Our communities are facing some of the toughest issues of our times: COVID recovery, meeting the challenge of climate change, addressing mental health, homelessness, the need for more affordable housing, support for small businesses, making transit work for all and more.
We desperately need experienced and proven leadership to develop a clear course of action and implement solutions at the State level.
I’ve served as a small-town mayor, city council member, regional transit, housing and climate change board member. I also spent 25 years as an engineer, tech innovator and climate activist. These experience make me uniquely qualified to address the numerous challenges we face at the State level.
One of the reasons why I am running for State Assembly is because I believe in citizen participation in government. Participation is what democracy is based on. I have always had a passion for public service and helping my community.
I was born in Modoc County, California (population 8,907) to a forest ranger and high school teacher. They taught me the value of hard work, perseverance in a face of adversity and commitment to community service.
I hold a Master's degree in Engineering from Dartmouth College and Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and Physics from Skidmore College. I was raised and educated to solve tough problems. When I returned to California – I immediately got involved in the environmental movement. I’ve been a local Sierra Club member for over 30 years. In 2007, I led a team of local Sierra Club volunteers to lobby Los Gatos Town Council to sign on to the Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement. Our efforts were successful and resulted in Los Gatos Taking a GHG inventory and creating a Climate Plan.
Once elected to the Council I continued to pursue environmental policies and consider founding the Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority as one of my biggest achievements in that area.
A small group of us wanted to move the needle on solving the climate problem. We formed Silicon Valley Clean Energy and reduced GHG in our service area by 34% compared to PG&E since we began delivering power. I was a Founding Board Member and Chair of the Board when we began buying 100% carbon free electricity to deliver to nearly half of the Santa Clara County Residents.
We refused to be squashed by the entrenched PG&E and now SVCE is thriving and pouring profits back into programs to further reduce GHG in the community building electrification and conversions to EVs while keeping our rates below PG&E.
In the 5 years we have been operating we have saved our customers $77M and avoided 575 Mlbs GHG compared to if they had stayed with PG&E
Many of the most pressing issues we are facing require technical solutions and would benefit from technical input - I firmly believe that the value of engineers taking an active and vocal role in government and policy-making is immeasurable. It is in our nature to think logically and systematically without being distracted by the intricacies of politics.
My priorities with focus on innovative solutions and commitment to positive results include:
Regional Economic Vibrancy
§ · Fortify local businesses from the impact of COVID 19
§ · Increase affordable housing supply, including expanding innovative solutions for increasing homelessness
§ · Fund strategic Infrastructure Projects including electrifying trains to Gilroy
§ · Improve transit and paratransit options for underserved and transit dependent communities
§ · Protect and Preserve our Unique Open Spaces and wildlife corridors
§ · Support our farmers and policies that promote carbon sequestration
Disaster Preparedness and Public Safety
§ · Promote Proactive Disaster Planning by addressing flood protection, defensive space and clear evacuation routes
§ · Improve recovery and mitigation efforts
§ · Strengthen Office of Emergency Management Support
§ · Ensure that our Departments tasked with providing public safety are fully staffed and equipped with the necessary training and support to serve our diverse communities
Healthy and Safe Community
· Mitigate the impact of COVID on the economy and the health of residents
· Make children’s health and education a top priority
· Support and expand programs to allow Seniors to Age in Place with Dignity
· Work to make inpatient and outpatient mental health services and treatment accessible for all
· Promote policies to protect environment, clean air and water
I am deeply committed to using my many years of experience, energy and vision to meet challenges facing our communities and accelerate a pivot to a prosperous, inclusive and dynamic community, built for the future.
www.robrennie.com