Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Chiang toured a homeless veterans center in San Diego Wednesday, proclaiming he is the only candidate with a viable plan to solve the state’s housing crisis.
“I think that’s what separates me from some of the others. I am actually the candidate that is working on building affordable housing, the one who’s been working on it for over the last decade,” said Chiang.
Chiang, the current state treasurer, says his plan calls for over 1.6 million units to be built that would house more than 4-million Californians. He said as treasurer, he’s increased financing for new and rehabilitated housing by more than 80 percent. He says he’s pushed for a housing bond measure and a call to bring back redevelopment agencies to help give local governments a tool to finance affordable housing.
He also criticized his Democratic challengers, Gavin Newsom, the former mayor of San Francisco, and Antonia Villaraigosa, the former mayor of Los Angeles, for housing problems in those cities.
“You need leaders who not only talk about building a better future but look at their record in regards to service. Did they build sufficient housing in the counties they led? Unfortunately, not enough,” said Chiang.
Some polls show him as low as 5th in the race, but Chiang says he’s not deterred. He says a recent number of negative ads against him prove he’s still a threat to his opponents.
“I think we’re making strong progress. If you see some of the trending polls, we’re running very strong numbers,” said Chiang.
Local
While in San Diego, Chiang toured Veterans Village of San Diego, a senior center in Chula Vista and a restaurant in Bankers Hill. But while at the Hob Nob Hill restaurant, many of the patrons did not recognize Chiang. And at least one man said he was concerned about Chiang’s low standing in polls.
“Although I like what he’s saying, the question for me is, can he actually win. And I would not vote for somebody even though I like what they’re saying if they have no chance of winning,” said Pastor Harvey Vaughn.
