State Assembly Q&A: Republican Terry Rathbun

Republican Terry Rathbun is running for the California State Assembly  in the 41st District.

Rathbun was born in Sun Valley, raised in Panorama City and now resides in Encino.

Rathbun served in the U.S. Navy from 1990-99, and was part of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield. He said his military experience prepared him for leadership and working among large groups of people, which will help him be an effective member of the Assembly.

After leaving the Navy, Rathbun returned to Los Angeles where he attended college. He now owns and manages an IT consulting business.

"As a small business owner, I like to have personal relationships with each of my clients," Rathbun said. "I want to establish these types of relationships with the cities in my district."

He loves to spend his down time golfing, fishing, volunteering for the Kiwanis Club of Northridge and coaching youth baseball.

"I will bring a principled leadership that does not sell out values for earmarks or lobbyist interests, a leadership that represents the district to Sacramento instead of Sacramento being represented to the people," Rathbun said.

Agoura Hills Patch: How will you represent the 41^st District?

Terry Rathbun: Once elected I will establish a relationship with the 41^st District that is 75 percent personal and 25 percent policy. The policies created will be the result of that relationship. Nine out of 10 people do not know their representative. I want the people to know who is representing them.

Patch: How would you represent our community?

Rathbun: We need a lot of regulatory reform. Environmental regulations imposed on small businesses are hurting them rather than helping them. We can pull some back so we have a balance. Human rights are being trampled upon by certain environmental policies where they can be solved by just being leveled out.

Patch: What do you suggest we do about our state's high unemployment rate?

Rathbun: What we need to do is let prosperity back into the state. California is ranked No. 1 in the nation in access to capital. However, businesses have trouble getting started here, as we are ranked last in the country as having a friendly business environment. We need to give people access to that capital and start producing.

Patch: What can local voters plan to gain from your election?

Rathbun: I will be acting in their best interest and not in the special interest of Sacramento. In response to [Assemblywoman Julia] Brownley's proposed plastic bag ban, I would suggest that it be up to city governments to decide whether or not to ban the plastic bag. The local governments govern the best.