Rita vs. Cook

Rita Ramirez is a 2014 candidate for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. COURTESY OF RITA RAMIREZ

By BEAU YARBROUGH / STAFF WRITER, Riverside Press Enterprise
Published: Oct. 11, 2016 Updated: Oct. 19, 2016 10:21 p.m.
Rep. Paul Cook, R-Yucca Valley, almost found himself facing tea party favorite Tim Donnelly on Nov. 8 in his bid for a third term representing California’s 8th Congressional District.
But in a close June 7 primary, Democrat Rita Ramirez ended up beating Donnelly by 1,439 votes.
Cook, who served in the Assembly prior to being elected to Congress, has raised $830,697 for his reelection campaign as of June 30, according to the Federal Election Commission, and had $598,839 on hand.
Cook is a retired Marine Corps colonel, and Ramirez is a retired college instructor.
Ramirez, who attempted a run in the 31st District back in 2012, raised $17,373 during the same period and had $667 on hand.
The 8th District stretches along much of California’s eastern border, and includes parts of San Bernardino, Inyo and Mono counties. The district includes the communities of Apple Valley, Baker, Barstow, Hesperia, Mammoth Lakes, Needles, Trona and Victorville.
Name: Paul Cook
Age: 73
Resides: Yucca Valley
Party: Republican
Family: Wife, Jeanne, and two grown children
Occupation: Congressman
Education: Bachelors degree from Southern Connecticut University, master’s degree in Public Administration from Cal State San Bernardino, master’s degree in Political Science from UC Riverside
Interesting Fact: I’m an avid history buff and enjoy watching the History Channel and reading historical books in my free time. I’ve also visited many battlefields across the country and enjoy quizzing my staff and family on American history.
What is the most important issue facing your district?

Our economy in the Inland Empire continues to struggle. Because of over-regulation by the governor and president, unemployment is higher here than the rest of California. While we’re seeing signs of an economic improvement, we need to do more. We need to provide relief to our small businesses and provide better educational opportunities. The majority of businesses are small businesses. These businesses need regulatory relief so they can afford to hire and retain employees. We also need to ensure that our workforce has access to first-class education. This means more local control and less control by unelected bureaucrats in Washington.
What sets you apart from your opponent?
When we have this discussion of national security and our troops, it’s important to have voices in Congress who have actually served in the military. Having spent 26 years in the Marine Corps, I know what it means to put troops in harm’s way and I don’t take that responsibility lightly. We are facing some very serious national security challenges right now here at home and abroad and we need people in Congress who have an understanding of how to deal with ISIS and the threat of terrorism.
Name: Rita Ramirez
Resides: Twentynine Palms
Party: Democrat
Family: Two adult sons
Occupation: Retired community college instructor (38 years) and community college trustee (6 years)
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Education Specialist and Doctor of Philosophy
Interesting Fact: played the violin fourth grade to twelve grade, won the Bank of America Music Award. President and vice-president of Girls Athletic Association. Graduated from high school top of my class. On a five-year scholarship, was honored by Chapman University as one of 32 top freshman students. Have a special love for children, students, seniors, and veterans, respect and honor people of diversity. Love animals, have a cat, and enjoy gardening.
What is the most important issue facing your district?
Education for all with proper funding, taking care of seniors by raising the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) and subsidizing senior housing, proper care for homeless and disabled veterans, bring jobs back to communities, incentives for small business to grow, better protection for people from violence, and saving our water from greedy corporations that are destroying the environment.
What sets you apart from your opponent?
I support issues that fight to retain or obtain a comfortable lifestyle I believe in serving people, support improved education for pre-K to fourth grade, vocational/career pathway academies so that young adults have an avenue for skilled employment, free community college education, and re-enact the National Defense Loan to pay student loans. Social Security: remove the restrictive cap and increase high income deductions, raise the COLA and lower the age. Veterans: guarantee education, housing, and health care; veterans should be able to go to the nearest hospital for immediate treatment. Civil rights: women should earn the same as their male counterparts.