Charlene Concepcion Nijmeh

[{"question": "Video for Ballotpedia", "answer_html": "<div style=\"float:left\">\n<table cellpadding=\"5\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"wikitable\" width=\"205\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td><div class=\"thumb embedvideo autoResize\" style=\"width: 258px;\"><!--\n--><div class=\"embedvideo autoResize\" style=\"\"><!--\n--><div class=\"embedvideowrap youtube\" style=\"width: 250px\"><iframe allow=\"accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"141\" loading=\"lazy\" modestbranding=\"1\" src=\"//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/zJ02Sfk6K2s\" width=\"250\"></iframe></div><!--\n--></div><!--\n--></div><span style=\"font-size:80%\">Video submitted to Ballotpedia<br/>Released November 22, 2023</span>\n</td></tr></tbody></table></div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>", "answer_text": "Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released November 22, 2023"}, {"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Charlene Nijmeh completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Nijmeh's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading-bio-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAs Chairwoman of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area, I work with governments at all levels on quality-of-life issues for my people. Public service and duty to our communities is something I learned from my mother and our Tribal elders.\r\n<p>I am also a business owner and environmentalist. Fifteen years ago, I founded a California company that has partnerships in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. We employ 6,000 people and divert 60 million pounds of clothing from landfills yearly. \r\n</p><p>I am also the CEO of a California non-profit that teaches students and communities about sustainable practices and recycling education.\r\n</p><p>Most importantly, I am a proud mother of Five, but I worry about my children’s futures as quality of life continues to dip for us while corporate giants become richer.\r\n</p><p>Because of my work, I understand what's wrong with politics and I know how to fix it.\r\n</p><p>Every crisis in our communities (unaffordable housing, homelessness, crime, gentrification, etc.) stems from the fact our politicians do not work for us and have no incentive to listen. \r\n</p><p>I support term limits, age limits, and donation limits because I believe in putting people before politics. \r\n</p>\n</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading-key-message-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>We need Term Limits , Age Limits, and Donation limits in order to eliminate corruption from politics.</li><li>Affordable Housing , inflation control, and living wage jobs are human rights.</li><li>No more Forever Wars. Lets fight the wars at home - The war on homelessness, crime, and unaffordable living.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading1-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am passionate about sustainability and environmental policy. I am passionate about human rights and human dignity which includes living wage jobs, affordable living, help for the unhoused, and sensible immigration policy.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading2-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy mother and my tribal elders who taught me the meaning of public service\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading3-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t(Robert Kennedy) quotes- <br/>\n<p>“the essence of responsibility is to put the public good ahead of personal gain”<br/><br/>\r\n“The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.” <br/><br/>\n</p>\n“Every time we turn our heads the other way when we see the law flouted, when we tolerate what we know to be wrong, when we close our eyes and ears to the corrupt because we are too busy or too frightened, when we fail to speak up and speak out, we strike a blow against freedom and decency and justice.”<br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading4-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHonesty, Integrity, Humanity and Public Service. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading5-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAs Chairwoman of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area, I work with governments at all levels on quality-of-life issues for my people. Public service and duty to our communities is something I learned from my mother and our Tribal elders.<br/><br/>\n<p>I am also a business owner and environmentalist. Fifteen years ago, I founded a California company that has partnerships in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. We employ 6,000 people and divert 60 million pounds of clothing from landfills yearly. <br/><br/>\r\nI am also the CEO of a California non-profit that teaches students and communities about sustainable practices and recycling education.<br/><br/>\r\nMost importantly, I am a proud mother of Five, but I worry about my children’s futures as quality of life continues to dip for us while corporate giants become richer.<br/><br/>\r\nBecause of my work, I understand what's wrong with politics and I know how to fix it.<br/>\n</p>\nEvery crisis in our communities (unaffordable housing, homelessness, crime, gentrification, etc.) stems from the fact our politicians do not work for us and have no incentive to listen. <br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading6-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tServing their constituents is the one responsibility they must never lose sight of<br/><br/>\r\nListening and hearing the issues that their constituents struggle with and fighting for solutions to those issues.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading7-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThat I served my community and fought for the rights of all people to live in prosperity in their communities. That I fought to make affordable housing and living wages a human right. That I fought to fix our immigration system and fought to help the unhoused find help to get off the streets and live in dignity.