Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
Name: Eugene Weems
Current job title: Chief Executive Officer
Age: 51
Political party affiliation: Republican
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: San Bernardino
Campaign website or social media: eugeneweems.com
From voter ID to war powers and from immigration to tariffs, Congress has tackled many issues over the past year. What do you, though, see as the top three issues impacting Californians, and what specifically could you do as a lawmaker to address these issues? (Please answer in 250 words or less, and keep your response to future proposals.)
1. Cost of living and economic stability
2. Affordable housing
3. Health care
Speaking of voter ID, the president has implored Congress to approve legislation that would require people to show proof of citizenship in order to vote. What role do you believe the federal government plays in telling states how to conduct their own elections, as dictated by the U.S. Constitution? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Protecting our constitutional rights
What, in your opinion, should the federal government focus on when it comes to immigration policy? For example, do you place a priority on border security, visas for high-skilled workers, refuge for asylum seekers, etc., and why? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Secure the border first: We must stop illegal trafficking and fentanyl pouring into our communities. I will fight to increase funding for advanced border technology, more agents, and stronger enforcement at ports of entry.
Protect immigrant contributors: Immigrant whom come here as long-term residents who work, pay taxes, and follow the law deserve a fair and responsible pathway to legal status and citizenship that is secure and timely.
Strengthen our economy: The Inland Empire relies on workers in logistics, agriculture, and manufacturing. Smart immigration reform should expand legal work visas while protecting American wages and preventing exploitation.
Prioritize public safety: Empower DHS, Homeland Security, and ICE to use available jails and prisons to detain and remove violent undocumented immigrants who threaten our communities, ensuring dangerous criminals are held accountable.
It’s been over a year since Gov. Gavin Newsom asked the federal government for supplemental disaster aid to help Southern California communities rebuild after the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires, but neither President Donald Trump nor Congress has acted. What would you do to push for the funding, besides writing letters to the Trump administration or the leaders of Congress? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Bring national media to the problem. Demand action and hold people accountable.
Do you support a ban or restriction on congressional lawmakers and their families from buying or selling individual stocks? Why or why not? And what would you propose to ensure lawmakers aren’t using their positions to engage in insider trading? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
No
Do you support stronger regulations on pollution and carbon emissions? If so, how would you ensure those regulations aren’t overly burdensome on small businesses or lower-income families? And if not, how do you propose lawmakers protect the environment and curtail the impacts of climate change? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Yes
President Donald Trump has significantly increased spending for the U.S. Department of Defense. Would you, as a member of Congress, approve additional dollars for the military if the president were to ask for more funding? How would you ensure that any military spending does not end up putting the American people or national security in harm’s way? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Yes, the safety of the American people and our troops will always be my first priority.
Under what specific circumstances do you believe the U.S. should engage in a war? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
To protect Americans from an imminent threat. We must defend our nation under any circumstances.
Do you believe a president should seek congressional approval before engaging in military action overseas? Why, or why not? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Yes, in most cases, a president should seek congressional approval. Except for when an imminent threat to American lives arises, such as a sudden attack on the United States. The president needs to act immediately to protect America and its people.
Congress, in theory, is supposed to serve as a check on the president through budgetary, legislative and oversight powers. Do you believe Congress has fulfilled that obligation during the past two administrations, with one being a Democrat and the other a Republican? Why or why not? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Regardless, if you are a Democrat or a Republican, I am open to working with anyone who wants to see America thrive, remain strong and vibrant.
Governments around the world are increasingly considering an age ban or other restrictions on social media use among young people, citing mental health and other concerns. Should Congress adopt such restrictions? If so, what specific restrictions do you propose? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
No
Statistically, violent crime rates in California are on the decline, yet residents still don’t feel safe or at ease in their communities. How do you see your role in Congress in addressing the underlying issues that make Californians feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Address root causes, support local law enforcement to keep their presence in the communities, fund law enforcement to make sure they are equipped with the technology that helps them respond faster, etc.
There are term limits to serve in the California Legislature, but none to serve in Congress. Would you advocate for term limits for House members? Why or why not? If you support term limits, how many years maximum should a House member be allowed to serve? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
If term limits were administered, they should reflect the same timeframe as the service of the president.
What’s a hidden talent you have? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Leading and accomplishing goals.