Chris Bubser | Candidate for House Seat Holds Virtual Q&A Through Inyo 350

Chris Bubser, Candidate for 8th Congressional Seat, held a Virtual Meeting with Inyo 350, which has, along with its national organization, endorsed her candidacy.

(Important Disclosure: Chris Bubser was endorsed by Inyo 350 before the virtual meeting and later by the state 350.org as well.)

Chris Bubser lives in the Eastern Sierra. Mammoth has been her primary residence since January 2019 and she has owned a home there for 14 years. She has been an active volunteer with Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra for years and her children were on the Ski Team for eight years.

Last Monday, August 10th, INYO 350 hosted a virtual meeting with Chris Bubser, the Democratic candidate for the 8^th District Congressional seat . Her opponent is Jay Olbernolte, Republican from Big Bear Lake, Calif. Current Congressman Paul Cook is not running for re-election.

Bubser worked in the bio-tech industry and took the leap to politics in 2017. “I knew Obamacare was in danger,” she said. “I went to DC to work with people with health issues.” Her leap into politics was spurred by frustration.

Here’s a sampling of the Q&A:

How would she address voter disenfranchisement? Bubser supports the Voters Right Act, voting by mail and automatic voter registration.

The Green New Deal: “It’s an incredible idea but isn’t currently in the form of legislation.” She’s supportive of alternative energy sources but wants the energy to be used locally. She would support elements of the Green New Deal. “Young people have concern for the future. Climate is really important, we’re running out of time.”

Mining on Conglomerate Mesa: I’ll chain myself to the rocks to prevent it.

What about small businesses?  We need to be small business focused. It’s ridiculous the CARE act money went to big corporations. Small businesses provide opportunity to women and minorities. Small business wasn’t helped by the tax cut or by the CARES act.

On the fact this is the first time the Federal government is running a deficit during an economic upsurge:

Economists are having a fit. Republicans have a set of principles but they’re not acting on them.

How is she going to convince the rest of the district to vote for you?

Bubser admitted she’s focusing her outreach in the southern part of her district that includes parts of San Bernardino because that’s where the votes are.  She noted the registered Republicans in the district has dropped seven percentage points. “The demographics are changing. People are moving to the High Desert for affordable housing.”

How about her “reachability” by her constituents:

When people ask questions, I’ll do what I can to answer. I’ll hire staff that will work with our constituents and be responsive. Everybody matters.

In her closing remarks, she thanked those in attendance, telling them to wear masks and stay safe.

KSRW is trying to contact her opponent, Republican Jay Obernolte. The contact phone number on his web page is non-response, but we’ll keep trying.