GOP walnut grower seeks to unseat Hollister California assemblyman

Joe Szydlowski
Salinas Californian
Robert Rivas

A Republican walnut grower in San Benito County is challenging a first-term incumbent Democrat to represent the Central Coast in Sacramento. 

Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) is trying to fend off a run by Gregory Swett, Willow Grove Elementary's school board president, for the 30th Assembly District, which includes Salinas and the South County.  

Gregory Swett

The Californian sent both campaigns a survey, limited to 100 words per response, about housing and homelessness. Each answer was edited for style, grammar and length.

What are the top 3 biggest hurdles to increasing affordable housing in CA?

Voters from all over Salinas show up to drop off their voting ballot or vote in person on March 3, 2020.

Robert Rivas

  • Restrictive Zoning.
  • Cumbersome, lengthy, and unpredictable approval process.
  • Incredible skilled labor shortage.

Gregory Swett

Regulations such as CEQA. This adds time and uncertainty to the process raising the risk to the builders.

Regulations directly related to building such as solar and net-zero. While maybe good for well-capitalized individuals, a major block for someone trying to get into a home with limited income.

Regulations that dissuade agricultural entities from building housing for their operations.

What actions would you champion to remedy the housing crisis?

A voter exits a polling place located in La Paz Middle School on March 3, 2020.

Gregory Swett

Attempt to reduce mandates that add costs that do not have a payback.

Robert Rivas

We need to take a comprehensive approach to our housing crisis that addresses zoning, approval processes, and labor shortages. I’ve championed affordable housing during my first two years in the legislature and plan to make the issue my top priority in 2021.

What do you think of Prop 15?

A voter receives her voting ballot in person inside the Creekside Elementary School poling place on March 3, 2020.

(Editor's note: Prop 15 would change property tax calculations on many nonresidential properties, leading to higher tax payments that would go toward schools, community colleges and local government. Homes would not be affected by the tax change).

Robert Rivas

I support additional funding for education and local governments. Proposition 15 protects homeowners from property tax increases and ensures that our students have access to high-quality education.

Gregory Swett 

Let’s try to put more business out of business. Devastating to business as well as consumers. Estimated at $10-12 billion tax increase, which is 5% of the state budget. Not an insignificant number that will come out of consumers, workers and closed businesses.

Joe Szydlowski is a multimedia journalist for the Salinas Californian who covers local government, crime and cannabis. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JoeSzyd_Salinas. He can be reached at 235-2360. Help support The Californian's work: https://bit.ly/2Qo298J