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading8-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI remember when my mother in an act of political resistance protected my ancestors remains from being desecrated and because of that she went to jail and lost our home. This was a historic event for my people because it started our now 43 year struggle to reaffirm our status as a federally recognized tribe.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading9-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI worked for my tribe when i was eight years old. I was taught to care for and repatriate our ancestral remains. I have served my community my entire life and continue to serve my tribe but now as Chairwoman . I also have founded a textile recycling operation and chair two non-profits.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading10-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tPalo Alto by Malcom Harris. It tells the truth about our history instead of glamorizing our past and present.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading11-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI prefer to stay in realty because we have a lot of serious work ahead of us\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading12-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading13-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI have been Fighting the federal government for my people's right to exist as a sovereign nation. This struggle has opened my eyes to the corruption in politics and has encouraged me to run for Congress to represent not only my people but all marginalized and unheard people who struggle against special interest influence over our politicians\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading14-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives represents more proportionally the population of the United States ( as opposed to the senate where each state has 2 senators regardless of the number of residents in each state) and therefore it is more closely representative of the will of the people. However it is critical to apply safeguards to this representative institution by implementing term limits, age limits and donation limits. This would ensure fairness and equality in representing the will of the people.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading15-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe it can be beneficial in some regards. In my experience as Tribal chairwoman, I interact with all levels of government on many issues and that has shown me the deficiencies in government and the corruption in politics that are evident but are fixable. My experience in business has taught me the management of resources is something the government lacks in proficiency. And therefore, I would rely on my experience in both the fields of business and politics to bring people together on common sense solutions for the benefit of our communities.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading16-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWe need to come together as a nation and solve our domestic problems which our incumbent politicians have been ignoring for decades. We need to stop spending our money on forever wars that enrich corporate giants while ignoring the needs of our communities. We spend trillions of dollars on wars that do not make us more secure and only serve to make us more hated in the world. The money could and should be better spent on our many domestic issues like affordable housing, solving our out of control homeless crisis, improving quality of life issues like better and more accessible mass transit, better and more affordable healthcare , promoting living wage salaries for our teachers, nurses, and hourly wage earners, better schools, and control of the inflation that eats away at our savings and our quality of life.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading17-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading18-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI wholeheartedly support term limits. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading19-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNo one comes to mind \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading20-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI hear these stories all the time and they all touch me . These are not new stories. I have been hearing these stories for years. The stories of my neighbors, friends and family who are all living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to survive. The stories of my adult children and their peers who can't afford to buy a home and who can barely afford to rent despite working two jobs. The stories have been pessimistic and void of hope for a better future. This lack of hope is what breaks my heart. The fact that most people feel resigned to the way things are -Resigned to the fact that nothing can be done or nothing will be done to bring relief to their situation breaks my heart.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading21-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tTell us your favorite joke.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tOur current state of affairs. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading22-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading22-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYou must acknowledge that there are moments when it is acceptable to Compromise and there are moments when it is not. We must never compromise our values, morals, or beliefs. However, we also must acknowledge that we all must respect each other as fellow citizens with equal rights to pursue our dreams and aspirations and live together in peace dignity and respect regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or political beliefs.