[ STATE HOUSE ]
33
Aiea-Halawa
Judith H. (Judy) Magin
RepublicanAge: 61 Job: Former small-business owner Past: Delegate, White House Conference on Small Business in 1995.
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I have been active in the political process as a volunteer with various organizations. I know the problems facing small business and the economy. I was forced to close my small business in 2001. I bring leadership, common sense and wisdom to the office. I promise to serve my district.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
Put the money in the classrooms first; and get it by reducing the bureaucracy. Hire only qualified teachers. Require all teachers to obtain advanced degrees by a certain date, then pay them accordingly. Decentralize the school board into local districts and leave the decision making to the districts.
What, if anything, should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
Reduce overregulation of small and medium-size business. Require that state purchases must come from Hawaii firms first. Require open and fair competition for state contracts. Encourage venture capitalists to invest in all types of business, not just select ones such as tourism and technology.
Blake K. Oshiro
DemocratAge: 32 Job: Attorney Past: State representative; Youth Camp counselor/ facilitator; board
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
Years of volunteering with Hawaii's youth and community groups and practicing as an attorney have strengthened my commitment and ability to fight for needed changes. Being young with fresh ideas and independence, I'm working hard at the Legislature to ensure that my community and Hawaii's best interests are served.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
Support reforms that will decentralize or streamline the existing bureaucracy. As 52 percent of general funds are budgeted towards education, I believe we must scrutinize spending and cut waste, like we did when I was on the Felix Committee. The money saved would then go where more resources are needed.
What, if anything, should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
Since over 90 percent of Hawaii's economy is based on small businesses, we should examine laws which are significantly burdensome or create barriers and take them off the books. However, we should not act at the expense of Hawaii's working families.
