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: Frederick Reardon
Current job title: Western U.S. and Canada Business Development Manager
Age: 61
Political party affiliation: Democratic
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: Economic Development Board Member
City where you reside: Redondo Beach
Campaign website or social media: reardonforcongress.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.)
Thank you for this opportunity. As a 26-year resident of California’s 36th District, I have an ardent desire to preserve and enhance our California lifestyle.
1. Internationally, we must end the suffering of innocent people. It appears that our current representatives support legislation that funds and provides weapons to those involved in horrific atrocities. I will immediately support ending the financing of foreign wars, especially with countries that appear to be involved with genocide and/or ethnic cleansing. Do you ask yourself: “Why do our current representatives continue to fund it?” If, like me, you question the actions of your representatives, and if you believe that alternative strategies can lead to peace, less suffering, and more cooperation, please consider helping me get elected.
2. Homelessness. We need a new approach. It is unrealistic to think that the majority of homelessness issues are the result of a housing shortage. This is, for the most part, a local issue. However, this is a large problem across the country, and therefore, Congress should address this problem. I intend to develop legislation that assists local jurisdictions. The strategy includes both compassion and effective solutions. My website outlines a detailed strategic plan.
3. I support ecology-based environmental policies (reduce pollution without lining the pockets of NGOs). I will seek federal assistance and support to develop urban rainwater collection and treatment, resulting in less polluted urban runoff, less ocean pollution and healthier Pacific Ocean aquatic life, while supplementing irrigation and firefighting.
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.)
States have rights. We should follow the Constitution. However, like former President Jimmy Carter, I support voter ID. States should make it easy for people to access a free voter ID (after providing sufficient valid documents, proving identity, citizenship, and age).
Voting is one of the most important duties we have as citizens. All states should seek to implement programs and policies that protect our election integrity while making sure that individuals can attain a valid voter ID.
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.)
Border security is extremely important. We all share concerns related to drug and human trafficking. Work visas are fine if they are not disenfranchising U.S. citizens who are capable and willing to fill positions. Certain industries may need an abundance of workers, especially if a shortage of labor is occurring. This could be mutually beneficial.
Asylum seekers should be treated humanely and accommodated. Those seeking higher wages or benefits (not true asylum seekers) should go through proper immigration channels. The U.S. has limited resources, and diplomatic efforts should take place to encourage other countries to assist with massive numbers of refugees/asylum seekers.
When immigration is discussed, we often hear the expression “root cause.” I support efforts to determine if outside influences, organizations (perhaps NGOs or cartels) and/or other countries are contributing to or promoting mass migration for political gain, financial gain, or to destabilize the U.S. Regardless of the situation, immigrants should not be given benefits that exceed those of U.S. citizens. They should be encouraged to seek employment as soon as possible. No one should be allowed to cut in line. Many people have filed the proper documentation to attain U.S. citizenship, and they have a right to consideration before a newcomer.
Those seeking citizenship should embrace our culture, become proficient in English, pledge allegiance to our country, the Constitution, and admire our country, which has so much to offer. As Hillary Clinton once famously said, “Clearly, United States citizenship is a privilege. It is not a right.”
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.)
I am mindful of the fact that this is an extremely important issue. People’s homes and property and vital infrastructure, including public infrastructure, emergency facilities, roads, utilities, etc., should not be held hostage.
This situation represents a poignant example of when the federal government should provide relief. There should have been several supplementals already. This is a political quagmire. We need a new strategy, including new congressional faces (and likely a multiple large supplemental approach). Partnering with local officials to exemplify more of an expedited building permit process would likely show good faith with the White House and create leverage to attain supplements. New congressional leadership addressing the concerns and excuses will add pressure to proceed.
This is an area where my experience with developing projects will prove effective. I will implement a fast-track project delivery strategy/technique to establish milestones, create a critical path, break down barriers, prioritize, and make sure the process is moving effectively ahead. To put it more simply, I will work to end the excuses and treat it like a punch list until the log jam is broken. Compared to other disasters of this magnitude, the White House cannot reasonably delay submitting the formal, currently $34 billion proposal to Congress for much longer. I will emphasize this fact and publicize the unfairness of this situation. Southern Californians are U.S. citizens. I will discuss the sticking points and make a logical case that communities deserve vital infrastructure immediately.
