Bill Simon: "I've always opposed [Proposition] 187"

The Republican Candidate for Governor spoke about [driver's] licenses for the undocumented, Affirmative Action, and bilingual education.

Translated from La Opinion

/ /

May 7, 2002

STORY: The Republican Candidate for Governor of California, Bill Simon, affirmed yesterday that "[he] always opposed" Proposition 187, and that he was "cited out of context" when it was published [with] his name that if he where elected Governor, the state's attorneys would study [how] to appeal the judicial decision that declared [Proposition] 187 unconstitutional.

"Everything occurred in a radio interview, where they repeatedly asked about my position on 187. At times, one can be cited out of context. I don't know how many times I said my opinion on [Prop. 187] -the reporter interrogated me in respect [to my opinion] five or six times and, finally I was asked if it would be necessary for the state's attorneys to review the possibility of appeal, in the case of 187," explained Simon yesterday during a meeting with the Editorial Group of La Opinion. "I said: I'm an attorney, I've been a prosecutor. If there is that needs to be reviewed, we'll do it."

He added, the reason that he opposed Proposition 187 -which prohibited educational and health benefits for the undocumented, [and which] was passed in 1994 and annulled in the courts -is because "[187] created a misfortunate situation and here, in particular, the Governor of the State must not be involved in it."

This week, the President of the California Democratic Party, Art Torres, asked Simon to clarify his position on 187 after a northern California newspaper reported on Simon's comments during a conservative radio program. Torres suggested that says one thing to the conservative [audience] while saying another to everyone else.

Yesterday, Simon further cleared up his position on other controversial issues like the issuance of driver's licenses to the undocumented, Affirmative Action, and bilingual education.

In regards to driver's licenses, Simon said that, "Definitely, we must provide a path for those who come here to this country to work." He [also] said that [he] would be willing to consider the use of international driver's licenses -like those used by tourists.

With respect to Affirmative Action, Simon said that he opposes "quotas" but is in favor of "Affirmative Access" to ensure that "all the world would have access to 'the American Dream." [His] ideas on the matter, and the means [he would] employ, are exactly those that are used by President George W. Bush.

The candidate added that he is not in favor of bilingual education, except to "help children."

"I would give them a [set] time, perhaps one year," so that they might put themselves on par with the [English] language, he added. Simon also touched extendedly on economic and energy issues, and his plans for education -[as well as] other important issues to Californians.

The complete interview will be published this Sunday.

|  | | |