Q&A with Steve Ding, running for San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors District 4
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Steve Ding faces Steve Colangelo to replace Chuck Winn as the District 4 representative on the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors. This is the first time that Ding has sought office, although he served as a longtime staff member for former U.S. Rep. Richard Pombo. District 4 includes Lodi. Winn is terming out of office.
Who is Steve Ding
Age: 59
Party Affiliation: Republican
Occupation: Owner/Operator, Woodbridge Crossing Restaurant
Political experience: Former Chief of Staff US Rep. Richard Pombo, Staff Director
US House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee.
Below is an edited version of a questionnaire completed by candidates.
Why are you running for office?
I am a small business owner that’s tired of the status quo and I’m getting involved to create change in my community. I bring the experience necessary to direct and supervise the county on smart policies that benefit our region. My background in public policy and negotiating legislative outcomes has allowed me to connect government to the needs of business and to produce positive results in our community.
Do you consider yourself politically conservative, moderate or liberal? And why?
First and foremost, I am here to represent San Joaquin County residents. I am conservative about how our public dollars are spent and I want them allocated wisely.
Top five issues in this race:
Crime and public safety
Cost of living – gas, groceries, etc.
Homeless crisis: those who suffer from long-term mental health issues.
Homeless crisis: Those who need drug & alcohol rehabilitation.
Homeless crisis: Those who have chosen being homeless as a lifestyle.
What is the best way to handle the water issues facing the county?
We need to build a coalition that develops answers to our water crisis. Groundwater recharge, surface water storage projects, and desalination are the types of innovative solutions we need to be considering. As a former staff director for the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, I understand what it takes to protect our Delta waterways and create sustainable water storage solutions.
How can the county go about increasing economic activity that was impacted during COVID-19?
San Joaquin County received $148 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds in 2021, excluding ARPA funds received by cities within the county. As a county we invested in law enforcement, homelessness, and business retention. I want to see emphasis on enhancing our region’s business community and leveraging state and federal dollars with community partners to draw attention to our county.
Can supervisors have any real impact on improving homelessness?
Yes! Local and regional policy can impact regional homelessness through meaningful community partnerships.
Final Statement
Politics is a rough — but necessary — road to travel to reclaim our legacy of prosperity in San Joaquin County. My desire to run and represent the citizens of the fourth district is due to my commitment to public service and a strong belief that a small business owner that has survived through tough times can get the job done.
This article originally appeared on The Record: Q&A: San Joaquin County Supervisors District 4 candidate Steve Ding
