Pete Aguilar Hosts Open-Press Call with Republican Supporters

Press Release

Today, Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar, Democratic candidate for Congress in California's 31st district, hosted an open-press conference call with local leaders, business owners and residents who are crossing the aisle to support his candidacy. The callers discussed various issues including fiscal responsibility, a small business agenda and job creation and why Aguilar is the right choice in this election.

"I have worked with members of both parties to solve problems," said Aguilar. "When we focus on our common values, we can work together to strengthen our economy and improve our schools. My Republican supporters know that I will fight for the Inland Empire in Congress and get results for this community."

As both the Mayor of Redlands and a member of the city's council, Aguilar has worked across the aisle to solve the city's budget crisis, turning a multi-million dollar deficit into a surplus. Several local Republican leaders have endorsed Pete because they know that he is the only candidate in this race with the proven ability to work with both Republicans and Democrats to solve problems and get results.

"Pete Aguilar has the record and temperament that is lacking in Washington," said Paul Foster, Mayor Pro Tem of Redlands. "I am less concerned with his party affiliation and more concerned with his experience and with his collaborative approach to working with people. He knows how to get things done for this community and I know he can bring that to Congress."

In contrast, Republican Congressional Candidate Paul Chabot will continue the gridlock and lack of cooperation we have seen in Washington. His approach to balancing budgets is to make across the board cuts to all departments and programs. Running for California State Assembly in 2010, Chabot's answer to our state's budget challenges was to cut the entire budget by 20% with the exception of public safety. This approach, similar to sequestration at the federal level, cuts all programs equally with no regard to their effectiveness, leaving children, students and seniors vulnerable.

"You can't just throw your hands up in the air and cut everything," said Larry Burgess, a registered Republican and Redlands resident. "Balancing a budget takes understanding what's a priority and a willingness to compromise. Pete is the only candidate in this race with the experience to do that."

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