<br/><br/>\n<p>I am the chairwoman of a sovereign American Indian tribe and In our tribe, we have diverse political views. Our members have divergent religious beliefs – from the most devout clergy who follow in the traditions of the Mission, to faith keepers struggling to keep our ceremonies alive, and young people who look to walk the Red Road. <br/><br/>\r\nWe have tribal members of every walk of life, profession, and political persuasion. We have college educated professionals, we have mechanics and contractors, we have business owners, and we have members who are unemployed or incarcerated. <br/><br/>\r\nWe have members who are well off financially and we have members who are struggling financially. <br/><br/>\r\nWe don’t agree on all issues but one thing we do agree on is that we are all part of the same community that has shared dreams and aspirations for itself. So we respect each other’s opinions, and we listen to each other and work to understand each other’s perspectives deeply and honestly. <br/><br/>\r\nAs a tribal leader, it’s my job to represent every single one of us – not just the folks who are well off or the folks who can vote.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nWhen I'm elected to Congress, I will represent all of us by bringing us all together to find common ground for our mutual benefit.<br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading23-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading23-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAccountability and resource management is critical to get us back on track. Investing in ourselves before we invest in other countries. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading24-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse24-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading24-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse24-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTo ensure there is no improper special interest influence over our elected officials. To ensure corruption is exposed and the American people be told the truth. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-207350-2023-12-13\" id=\"heading25-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse25-207350-2023-12-13\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading25-207350-2023-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse25-207350-2023-12-13\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe Muwekma Ohlone Tribal Council \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nCharlene Nijmeh completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Nijmeh's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. As Chairwoman of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area, I work with governments at all levels on quality-of-life issues for my people. Public service and duty to our communities is something I learned from my mother and our Tribal elders. I am also a business owner and environmentalist. Fifteen years ago, I founded a California company that has partnerships in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. We employ 6,000 people and divert 60 million pounds of clothing from landfills yearly. I am also the CEO of a California non-profit that teaches students and communities about sustainable practices and recycling education. Most importantly, I am a proud mother of Five, but I worry about my children’s futures as quality of life continues to dip for us while corporate giants become richer. Because of my work, I understand what's wrong with politics and I know how to fix it. Every crisis in our communities (unaffordable housing, homelessness, crime, gentrification, etc.) stems from the fact our politicians do not work for us and have no incentive to listen. I support term limits, age limits, and donation limits because I believe in putting people before politics. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? We need Term Limits , Age Limits, and Donation limits in order to eliminate corruption from politics. Affordable Housing , inflation control, and living wage jobs are human rights. No more Forever Wars. Lets fight the wars at home - The war on homelessness, crime, and unaffordable living. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I am passionate about sustainability and environmental policy. I am passionate about human rights and human dignity which includes living wage jobs, affordable living, help for the unhoused, and sensible immigration policy. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? My mother and my tribal elders who taught me the meaning of public service Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? (Robert Kennedy) quotes- “the essence of responsibility is to put the public good ahead of personal gain” “The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.” “Every time we turn our heads the other way when we see the law flouted, when we tolerate what we know to be wrong, when we close our eyes and ears to the corrupt because we are too busy or too frightened, when we fail to speak up and speak out, we strike a blow against freedom and decency and justice.” What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Honesty, Integrity, Humanity and Public Service. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? As Chairwoman of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area, I work with governments at all levels on quality-of-life issues for my people. Public service and duty to our communities is something I learned from my mother and our Tribal elders. I am also a business owner and environmentalist. Fifteen years ago, I founded a California company that has partnerships in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. We employ 6,000 people and divert 60 million pounds of clothing from landfills yearly. I am also the CEO of a California non-profit that teaches students and communities about sustainable practices and recycling education. Most importantly, I am a proud mother of Five, but I worry about my children’s futures as quality of life continues to dip for us while corporate giants become richer. Because of my work, I understand what's wrong with politics and I know how to fix it. Every crisis in our communities (unaffordable housing, homelessness, crime, gentrification, etc.) stems from the fact our politicians do not work for us and have no incentive to listen. