Andre Sandford

Andre Sandford was born in Detroit, Michigan. He earned a bachelor's degree in 2014 and a graduate degree in 2018 from Jacksonville State University. His career experience includes working as a Housing Program Director. Sandford has been affiliated with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.[2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Hello, my name is Andre Sandford. I am running due to me and my family being assaulted in front of our residence and wanted to ensure that our district and state is a safe place to live. I have over eight years of experience in social services and leadership, including Child Protective Services, Foster Care, TAY Youth, Clinical Mental Health Management, and Housing Management, I am dedicated to giving back to the community and supporting the most vulnerable. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Criminal Justice and a Master of Behavioral Sciences from Jacksonville State University, I currently serve as a Program Manager for Housing and Homelessness Prevention at a non-profit in San Francisco. My family recently endured a traumatic incident involving our one-year-old son in Oakland has motivated me to initiate a dialogue about safety and bring about positive change in District 18.

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?

I am committed to making District 18 a safer place to live, work, and raise a family. Through my experience in public service, I will address public safety issues. California leads the nation with a crime rate of 24% higher than the national average. According to the PPIC, "California's Violent crime rate is Diverging from the National Trend, due mainly to a 25% increase in aggravated assaults from 2019 to 2022. Once elected, I will restore and increase funding for policing and ensure officers have all the tools and training they need to protect Californian citizens.As an advocate for small business owners in District 18, I aim to address the decrease in revenue caused by theft and increased crime. If elected, I will push for a State of Emergency for Oakland to provide low-interest loans and tax relief, establish a revolving loan program, and propose an Assembly Bill to reduce payroll taxes. Additionally, I will oppose CA ACA 13 and fight for the Taxpayer Protection Act. Furthermore, I am committed to placing a bill for reparations for the descendants of the United States of America slave trade on my first day in office.Affordable housing is a fundamental human right. That's why, as an assembly member, I will champion the cause by working on Assembly bills to fund 1% to 2% permanent housing down payment assistance and give cities the power to allocate affordable housing. I also plan to reduce building permits for single-family homes and tax corporations that buy homes. Furthermore, I propose an Anti-Trust Act Expansion to ensure that 80% of homes are reserved for families and impose a cap on building permit fees in California. Let's make housing a reality for middle-class families across the state.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public Safety, Economic Development, Housing, Education.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Color of Law, Thomas Jefferson - Revolutionary: A Radical's Struggle to Remake America, the words of César Chávez, Smart People Should Build Things

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe an elected official should be honest. Consistently truthful in their actions and communications. Also, transparency and accountable to the public, sharing information and decisions. Finally,

Ethical, adhering to high moral standards and avoiding conflicts of interest.

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

1. Safeguard public safety and championing for the needs of your constituents:

- Serve as a strong advocate for the needs and interests of the people you represent.

- Bridge the gap between the community and government agencies.

- Listen attentively to and address the concerns raised by residents.

2. Shape policies and laws that directly impact the community:

- Vote on legislation that will have a direct impact on the well-being of the community.

- Contribute to developing laws and policies that reflect the needs of the people.

- Ensure the effective implementation of government programs that benefit the community.

3. Manage public funds with responsibility and efficiency:

- Approval and manage public funds for the community's prosperity.

- Ensure that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and efficiently.

- Make informed decisions about allocating resources for maximum benefit to the community.

4. Hold government agencies accountable and ensure transparency:

- Ensure that government agencies are held accountable for their actions.

- Conduct necessary investigations and hearings to maintain transparency and ethical conduct in government.

5. Engage with the community and foster unity:

- Build strong relationships with community organizations and stakeholders.

- Participate actively in local events and activities to connect with the community.

- Foster a sense of unity and belonging within the community by actively engaging with its members.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Rainbows Shop one year in my senior year of high school.

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

The partnership between a governor and state legislature should exemplify cooperation, compromise, and a shared dedication to serving the state’s best interests. Although each branch has distinct roles and powers, it is crucial for them to collaborate in order to achieve common goals. This entails:

1. Effective Communication: Open and honest dialogue is pivotal for comprehending each other's priorities and finding common ground.

