I’m running for the State Senate because I want to build on that leadership to protect and invest in the Central Coast and California during these difficult times – not just in the area of natural resources, but also with critical priorities including health care, education, the economy and housing.
Specifically, I pledge to work on major challenges including: the impact of a changing climate on California; affordability for the middle class; providing health care to all; providing adequate support for education; adequate and affordable housing; wild fires as California’s “new normal”; protecting California’s leadership in ocean policy; embracing and protecting California’s diversity; and fighting for the needs of the Central Coast.
The impact of a changing climate on California.
We have no time to spare in lowering our carbon emissions and in readying our state for the effects that will happen because of the carbon emitted already.
Affordability for the middle class in California.
Whether it’s affording housing, higher education, transportation or the standard of living – California has become difficult to afford for the middle class. This is a daunting challenge, but one that we must address. The state has enacted a higher minimum wage and we must see through its implementation.
Providing health care to all.
While in the legislature I co-authored single payer health care and was the advocate for health coverage for all children. Given the federal assault on health care, we have to protect those Californians who recently secured health coverage as we work to make sure everyone is covered.
Providing adequate support for education.
In my past legislative service, I helped fight off attempts to weaken financial protections for K-14 education. We have to continue to protect K-14, as well as our higher education systems – and work to reduce financial barriers for students.
Adequate and affordable housing in California.
I worked on the 2006 affordable housing bond and am glad voters approved another bond last November. The legislature must do more to partner with local government, housing non-profits and the private sector to provide more affordable housing.
Wild fires as California’s “new normal.”
A majority of the biggest fires in California history have happened since 2000. Santa Rosa, Redding and Paradise have been devastated in just the last year and a half. Leadership will be needed to take necessary steps to be ready for this “new normal.”
Protecting California’s leadership in ocean policy.
I was honored to head California’s oceans program, which produced the most recent science on sea level rise and the largest network of marine protected areas off the continental U.S. The program also joined Washington and Oregon to organize nations across the globe to fight acidification. I vow to help continue that leadership.
Appreciating and protecting California’s diversity.
As one of the first openly gay Mayors in America, I have always appreciated the recognition of different voices in building a successful state. Our diversity is a strength and we must work together to protect the rights of all.
The needs of the Central Coast.
Our local area has a large number of state parks, major transportation corridors, higher education campuses, agricultural production centers, and satellite facilities of Silicon Valley-based industries. I pledge to work with local officials to meet the needs of these local stakeholders.
I have worked the last 40 years to be ready for the next eight as a senator. I’ve served in public policy, as a congressional assistant, local government analyst, mayor, city councilmember, transit board member, transportation commissioner, community college trustee, community activist, state legislator and governor’s cabinet secretary. I want to bring that experience and leadership to meet our challenges.
