Congressional candidate Marla Sousa Livengood was unable to respond to a prior ‘Q&A’ session but has since submitted a statement on her position and views. Tuesday, March 3 is the Presidential Primary Election in California and on the ballot for both Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties is the race for the 10th Congressional District. The two candidates getting the most votes in the primary will qualify to move forward to square off in the November General Election.

The candidate ultimately elected in November will represent the area in the U.S. House of Representatives for a two-year term. Currently, Democrat Josh Harder holds the seat in the 10th District and is seeking re-election. The other candidates running for this position are Veterinarian Ted Howze, County Supervisor Bob Elliott, Robotics Engineer Ryan Blevins, Lawyer/Accountant/Programmer, Michael J. Barkley, and small business owner Marla Sousa Livengood.

Candidates Howze, Elliott and Blevins, as well as incumbent Harder, were featured in a Q&A that appeared in the Feb. 26 issue of the newspaper. Candidate Barkley did not reply.

Here is the information provided by Livengood: As voters consider their choice for the 10th Congressional District, I would like to request consideration of my candidacy.

Like many in the Valley, I grew up working my family’s farm which was just outside Escalon in Collegeville. I never intended to get involved with policy – in fact I didn’t know what it was until I had an opportunity to do an ag policy internship that opened my eyes to role the federal government plays in our daily life. Wanting to learn more, I went to Washington, DC where I ultimately served as legislative director for former Congressman Richard Pombo.

Today, as a small business owner, I have experienced the burden of job-killing regulations. And as a lifelong Farmer, I have witnessed the impact of poorly written policies on our Valley.

Here in the 10th Congressional District families, like mine, struggle as Congress continues to prioritize political fights over our need for affordable healthcare and quality education. We deserve better.

You can count on me to advance legislation that allows people to purchase health care that suits their needs, as opposed to being forced into high priced comprehensive plans. I will work to advance policies that are both patient focused and market-based.

I will also support vocational education institutions that teach students a trade to provide for themselves and their family and help keep good jobs in the Central Valley.

I am proud of my deep valley roots and the work I have done to support our Valley. My campaign has focused on returning our values of strong faith in God, family devotion and hard work back to Washington. I would be honored to have your support.