Brian Maryott is the Republican Candidate for U.S. Congressman in the 49th District, challenging the one term Democrat, Mike Levin. The district covers the northern coastal area of San Diego County, including Oceanside, Vista, and Encinitas, Ladera Ranch and Coto de Caza. Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base is also in the district.
With the number of active duty and veterans in the district, the candidate held a “Veterans for Maryott Press Conference” at Cottonwood Creek Park in Encinitas on September 29, 2020. The coalition of Veterans and military families included the featured guest speaker, 99-year-old Rear Admiral Doniphan B. Shelton, a veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam. The Admiral indicated that he had flown in over 70 aircraft as a test pilot, in addition to his combat roles. Others in attendance and those interviewed included: Patrick Snow – Campaign Manager, Military Veteran Tom Garcia, and eight-year Army Veteran Joshua Imes. Brian Maryott spoke to the group and focused on healthcare, suicide prevention and other essential veteran services.
North County Daily Star spoke with Brian who gave his perspective that his opponent was focusing on issues outside of what is best for veterans and what he would implement or improve:
-Congressman Levin has suggested combining Tricare, a healthcare program for career veterans only, with HR-1384, that would include illegal aliens.
-Congressman Levin has been aligned with those who advocate reduced military spending.
-Congressman Levin has suggested reducing police spending and redirecting the funds.
-Brian believes in less government and more focus on opportunities through the creation of more small business and keeping medium and large business in the USA.
-Brian would focus on ensuring that states that have a license requirement for any job would allow veterans and their families to have a reciprocal authorization between states.
-Veteran suicide prevention would be a major focus including mental health services expansion with additional Vet Centers and expanded staffing. Treatment for PTSD, TBI and MST would be his focus.
-Veteran employment, including transition assistance and follow up support at six and twelve months after separation, with feedback up the line on how successful the transition program has been to determine what support the veteran needs. Adjustments would be made as new feedback from veterans was documented.
Brian Maryott, father of three, also commented on public education and that we need more options and choices for kids, including Charter Schools. He also indicated that schools should be open for in-person attendance.
Regarding COVID-19, businesses should be determining when to open after proving that they can do so safely. State and federal government should not be making those decisions.
