Republican Tony Rodriguez is vowing to create change if he is successful at unseating Democratic incumbent Adam Schiff for the state's 30th congressional district.
“Being from California and an attorney, Congressman Schiff has never addressed the fraud in workers' compensation programs and I would definitely address this at the federal level,” he said. “Workers' comp programs have a negative effect, especially on small businesses.”
The 30th Congressional district spans Burbank, Glendale, Hollywood, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, West Hollywood, Acton, Sunland-Tujunga and Sun Valley.
“I believe in freedom of choice,” Rodriguez told the Southern California Record. “I'm a constitutionalist by mindset. Everyone has a right to do whatever they want to do as long as it doesn't hurt anybody else. If you don't want to get a vaccine, that's okay. If you do want to get a vaccine, great! I believe in parental rights even though I don't have any kids in school anymore but I have two granddaughters who I don't want the government indoctrinating in any way. I don't see either party stopping that at this time. Nobody's focusing on the people.”
Rodriguez announced his candidacy for Congress as an Independent after he was rejected by the California GOP.
“The Republican party did me a favor by telling me when I interviewed with them that there was no way anybody could beat Adam Schiff so they wouldn't support anybody for that congressional district,” he said. “That’s what pushed me over the edge. I'm running just to prove them wrong.”
About 50.1% of the population are white in the district, 27.1% are Hispanic, 12.3% are Asian and 4.09% are Black or African American, according to Datausa.
Prior to campaigning for Congress, Rodriguez served 25 years in the U.S. Army.
“My military service gives me a unique perspective on veteran affairs and has prepared me for matters of national security,” he said. “Since 2005, I have worked as a recruiter helping people find work and speaking with business owners about hiring them.”
His priorities, if elected, include working to reduce the size of the federal government and providing more rights in education to the states but with parental influence.
“I would reduce taxes specifically for small businesses,” he added. “
Rodriguez also envisions maintaining an open-door policy for his constituents.
“The federal government should be more engaged in public safety since under the Constitution they are responsible for public safety,” he said. “I would promote more resources and training for law enforcement. I would lower the tax burden for the American people and advocate for veteran affairs reform.”