Key actions and positions posted on the intersection of disability and education, jobs, immigration, climate crisis, criminal justice and more
Sacramento, CA, August 30 – Republican candidate, musician, entrepreneur, and father Nickolas Wildstar has responded to a detailed candidate questionnaire on disability issues. The questionnaire is from RespectAbility, a nonpartisan nonprofit disability organization that does not endorse candidates. The questionnaire is purely for educational purposes. RespectAbility has reached out to candidates in California’s critical gubernatorial recall election. The full text of RespectAbility’s questions and Wildstar’s responses follows:
EDUCATION & SKILLS: What is your plan to ensure that all students with disabilities, including English Language Learners, receive an appropriate education to acquire critical and marketable skills?
Every student in California should be afforded the same opportunity of a great education and that includes those with disabilities. Governments one size fits all approach to policy creation has not benefited We The People therefore my proposal may seem unorthodox to many especially since it revolves mostly around voluntarism. Parents should have the choice to make direct payments to the school of their choice as well as decide what their children are taught. Once I’m elected Governor, trade skill development, apprenticeships, internships, and school to work programs will be expanded and made to be more easily accessible.
EMPLOYMENT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP: If elected, what will you do to advance opportunities for people with disabilities who want to work and earn an income, just like anyone else? How will you support employers, large and small, to recruit and hire workers with disabilities?
No person should be denied equal opportunity of employment and as Governor I will make sure every person’s right to work is protected. California will become a much more business friendly state that allows employers to offer competitive wages and create more job opportunities that are much needed right now. My effort towards jump starting our economy will stem from tax cancellations so businesses are able to generate income to expand their workforce and provide livable wages. Discrimination against someone due to a disability or any prejudice at all will not be tolerated and will be an unlawful offense.
ACCESS & INCLUSION: Whether or not you have a formal platform, what specific plans do you have to incorporate the voices of people with disabilities into your decision-making processes, if elected?
Much of my campaigning has been done virtually, however the many in person events that I’ve attended have been at venues that had wheelchair ramps, sign language translators, and done whatever they possibly can to accommodate everyone. Video interviews online have subtitling capabilities or already have transcriptions provided for those that are hearing impaired and for the visually impaired there’s a generous amount of audio recordings for review. As Governor I plan to choose appointees from a diverse group of prospects and will make it a point to prioritize those from disadvantaged communities like minorities and the disabled.
FIGHTING STIGMAS: If elected, what will be your plan to fight stigmas, highlight the disability community, and promote higher expectations for success?
Maintaining a diversified group of individuals as staffers and potential appointees will be one of the first tasks I accomplish as Governor. Leading by example will be a role my office takes in every facet of community involvement and being a reflection of the variations of people in our neighborhoods across the state will be a part of that effort. Holiday celebration festivities, town hall meetings, or any gathering will always promote inclusivity and equality.
OTHER KEY ISSUES: What additional policies and priorities, other than those already discussed above, do you plan to focus on to improve the lives of people with disabilities?
One unexpected benefit of campaigning has been meeting a wealth of people from all walks of life who are excited to help with governing our state affairs so every resident can live happier. Some of those people are disabled and provide counsel to me that is invaluable. They will continue to have my ear and so will anyone who contacts me seeking to improve the living conditions of Californians.
Wildstar is one of many candidates who are competing in California’s special gubernatorial recall election. For a full list of candidates running in the September 14 recall election and to learn more about voting, please visit the California Secretary of State’s 2021 CA Gubernatorial Recall Election website at https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections.
RespectAbility is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that fights stigmas and advances opportunities so people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of their communities. RespectAbility does not rate or endorse candidates. View more coverage of California candidates on our website.
Be First to Comment