As a proud Democrat, I am honored to be running in the Democratic Primary for the 19th Assembly District in the California State Assembly.  The primary election for this seat will be held in June 2008.

I'm running for this job because I want to take my abilities to build consensus, forge coalitions, and find common sense solutions to the issues facing our communities and apply them to the problems in Sacramento.  We can never stop trying to improve our quality of life, and the Golden State should never be satisfied with just being good - we have what it takes to be the best.

I am proud of the accomplishments and experience I've gained as a small business owner, a City Council Member and Mayor, a current County Supervisor, and as an appointed member of regional boards such as Caltrain and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.  Over the past 16 years in local elected office, I've worked on issues and solutions to improve our quality of life in San Mateo County and the San Francisco Bay Area.  Issues such as:

• Providing universal healthcare;
• Protecting the environment and open space;
• Increasing our sources of renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gases;
• Reducing traffic congestion and expanding mass transit;
• Improving local schools and expanding access to higher education;
• Reducing crime and gang violence;
• Expanding programs to rehabilitate offenders and reduce inmate populations;
• Building more affordable housing;
• Protecting civil rights and the rights of working people and their families;
• Preparing for the next disaster;
• Ensuring our most vulnerable populations such as children, youth, the disabled, and seniors have a social service safety net to protect them.

Most recently, I was appointed by the Governor to represent the Bay Area on the California Air Resources Board.  This appointment will enable me to work with leaders from across the State of California to implement the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.  I was proud to have the support of the environmental community on this appointment.

I want my work in Sacramento to improve our lives now and the lives of future generations that I will never know.  My legacy as a legislator will be defined not only by the successes of today, but by the vision I can help forge in Sacramento for the California of tomorrow.  I will take my real experience to Sacramento and continue the fight for a better California.

With your support, I can continue the work of the dedicated leaders I respect so much who have served in this seat before me.  Leaders like Quentin Kopp, Jackie Speier, and our current Assemblyman Gene Mullin who have all built upon their previous experience as local elected officials and gone to Sacramento with real experience at solving problems.  I will take my real experience to Sacramento and continue the fight for a better California.

I am humbled by the support I have received so far from San Mateo County residents and I look forward to lively debate on the issues that matter most to San Mateo County and the State of California over the coming months.

Warm regards,

Jerry Hill