary infrastructure to support the project and viability would be determined by environmental impact and feasibility studies."