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Serving their constituents is the one responsibility they must never lose sight of Listening and hearing the issues that their constituents struggle with and fighting for solutions to those issues. What legacy would you like to leave? That I served my community and fought for the rights of all people to live in prosperity in their communities. That I fought to make affordable housing and living wages a human right. That I fought to fix our immigration system and fought to help the unhoused find help to get off the streets and live in dignity. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? I remember when my mother in an act of political resistance protected my ancestors remains from being desecrated and because of that she went to jail and lost our home. This was a historic event for my people because it started our now 43 year struggle to reaffirm our status as a federally recognized tribe. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? I worked for my tribe when i was eight years old. I was taught to care for and repatriate our ancestral remains. I have served my community my entire life and continue to serve my tribe but now as Chairwoman . I also have founded a textile recycling operation and chair two non-profits. What is your favorite book? Why? Palo Alto by Malcom Harris. It tells the truth about our history instead of glamorizing our past and present. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? I prefer to stay in realty because we have a lot of serious work ahead of us What was the last song that got stuck in your head? None What is something that has been a struggle in your life? I have been Fighting the federal government for my people's right to exist as a sovereign nation. This struggle has opened my eyes to the corruption in politics and has encouraged me to run for Congress to represent not only my people but all marginalized and unheard people who struggle against special interest influence over our politicians What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? The House of Representatives represents more proportionally the population of the United States ( as opposed to the senate where each state has 2 senators regardless of the number of residents in each state) and therefore it is more closely representative of the will of the people. However it is critical to apply safeguards to this representative institution by implementing term limits, age limits and donation limits. This would ensure fairness and equality in representing the will of the people. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? I believe it can be beneficial in some regards. In my experience as Tribal chairwoman, I interact with all levels of government on many issues and that has shown me the deficiencies in government and the corruption in politics that are evident but are fixable. My experience in business has taught me the management of resources is something the government lacks in proficiency. And therefore, I would rely on my experience in both the fields of business and politics to bring people together on common sense solutions for the benefit of our communities. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? We need to come together as a nation and solve our domestic problems which our incumbent politicians have been ignoring for decades. We need to stop spending our money on forever wars that enrich corporate giants while ignoring the needs of our communities. We spend trillions of dollars on wars that do not make us more secure and only serve to make us more hated in the world. The money could and should be better spent on our many domestic issues like affordable housing, solving our out of control homeless crisis, improving quality of life issues like better and more accessible mass transit, better and more affordable healthcare , promoting living wage salaries for our teachers, nurses, and hourly wage earners, better schools, and control of the inflation that eats away at our savings and our quality of life. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? Yes. What are your thoughts on term limits? I wholeheartedly support term limits. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? No one comes to mind Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? I hear these stories all the time and they all touch me . These are not new stories. I have been hearing these stories for years. The stories of my neighbors, friends and family who are all living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to survive. The stories of my adult children and their peers who can't afford to buy a home and who can barely afford to rent despite working two jobs. The stories have been pessimistic and void of hope for a better future. This lack of hope is what breaks my heart. The fact that most people feel resigned to the way things are -Resigned to the fact that nothing can be done or nothing will be done to bring relief to their situation breaks my heart. Tell us your favorite joke. Our current state of affairs. