California State Senate District 12 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in California, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for California State Senate District 12 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

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• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for California State Senate District 12

Incumbent Shannon Grove defeated Susanne Gundy in the general election for California State Senate District 12 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Shannon Grove (R)	68.7	196,017
		Susanne Gundy (D)	31.3	89,471

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 285,488
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Susanne Gundy (D)

I am a problem solver and get things done, Dedicated to public service for over 40 years. I will work with all parties to create laws and programs and access budgeted funds to benefit the Central Valley's families, businesses, agriculture and natural environment

Water and clean energy, finding solutions to those two problems synergistically to combat climate destruction and preserve jobs. Innovation and transformation are needed

I want to visit every community in SD 12 to learn your

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Susanne Gundy (D)

Water -innovatively managing ground and surface water to provide clean water to communities and adequate supplies to farmers and insdstry.

Cleaning up our toxic air. Investing in clean energy; Helping oil and fracking communities to convert to clean energy while preserving jobs.

Health care for all of our residents; bringing more mental health services to the Valley. Protecting women's reproductive health.

Reduce recidivism and help inmates integrate into society by directing savings from State prison closures to county jail systems to provide job training and education, better health care and counseling, better nutrition.

Public transportation serving rural areas

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Susanne Gundy (D)

I focus on issues and accomplishing things, and can help bring people together. I support democratic values. I value my staff and employees and treat them collaboratively.; we are a team. I know how to read, create and monitor budgets. I believe in working collaboratively to get a job done.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Susanne Gundy (D)

To interact and communicate openly with his/her/their constituents regarding needs of the district , to advocate for services for the benefit of the district, to work hard at the business of legislating at the state level, to be honest and unbiased.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Susanne Gundy (D)

At age 21, after graduating from UC Berkeley in June, I was studying in Germany for a master's degree in November 1963 when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Shock, disbelief, grief, and from the reaction of my European neighbors to his brutal murder. I experienced how much America meant to the world.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Susanne Gundy (D)

To Kill A Mockingbird. Kindness, fighting for justice, family love and support, narrative from the perspective of a child.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Susanne Gundy (D)

As a Democrat in a Democratic Legislature, I believe that I will be able help advance the Democratic Governor's progressive agenda for our state, while directing much needed attention to our underserved Central Valley.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Susanne Gundy (D)

1. WATER,

2. Conversion to clean energy and promotion of carbon sequestration; wildfire prevention , resilience in the face of climate change 3. Health care for all, ,including mental health services, protecting reproductive health care and being prepared for the next public health

   emergencies/pandemics

4. Affordable housing and reducing homelessness, including building and zoning regulations 5. Reform of criminal justice systems 6. Livable wage and promoting income security for families 7. Public education for an increasingly diverse population 8. Gun violence

.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Susanne Gundy (D)

I like having both a State Assembly and a State Senate. A smaller State could perhaps benefit from having only one legislative body, but with California's geographic and population size, a think it is beneficial to have two full-time legislative bodies , one more closely aligned with communities within a smaller area, and a second with a more regional perspective.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Susanne Gundy (D)

I is perhaps easier for the individual legislator to hit the ground running if he/she/they has experience working in government, at any level and community organizations,---but it is not necessary. A solid civics education and capacity to learn the ropes is essential.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Susanne Gundy (D)

Of course. It is necessary to form shifting alliances with other legislators around proposing bills and budget allocations, so as a freshman State SenatorI will need to build good relationships with colleagueson a"both sides of the aisle."

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Susanne Gundy (D)

The State t Commission did a fairly good job at its level. The local districts would benefit from training and some State oversight to assure fair redistricting.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Susanne Gundy (D)

Water resources, health services, housing, transportation, energy. agriculture

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

Susanne Gundy (D)

N/A

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Susanne Gundy (D)

NO

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Susanne Gundy (D)

NO! I have no interest in being a professional politician. I will serve one term then pass the baton on.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Susanne Gundy (D)

Regarding the impact of the MediCal expansion under the affordable care act. Jobless, and often homeless individuals receiving methadone treatment in a clinic near my home had to scramble EVERY Day to get the $7 needed for their methadone treatment. After Medi-Cal was expanded to thousands of unattached residents, they did not have to fear missing a dose if they were not able to recycle enough cand and bottles or otherwise earn the money needed to keep them off street drugs.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Susanne Gundy (D)

Emergency powers are the purview of the Governor.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Susanne Gundy (D)

I believe that persons of good will can come to win-win conclusions in policymaking that may exceed the original expectations of either party.

See also

More about these elections:

• California State Senate elections, 2022

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