State Treasurer John Chiang speaks on gubernatorial campaign in Indio
State Treasurer John Chiang discussed his campaign for governor at the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Gubernatorial Candidate Series today in Indio.
He answered questions from local and business leaders in the valley during a session that was moderated by News Channel 3’s and CBS Local 2’s Katie Widner.
Indio Councilmember Glenn Miller said he was happy to hear a major gubernatorial candidate would be making his way to the area.
“I think it’s great to come to the small towns and smaller communities, because that’s really where the rubber meets the road. Looking at our small towns where issues are happening,” he said.
In recent campaign events Chiang, a Democrat, has stressed ending the state’s housing shortage.
“During the last seven years, California has witnessed a tremendous economic comeback and sustained prosperity,” Chiang wrote last month in The Press-Enterprise. “But what I hear from every economic sector — from high tech and manufacturing to tourism and agriculture — is that lack of affordable housing will strangle growth.”
Chiang wrote that he supports “a historic affordable housing solution comprised of regulatory reform, a permanent source of ongoing funding and importantly a bond large enough to keep the state’s economy on the path of prosperity and help ensure that everyone can share in the California dream.”
The event at the Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino’s Special Event Center was sold out.
Chiang acknowledged that he could potentially become California’s first Asian American governor, but pledged he would work to represent Californians of all backgrounds.
“We have a common history. I think the more we understand that we come from different places on this globe, but families face the same struggles,” he said. “They’re trying to make sure their their educated and trying to put food on the table.”
A second gubernatorial candidate is scheduled to be in Riverside County Tuesday — former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who is set to join nurses who will be picketing at Riverside Community Hospital to protest what they say are inadequate hospital staffing levels.
Chiang is running against Villariagosa, Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, and Republicans John Cox, and Assemblymen Travis Allen.