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? You must acknowledge that there are moments when it is acceptable to Compromise and there are moments when it is not. We must never compromise our values, morals, or beliefs. However, we also must acknowledge that we all must respect each other as fellow citizens with equal rights to pursue our dreams and aspirations and live together in peace dignity and respect regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or political beliefs. I am the chairwoman of a sovereign American Indian tribe and In our tribe, we have diverse political views. Our members have divergent religious beliefs – from the most devout clergy who follow in the traditions of the Mission, to faith keepers struggling to keep our ceremonies alive, and young people who look to walk the Red Road. We have tribal members of every walk of life, profession, and political persuasion. We have college educated professionals, we have mechanics and contractors, we have business owners, and we have members who are unemployed or incarcerated. We have members who are well off financially and we have members who are struggling financially. We don’t agree on all issues but one thing we do agree on is that we are all part of the same community that has shared dreams and aspirations for itself. So we respect each other’s opinions, and we listen to each other and work to understand each other’s perspectives deeply and honestly. As a tribal leader, it’s my job to represent every single one of us – not just the folks who are well off or the folks who can vote. When I'm elected to Congress, I will represent all of us by bringing us all together to find common ground for our mutual benefit. The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? Accountability and resource management is critical to get us back on track. Investing in ourselves before we invest in other countries. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? To ensure there is no improper special interest influence over our elected officials. To ensure corruption is exposed and the American people be told the truth. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? The Muwekma Ohlone Tribal Council\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Nijmeh’s campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><b>Housing Affordability</b><br/>\nThe only way to reduce housing prices is to increase the supply of homes. Our public policy posture should be focused on bringing new units into the marketplace at every price point, including the provision of deeply-affordable units for the working-poor segments of our population, multi-bedroom housing that is affordable for working families, and all styles of workforce housing. \n</p><p>The Department of Housing and Urban Development must reinvent its approach to housing and urban development -- and that will take legislation that reshapes our national housing policy. I will call for new legislation: the Housing Access and Affordability Act of 2025 -- which will make it easier for affordable housing developers and non-profit organizations to access federal financing to construct new units on underutilized urban land.\n</p><p><b>Homelessness</b><br/>\nTo address the San Francisco Bay Area's uniquely large population of unhoused people, our congressional delegation must work together to fight for federal funds that provide for the transitional housing, drug treatment facilities, and work programs that are needed to get people off the streets and onto a long-term path of personal growth and independent living. \n</p><p><b>World Class Mass Transit</b><br/>\nThe San Francisco Bay Area -- including San Jose and the South Bay -- deserves a world-class mass transit system that serves the day-to-day needs of our residents and our workforce. It's time to build the mass transit system that we need to accommodate Silicon Valley's next generation of economic growth. It will require an expansive deployment of new light rail and an extension of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system to San Jose and Silicon Valley. I will fight for federal funds to begin building the infrastructure that will evolve our region into a more livable reality for working people.\n</p><p><b>We all deserve safe streets</b><br/>\nAll Californians -- and all Americans -- deserve safe streets and healthy neighborhoods. The mental health crisis that is taking place on our streets is undeniable. America can do better in providing troubled individuals the help that they need to redirect the trajectory of their lives. Access to better support services is just the beginning. These challenges demand values education programs and anti-addiction curriculum in our schools. Coupled with more holistic reentry programs for formerly incarcerated persons, we can make our streets safe everywhere -- and we can do so compassionately. \n</p><p><b>An Era of Energy Innovation</b><br/>\nThe Bay Area's vibrant tech industry has a unique role to play in transforming North America's energy mix. Our unparalleled ability to innovate to solve the challenge of resource constraints and the costs of power generation is precisely what the Nation needs to remain competitive across every facet of our economy. Robust innovation is the pathway towards a truly diverse renewable energy mix that is affordable to ratepayers and void of the environmental impacts that impose unseen costs on the next generation. \n</p><p><b>Better Parks and Public Spaces</b><br/>\nParks and public spaces are a democratizing force in any society. The sprawling and poorly planned development that has engulfed the South Bay over the last three decades has undermined our region's access to open space, neighborhood parks, recreational amenities, and the town square. It's a profound loss and impacts the quality of life of our residents. I am committed to making our community the most enjoyable and livable place in America -- and I fight for the federal funds that will make your life better. I will also fight to curb the poorly planned sprawl that continues to threaten our open spaces and natural environments.\n</p><p><b>Protecting children on the internet</b><br/>\nFor decades, Congress has failed to protect our children on the internet. I will demand that Hollywood and Silicon Valley put our priorities -- protecting our children -- before their priorities. The Big Tech companies have ignored the psychological harms that their social media platforms have on young users. New consumer protections are needed to keep these platforms out of the hands of children -- like were once legislated to reign in the abusive practices of the tobacco industry when they targeted minors.