Democrats Face Questions About Unemployment

About 40 area residents took the opportunity to question six Democratic political candidates looking for seats at the county, state and federal level in Redlands on Saturday.

Congressional candidates Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar, Community Activist Renea Wickman and educator Rita Rameriz-Dean joined assembly candidate businessman Russ Warner, California Senate candidate Melissa O'Donnell and San Bernardino County Supervisorial District Three candidate James Ramos for a forum presented by the Redlands Area Democratic Club.

The group each made a pitch for votes. Members of the audience asked about unemployment, help for small business, homeownership and cuts to education.

“Today was great,” Ramos said. Ramos is in the middle of a contentious race with County Supervisor Neil Derry for the incumbent’s seat on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. “Hearing the issues that were coming up was also great. It showed that we’re right on top of the issues as far as jobs, making sure that we’re creating those jobs making sure of the public’s safety.”

Probably the biggest take of the day was the unity shown by the Democrats, said Russ Warner, who is running for the 40th Assembly District against Rep. Mike Morrell, who is a known Tea Party favorite.

“I think gatherings like this with all the Ddemocrats are very important,” Warner said, “And not just the Democrats, but Republicans and Democrats need to get together. If we don’t we’re going to be in a lot of trouble.”

We include a partial video of the forum. Check back later Sunday for more parts of Saturday's event.