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.)
Yes, I support restricting congressional lawmakers and their families from buying or selling individual stocks when they are, confidentially or publicly, working on legislation that could impact stocks, investments, or the stock market. An adequate timeframe should be established to restrict congressional members from benefiting from or influencing policy based on self-interest or potential financial gain. I will support this type of legislation.
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.)
I was raised in the ecology movement era. I believe in fighting pollution. I spent a decade in the renewable energy industry, using my skills related to optimal framing solutions to develop photovoltaic projects. My colleagues and I, in the solar industry, experienced a great deal of frustration as we witnessed politicians and organizations hijacking the narrative.
For example, the far left misled people into thinking the world is about to end. The far right said that renewable energy didn’t work. We should consider renewable energy as one important spoke on the wheel of our energy policy. We should seek to incentivize people/companies that are investing in clean, renewable energy. We should not finance large projects that result in unreasonably high profits for investors. I witnessed incredible gains in technology, efficiency, reduced costs, etc., when the private sector was unleashed with the benefit of tax credits.
I’m not in favor of using taxpayer money (i.e., direct grants) for renewable energy. The most important thing is that we focus on air pollution rather than theoretical or hard-to-prove theories. We can all agree that we should be moving toward more efficient ways to create energy. Net zero, carbon neutral, climate change, etc., can be contentious. I support a renewable energy policy that results in people spending less on energy. Additionally, I will support legislation to reduce urban blight, pollution on our streets, and recommend ways to put people to work to help clean up the environment (especially litter).
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.)
The main reason I entered this race is because our current representative(s) have consistently voted to finance, whether intended or not, what many agree appears to be colonization, ethnic cleansing, mass starvation, and/or genocide. I cannot sit on the sidelines and watch this nightmare unfold any longer. I am running for the House of Representatives to participate in ending it. I will support expenditures that, after proven analysis, create a situation where we can maintain the most powerful military in the world. I will not support legislation that finances aggression, colonization and forever wars.
Under what specific circumstances do you believe the U.S. should engage in a war? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
I support the policy “walk lightly and carry a big stick.” Currently, we are not following that strategy. The U.S. is currently too aggressive and should change course immediately. I will endeavor to end the aggression that our current administration is exhibiting. I do not support other countries dictating our military or self-defense policies. Military funding, or funding related to conflicts, must come with conditions (which our current representatives are not requiring). Logical conditions include free press coverage, assurances that infrastructure will not be bombed to oblivion, and most importantly, innocent people will not be killed, harmed, or starved to death.
Our military and our weapons should not be used to harm innocent people. Diplomacy should come first and be implemented as our main tool to maintain peace. I was raised to believe in peace and believe in the golden rule. I’m concerned that our current trajectory will lead us to World War III. I will use my position to promote peace and not aggression. I do not support sending our military personnel to fight on the ground in any of the current conflicts. Our military personnel should only be used when we are defending ourselves.
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. It appears that over the last three or four decades, we’ve seen an increase in reckless behavior by presidents (both parties) that has led to forever wars and nightmarish situations. I will support efforts to take back control of this situation and use congressional leverage, for example, the power of the purse, to get control of this situation. I seek to reduce the potential for presidents to get us into, unchecked, horrible military campaigns.
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.)
No. I think it is obvious that most of our politicians, including our current representatives, appear to be beholden to their donors (special interests). They are voting straight party lines. They are voting for whatever the big money interests require or support. Use a reputable AI tool and do a search related to donors and your current representative(s). I think you will be astonished to discover how much money they are receiving from entities that support wars, foreign conflicts, colonialization, etc.
Furthermore, do a little research into how much your current representative is taking from Big Pharma and other special interests. Campaign financing, taking money from special interests, leads not only to gridlock but also to an inability for political parties to act in good faith on their constituents’ behalf. You can read their flyers. You can listen to their speeches, but I encourage all of you in the 36th District to research who is funding these campaigns and ask yourself if you are truly being represented by someone who puts your interests first.
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.)
Generally, I do not support bans and restrictions. I especially do not support them when they sound too authoritarian. This is a difficult scenario. I do not want kids harmed by a technology that many parents struggle to get their heads around. I am extremely mindful of the freedoms we have established in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Censorship is a slippery slope. We have witnessed the negative results (which could happen to our kids as well) of censorship throughout history.