\n</p><p>We will require paywalls to access pornography so that minors can't have easy and free access to it. We will demand that tech companies do more to prevent human trafficking and use artificial intelligence to identify sex trafficking in our midst. For too long, Silicon Valley has turned a blind eye to the sex trade that is enabled with their platforms and technologies. \n</p><p><b>A functional immigration system</b><br/>\nOur immigration system doesn't work. It's broken, backwards, and irrational -- and it's causing havoc on our borders. We need to make it easier for people to migrate here lawfully, safely, and transparently. That requires comprehensive immigration reform that makes the American dream a possibility for all.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_2-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-2\">[2]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Charlene Nijmeh's campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-3\"><a href=\"#cite_note-3\">[3]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>", "answer_text": "Nijmeh’s campaign website stated the following:\n“ Housing Affordability The only way to reduce housing prices is to increase the supply of homes. Our public policy posture should be focused on bringing new units into the marketplace at every price point, including the provision of deeply-affordable units for the working-poor segments of our population, multi-bedroom housing that is affordable for working families, and all styles of workforce housing. The Department of Housing and Urban Development must reinvent its approach to housing and urban development -- and that will take legislation that reshapes our national housing policy. I will call for new legislation: the Housing Access and Affordability Act of 2025 -- which will make it easier for affordable housing developers and non-profit organizations to access federal financing to construct new units on underutilized urban land. Homelessness To address the San Francisco Bay Area's uniquely large population of unhoused people, our congressional delegation must work together to fight for federal funds that provide for the transitional housing, drug treatment facilities, and work programs that are needed to get people off the streets and onto a long-term path of personal growth and independent living. World Class Mass Transit The San Francisco Bay Area -- including San Jose and the South Bay -- deserves a world-class mass transit system that serves the day-to-day needs of our residents and our workforce. It's time to build the mass transit system that we need to accommodate Silicon Valley's next generation of economic growth. It will require an expansive deployment of new light rail and an extension of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system to San Jose and Silicon Valley. I will fight for federal funds to begin building the infrastructure that will evolve our region into a more livable reality for working people. We all deserve safe streets All Californians -- and all Americans -- deserve safe streets and healthy neighborhoods. The mental health crisis that is taking place on our streets is undeniable. America can do better in providing troubled individuals the help that they need to redirect the trajectory of their lives. Access to better support services is just the beginning. These challenges demand values education programs and anti-addiction curriculum in our schools. Coupled with more holistic reentry programs for formerly incarcerated persons, we can make our streets safe everywhere -- and we can do so compassionately. An Era of Energy Innovation The Bay Area's vibrant tech industry has a unique role to play in transforming North America's energy mix. Our unparalleled ability to innovate to solve the challenge of resource constraints and the costs of power generation is precisely what the Nation needs to remain competitive across every facet of our economy. Robust innovation is the pathway towards a truly diverse renewable energy mix that is affordable to ratepayers and void of the environmental impacts that impose unseen costs on the next generation. Better Parks and Public Spaces Parks and public spaces are a democratizing force in any society. The sprawling and poorly planned development that has engulfed the South Bay over the last three decades has undermined our region's access to open space, neighborhood parks, recreational amenities, and the town square. It's a profound loss and impacts the quality of life of our residents. I am committed to making our community the most enjoyable and livable place in America -- and I fight for the federal funds that will make your life better. I will also fight to curb the poorly planned sprawl that continues to threaten our open spaces and natural environments. Protecting children on the internet For decades, Congress has failed to protect our children on the internet. I will demand that Hollywood and Silicon Valley put our priorities -- protecting our children -- before their priorities. The Big Tech companies have ignored the psychological harms that their social media platforms have on young users. New consumer protections are needed to keep these platforms out of the hands of children -- like were once legislated to reign in the abusive practices of the tobacco industry when they targeted minors. We will require paywalls to access pornography so that minors can't have easy and free access to it. We will demand that tech companies do more to prevent human trafficking and use artificial intelligence to identify sex trafficking in our midst. For too long, Silicon Valley has turned a blind eye to the sex trade that is enabled with their platforms and technologies. A functional immigration system Our immigration system doesn't work. It's broken, backwards, and irrational -- and it's causing havoc on our borders. We need to make it easier for people to migrate here lawfully, safely, and transparently. That requires comprehensive immigration reform that makes the American dream a possibility for all. [2] ” —Charlene Nijmeh's campaign website (2024) [3]"}]