Steve Hilton gears up for gubernatorial debate

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - The race for Governor of California is heating up as voters are watching for key issues, like lowering cost of living, homelessness and the drug crisis.

Republican nominee Steve Hilton is set to face Democratic nominee Xavier Becerra on the debate stage on September 30.

With the election approaching, Hilton says affordability remains his top priority.

"The question for everyone watching that debate, everyone watching us now, is why would you vote the same way and expect a different result?" Hilton asked.

"It is time for something to change in California, and I'm laying out a positive, practical alternative. I'm not a politician. I'm a problem solver with business experience, government reform experience. My plans are very simple: Cheaper gas, lower tax. We're going to get to $3 gas with a sensible energy policy. And by cutting the waste out of government, we're going to make your first $150,000 tax-free, no state income tax. That's thousands more dollars in your pocket every year," Hilton declared in an interview with Channel 11.

One of those solutions, Hilton says, is abolishing several Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations and moving operations online, which will help lower vehicle registration costs. He says the buildings can then be used for after-school programs for youth or job training sites.

"So what we're going to do is cap vehicle registration at the basic fee, the basic registration fee today, which is $73.73 dollars per vehicle per year. Now part of that will be paid for by abolishing the bureaucracy of the DMV. Most other states don't have a separate DMV," he explained.

The Senate Housing Committee estimates roughly 180,000 homeless people in the state of California. This includes people living in motels, doubling up with family, people living in RVs or shelters, and on the streets.

In Imperial County, the problem is steadily growing.

"No one's gonna get better, no one's gonna get their life on track if they're on the streets. So it has to start with getting people off the streets, then we can get them off drugs and into the mental health treatment that they need, and I've got a plan to do that," Hilton shared.

He is also working on a plan for those with pets experiencing drug addiction or homelessness, so that they do not have to give up their animals.

"We have a plan. This particular project, which it's called Salmon Lake Ranch, and it's a similar facility up and down the state with enough capacity to handle everyone. This particular one has the space and it's in the plan for people to be able to bring their dogs with them and be with them," Hilton said.

"It's really important. That emotional connection is very important. But of course, the animals have to be safe as well," He added.

Hilton says if elected governor, Imperial County will no longer be California's forgotten county.

"Salton Sea, of course, is a huge opportunity for us in the state. I've spent a lot of time there understanding what we can do to revive the area, so Imperial is going to be a top priority for me," Hilton promised.

Election Day is November 3, with early voting starting on October 25 in Imperial County.

For a complete list of candidates in other races News 11 is following, including the California governor's race, click here.