Candidate’s first and last name:
Wilma Tom Hashimoto
Have you established a written non-discrimination policy for your campaign or office staff and volunteers, inclusive of protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity?
Not for this campaign but I have one at my place of employment; CASA of Fresno and Madera Counts.
What are your thoughts on public employees having the ability to refuse to carry out their public duties without consequence when such duties may contradict their sincerely held religious beliefs?
I believe we must respect the religious beliefs of individuals but at the same time ensure that public duties are performed without interruption or bias.
Public service roles come with specific responsibilities that are designed to meet the needs of all citizens, regardless of race, religion, gender, or background. When someone chooses to take on a public role, they are agreeing to carry out the duties that come with that position. Refusing to perform certain duties based on personal religious beliefs could jeopardize the ability of public institutions to function effectively and serve the public impartially. For example, if a public employee refuses to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple or provide certain healthcare services, it creates unequal access to public services, which is not acceptable in a diverse society.
However, I also recognize that individuals have a right to their sincerely held religious beliefs. Therefore, it is the responsibility of public employers to be clear and upfront about the duties associated with any position they are hiring for. This allows prospective employees to fully understand what is required of them before accepting a role and provides an opportunity for them to assess whether they can perform the job without compromising their beliefs. If a public employer fails to disclose all relevant duties, the candidate should proactively ask about the specifics of the position to ensure they can carry out the necessary tasks. This mutual transparency helps to avoid conflicts down the road, ensuring that both the public’s needs are met and the individual’s religious freedoms are respected. In cases where a conflict does arise, public employers should explore reasonable
accommodations—provided those accommodations do not disrupt the delivery of public services. However, the primary duty of public institutions is to serve the community without
discrimination or bias, and that must remain the guiding principle.
Ultimately, the decision to accept a public role comes with a responsibility to the public good, and public employees must be prepared to carry out their duties fully, or they should
reconsider accepting a position if those duties conflict with their personal beliefs. This approach respects individual rights while ensuring that public services remain accessible and equitable for all.
Legislation has passed in other states prohibiting drag shows and similar LGBTQ+ performances. What are your thoughts on this type of legislation?
With the election only a few weeks away, my attention is focused on what initially motivated my decision to campaign for Clovis School Board Trustee: so I can advocate for the best
interests of our children. One of the most pressing issues I believe we need to address is student achievement. Assessment scores show that our students have fallen behind due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, so it’s important that we identify solutions and provide students with the tools they need to be successful.
While the legislation you’re asking about is important, I feel it is more appropriate to be addressed by candidates who are running to represent the larger community at a local or state level.
What are your views on public libraries offering comprehensive, age-appropriate books/materials inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity? ‘
Public libraries were created to provide free and equal access to knowledge, information, and resources for all members of society. They should be a place to learn, explore and build
knowledge through books, educational materials and other resources. This includes age-appropriate books/materials inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Do you support explicitly protecting LGBT+ students from bullying and harassment in state law?
Absolutely. I believe ALL students have a right to attend school without the threat of being bullied or harassed. This is particularly important for marginalized groups like foster youth,
children with special needs, etc. Our schools must be held accountable to protect their students and failure to do so must have consequences.
Clovis Unified School District currently requires transgender students to get their parents or guardians permission to receive affirming services. What is your view on this? What are your views on age-appropriate gender-affirming care for transgender and gender nonconforming individuals?
A great deal of literature has been published by the World Health Organization and American Medical Association, among others, about the importance of parents or caregivers being involved when a student is considering gender-affirming services such as taking hormones or puberty blockers. These are important decisions that have long-term implications. Therefore, based on the recommendations of the medical community and California laws that require youth under age 18 to have parental consent for most gender affirming services, I support involving the parent or guardian in these very important decisions.
Do you support public funding for HIV testing, treatment, and prevention?
Yes, I support public funding.
What do you plan to do to improve air quality and protect the residents of the Central Valley?
I believe in educating children about the causes of poor air quality in our Valley and how to read the air quality index, as well as reinforcing the importance of adhering to its recommendation to prevent air quality-related illnesses like asthma.
What is your perspective on a woman’s complete bodily autonomy?
It should not be mandated by legislation nor impact the educational system.
Are there any plans you would implement to address the issue of homelessness?
Academics, vocational training, and addressing mental health are key to preventing homelessness. My agency has contracted with One Fresno Youth Employment and Economic
Commission to provide youth with the training needed to secure a job. This includes teaching them how to answer interview questions, educating them on appropriate job attire and helping them identify potential job opportunities.
Please share your views on the economy, job availability, and household incomes in the Central Valley and any plans to address these issues.
The Central Valley’s economy is unique, with a heavy reliance on agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics, but it also faces challenges in terms of job availability and household incomes. Many families struggle with below-average incomes compared to the rest of California. Job opportunities can vary significantly depending on a person’s skills and education, but many high-paying positions require specialized skills or training, which is something we need to focus on as we prepare high school students for life after graduation.
I strongly believe that we need to equip our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the workforce before they graduate from high school. Not every student is interested in or able to pursue a four-year college education, and we need to embrace that reality by providing alternative pathways to success. High schools should be a place where students not only receive academic education but also learn about the many opportunities in trade and vocational careers, which can offer stable, well-paying jobs.