Additionally, we cannot regulate everything. I recall a time in the 1970s when legislators were attempting to ban half the music I enjoyed listening to.
I support an emphasis and perhaps even some funding to create awareness and tools to make parents aware of the potential dangers/negative effects. Decent technology exists to help parents. Individuals and parents must exhibit personal responsibility. The government should not replace the parents.
Therefore, I would support legislation that would fund awareness and support tools for families and parents to educate their kids and create awareness of the dangers that are potentially associated with this technology.
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.)
It depends on where you get your statistics from. Is the data accurate? Is certain data being omitted? Regardless, let’s be honest, as residents of, especially Southern California, we have all felt less safe in recent years. Do you find yourself looking over your shoulder when you are in the Apple Store or in a jewelry store? What has your current congressional representatives done to confront it? How about some leadership, outrage, and providing some federal resources/assistance to confront the organized retail crime? There have been a few violent assaults and robberies within a half block of my property. It is hitting close to home (literally).
I support legislation to stop foreign interests (i.e., hiding behind non-profits) from financing elections. Here is why, for example, many district attorneys have been elected, and, for some weird reason, they do not enforce the law. Many people I talk to believe this is occurring because their donors are seeking to disrupt our society and/or destabilize the U.S.
Additionally, I do not think we can legislate our way out of increases in criminal activity. We must confront the reality that we have an increased breakdown in morals, values, etc. I support legislation that rewards or incentivizes organizations that are doing good work and making our communities better. I will support and endeavor to create, for example, enhanced incentives to organizations, entities, religious institutions, and athletic programs for kids that help the moral character of our communities.
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.)
Yes, I support putting an end to the “career politician.” Term limits are likely the only solution to the institutionalized failure we are witnessing. I believe three terms for the House and two terms for the Senate would be beneficial.
We’ve got some juggernauts in California with serious muckraking and mudslinging skills. They assume office, and soon thereafter, they start collecting a bunch of donations and support from special interests. They start voting in lockstep. Their campaigns are well-funded machines. They litter your mailbox with glossy brochures, dripping with propaganda. They hire consultants and wordsmiths to develop elaborate campaign smear strategies. Election after election, you see their name and cannot recall a single thing that they have done that results in a positive effect for your community. They are varsity squad toastmasters. They pontificate and drone on with speeches filled with platitudes. There is no substance. They pound their fists on the congressional table, insult witnesses, and cry outrage. However, behind the scenes, they fall in line. Have they broken ranks once to support a just cause? They determine which way the political winds are blowing, and then they again and again vote in lockstep.
Support my effort to win this congressional seat. I will not be bought. I will not be swayed by special interests. I will not be blackmailed. I will not be politically correct. I will be outspoken, passionate, and support the 36 District’s concerns and needs.
What’s a hidden talent you have? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
My hidden talent is what I consider a hidden understanding: “The California Lifestyle and Experience.” Before describing the essence of this understanding, it is important to acknowledge that I am simultaneously seeking an important position. From an experience standpoint, I have been fortunate to have great mentors, and I’ve worked with dynamic teams in the private sector, public sector, in the U.S., Canada, and South Pacific. I have been involved with design, manufacturing, and construction teams to build everything from low complexity to some of the most complex superstructures you can imagine. I have contributed to the U.S. industry and innovation. I understand product and project development. I’ve worked as an economic development board member. I’ve created jobs and owned successful small businesses.
My hidden talent is my deep understanding and appreciation of “The California Lifestyle and Experience.” Let me paint a portrait:
-Catching a wave at the first point in Malibu-Riding your bike along the beach through Venice Beach-Hiking the Ansel Adams Wilderness-Climbing Mount Shasta-Sitting on your board at PV Cove and seeing snowcapped mountains in the distance-A picnic with your family at “SanO” on a beautiful September day with offshore Santa Anas-The excitement in your kid’s eyes at Santa Monica Pier-Driving through Beverly Hills’ palm tree-lined streets-Strolling down Abbot Kinney, holding your wife’s hand on the way to a great restaurant
Because of this appreciation, during my time in Congress, I will always be mindful of preserving it.