Edwin Alonzo

Edwin Alonzo was born in Los Angeles, California. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2003 to 2007. He graduated from Whittier High School. He earned an associate degree from Rio Hondo College in 2011. His career experience includes working in public service.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Veteran, Steward, Husband, Father

Over twenty years ago I began my service to our nation and swore an oath to defend the United States Constitution. I have served my community as a coach and a volunteer with schools and youth groups. I have served my state by working to protect the water and the air and to respond to hazardous materials spills that endanger the public. I served my fellow workers by representing them as a steward for the Teamster Local 1932 Union. Today I continue my service to my nation by taking the fight to congress.

I stand for the 23rd District.

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?

The US Constitution is the basis for our individual freedoms and liberties. The Constitution protects all Americans from tyranny and oppression. Every amendment in the Bill of Rights is specifically designed to protect the individual freedoms all Americans and were designed to support each other amendment. It is impossible to have the freedoms and rights under the first amendment without the guarantees and protection provided to all Americans by the second amendment. Both of these amendments are dependent on the fourth amendment which provides due process of law, meaning that everybody gets a fair hearing before a judge, and with the lawyer to represent them before anything happens to them.Social Security Benefits need to increase for retirees, and those who are unable to provide for themselves. More and more Americans are unable to retire because they simply do not have enough funds or resources to maintain a basic standard of living. We have seen through decades that we can not depend on corporations to do the right thing, they always choose Greed. We need to ensure that the people can retire with grace and dignity. That our elders can be part of the community and help contribute to the upbringing of the youth without the stress of fear and worry. Their wisdom is needed in our society.Workers, Unions and Veterans are the pillars of our American Society. Nothing moves, nothing is made, nothing is bought or sold, and no essential services can be provided without workers. Workers feed the family and the nation, workers educate the next generation, and raise them. Our future as a country is completely dependent on the quality of life of the American worker, and not the profits of corporations or greedy individuals. Out of the working families come veterans. The young folks sign up and put it all on the line for their nation and they do it with the confidence that their nation is going to take care of them. President Lincoln stated that we shall take care of those who wore the scars of battle.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The American people are suffering because of greedy economic policies. The economy should be shepherded by policy to make sure it works for all Americans. Economic inequality is causing the great divide between Americans. The influence of the rich over the government is destroying our country.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to the coaches I had as a child. They were the example’s I had to build the kind of man and father I wanted to be for my family.

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

Kingdom of Heaven

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

Integrity, Courage, and Commitment

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

I determined, hard-working, intelligent, and I have proven that I can remain calm and collected in an emergency.

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

Serve the people

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want my kids to remember me as a good dad.

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

I remember the Los Angeles riots and why they happened. I was 7.

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

My first job was unloading trucks and I did that for two years until I was old enough to get a student work permit.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Starship Troopers by Robert Hienlien

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Obi-Wan Kenobi

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Wacced Out Murals by Kendrick Lamar.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I struggled with the experiences I had in my early life growing up and some experiences in the Marine Corps. With a tremendous amount of help from lots of people and God, I was able to overcome my difficulties and grow to be the husband, father, and man, I can be proud to be.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The U.S. House of Representatives if the ultimate expression of democratic energy becomes each member is directly elected by the people of the district. Drawn directly from each district they represent their constituents culture because they come from among the people. The two year term limit forces the representatives to be held accountable to their constituents immediately.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

It is extremely beneficial to have experience in government workings and government policy making.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The greatest challenge to the United States is the influence of money in political decisions.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes, two years holds the representative accountable.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits are needed and an upper age limit.

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

Thaddeus Stevens, he played a leading role, focusing his attention on defeating the Confederacy, financing the war with new taxes and borrowing, crushing the power of slave owners, ending slavery, and securing equal rights for the freedmen.

Every story is “we are struggling “, “we need help”, “why isn’t anyone doing anything?” Each story hardens my resolve with fighting energy.

Tell us your favorite joke.

A US Army general is talking two a Marine Corps general. They are discussing which service has the bravest Americans. The Army general suddenly decides to make a call over the radio, and within a few minutes a dot appears in the sky. The dot grows bigger and bigger until it’s the size of a man. at the last second, the soldier pulls the cord on the parachute and lands directly in front of the generals, salutes, and says “ reporting for duty, sir!”. The army General turns to the Marine General and says “that is bravery.” The Marine Corps general quickly turns and shouts at the nearest guard tower “Marine! Jump out of that tower! Now!. The Marine immediately responds with “F U Sir! I have not been properly relieved, Sir! The Marine general say “That’s bravery.”

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

Absolutely

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Ensuring raising revenue stays with the house and returning tariffs back to the control of the house.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Absolutely, to look for fraud, ethics violations, corruption, and persecute treason.

What committees interest you?

Veteran’s Affairs, Commerce Science and Transportation, Education and Workforce, Armed Services, Environment and Public Works, Energy and Natural Resource, Transportation and Infrastructure.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

The government needs to be transparent and held accountable to the American public.