2. Mutual Respect: Both branches should honor the roles and responsibilities of the other, sidestepping excessive partisanship or gridlock.

3. Collaboration: The governor and legislature should join forces to design and implement policies that cater to the needs of the state’s citizens.

4. Checks and Balances: Both branches should uphold a system of checks and balances to prevent either one from becoming too dominant.

5. Transparency: The relationship should be transparent, with both branches being answerable to the public for their actions.

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

California faces several significant challenges that will shape its future over the next decade. Two of the most pressing issues are public safety and economic development.

Public Safety

Rising Crime Rates: California has seen an increase in certain types of crime, such as property crimes and violent crimes. This has led to concerns about safety and security in communities across the state.

Homelessness Crisis: The homelessness crisis in California has reached unprecedented levels, contributing to public safety concerns and straining resources.

Gun Violence: Gun violence remains a significant issue in California, with mass shootings and other gun-related incidents occurring with tragic regularity.

Economic Development

Housing Affordability: The high cost of housing in California has become a major barrier to economic growth, as many individuals and families struggle to afford a place to live.

Income Inequality: The gap between the rich and poor in California continues to widen, leading to social and economic instability.

Job Loss and Automation: The increasing automation of jobs and economic uncertainty pose significant challenges to California's workforce and economy.

These two issues are interconnected and have far-reaching implications for California's future. Addressing public safety concerns is essential for creating a safe and prosperous state, while economic development is crucial for providing opportunities and improving the quality of life for all Californians.

To effectively tackle these challenges, I will work hard to implement comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of these problems. This will involve investing in education, affordable housing, and job training programs, as well as implementing effective crime prevention and community policing initiatives. Additionally, will work to promote innovation and entrepreneurship to drive economic growth and create new job opportunities.

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

"Absolutely not! Previous experience in government or politics is not an absolute necessity for effective state legislators. While such experience can be beneficial, the crucial factor is leadership experience.

A strong leader, regardless of their background, has the power to:

- Inspire and Unite: Effective leaders can inspire and unite people from diverse backgrounds to work towards common goals.

- Problem-Solve: They possess the ability to identify and address complex issues, even without prior government experience.

- Represent Constituents: A good leader can effectively represent their constituents' interests, irrespective of political affiliation or experience.

- Learn Quickly: Those with a strong aptitude for learning can rapidly grasp the intricacies of government and policy.

- Foster Innovation: Leaders who are open to new ideas and willing to take risks can drive innovation and progress.

While previous experience in government can be valuable, it should not be the only criterion for selecting legislators. The most crucial factor is the ability to lead effectively and serve the best interests of the people."

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

It is highly beneficial for legislators to build relationships with other legislators. Collaboration and Compromise: Legislation often requires collaboration and compromise between members of different parties and committees. Strong relationships can facilitate these processes. Information Sharing: Building relationships allows legislators to share information, insights, and best practices, leading to more informed decision-making. Building Coalitions: Legislators can form coalitions to support or oppose specific legislation, making their efforts more impactful. Addressing Shared Concerns: Legislators from different districts often face similar challenges. Building relationships can help them identify and address these shared concerns. Navigating the Political Landscape: Strong relationships can help legislators navigate the complexities of the political landscape, such as dealing with lobbyists, interest groups, and partisan tensions. In conclusion, building relationships with other legislators is essential for effective governance and can lead to better outcomes for constituents.

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?

"During my time knocking on doors in Alameda, I heard a powerful story from a resident. A man had been forced to move from Oakland Hills to Alameda after a terrifying home invasion. His experience deeply moved me and strengthened my resolve to fight for him and for everyone who has been through similar ordeals in our district or the state of California."

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Forward Party

What committees interest you?

Public Safety, housing and community development, budget, local government, black Caucus, judiciary, and education

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Manage public funds with responsibility and efficiency:

- I will champion the adept and judicious handling of public funds to drive the community's prosperity.

- Ensure the conscientious and efficient utilization of taxpayer dollars.

- Make astute decisions when allocating resources for optimal community benefit.

Hold government agencies accountable and ensure transparency:

- I will demand unwavering accountability from government agencies for their actions.

- Conduct rigorous investigations and hearings to uphold transparency and ethical standards in government operations.