Meet James Hanink, retired professor running in the California governor recall election

Name: James G. Hanink

Political party: American Solidarity Party

Residence: Inglewood

Occupation: Educator

Education: Michigan State University, Ph. D. (Philosophy)

Experience: For decades I have taught at the university level and published in a wide range of journals and periodicals about core issues in political philosophy.

Website: www.jameshanink.com

What precautions, if any, should California continue to take to cope with COVID-19 and its variants?

I favor mandatory indoor masking and vaccine availability. I have chosen not to be vaccinated because the available vaccines in the US utilize stem cells from aborted babies. Such is not the case in Israel, and were I there I would welcome vaccination.

California provided cash support to individuals and small businesses during the pandemic. To what extent should that assistance continue?

That assistance should be continued for the foreseeable future. There should, however, be twice yearly reviews of the need for it.

What more would you do to address California’s housing crisis?

I would use the bully pulpit of office to “call out” the NIMBY attitude. I would encourage building additional houses on suitable lots in residential areas. I would expedite the housing permit process.

What should California do to build up its middle class?

For a start, substitute “middle income” for “middle class.” The State should invest more heavily in K-12 education, community colleges, and universities. It should allow for education vouchers for use in private and religious schools. Parents are the first educators of their children. Homeschooling is a promising expression of parental leadership in education.

Would you propose any new policies to address climate change?

As governor, I would call for a continued and public review of newly proposed policies. In doing so, I would draw on the research of scientists in our major universities.

What should California do in the long term to address wildfire and drought conditions?

California should do a much better job of forest management. The State needs to sharply restrict new building in wildfire prone areas. Fire fighters merit significantly higher wages. California needs to protect the water resources necessary for farming and limit the use of water resources for luxuries such as expansive grass lawns and swimming pools. We should err on the side of caution and institute mandatory water rationing sooner rather than later.

This story was originally published August 12, 2021 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Meet James Hanink, retired professor running in the California governor recall election."