Wave Wire Services
LOS ANGELES (CNS) — California gubernatorial candidates Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton addressed Latino elected officials and policymakers July 15 during the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials’ 43rd annual conference in downtown Los Angeles.
Becerra, the former secretary of the U.S. Department Health and Human Services and former California attorney general, spoke during the conference’s breakfast program, which focused on “Building What Comes Next: Leadership at 50.”
“America is still a work in progress, one that we are all proud and privileged to shape and to build, but NALEO, this is where it’s time for you to step up,” Becerra said. “This is where it’s time for us to deliver because what happens over the next 50 years will be shaped and built by the people who are in this room. … I say that completely as a member of this organization, but someone who will need you in the future.”
Becerra, a Democrat, noted the high price of food, healthcare and other goods and services, and criticized President Donald Trump without directly naming him.
“We don’t need people who make a promise to end a war in one day, and today, we still fight. … We don’t need someone who said they will lower the price of gasoline and then raise (prices) by starting a reckless, illegal war,” he added.
“We don’t need someone who attacks our families, who are simply trying to work, take care of your kids, take care of your yard, and give you your groceries,” Becerra added, referring to the federal government’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
Hilton, the Republican author and businessman, delivered remarks during the lunch program later in the day, which was titled “One the National State: Leaders Shaping the Moment.”
“You may have heard a few things about me,” Hilton said. “I’m the Republican candidate for governor. You have heard that I used to host a show on Fox News. You may have heard that I’m endorsed by President Trump. Those things are all true … but I just want to tell you a little bit more about myself.”
Hilton said he is an “immigrant twice over,” as his family migrated from Hungary to England, and eventually he moved to the United States.
“That is my story. I worked hard. I got to Oxford University, started a business, worked in 10 Downing Street as a senior advisor to the prime minister, and moved here with my wife and family in 2012,” Hilton said.
“That’s the story of American, and California should capture that story better than anywhere else. That’s what I’m fighting for in this campaign.”
Hilton said he wants to give everybody in the state a shot at climbing that ladder of opportunity.
Conference attendees heard the candidates discuss their priorities for the state and address issues they believe will influence California in the coming years.
