We won!

With more than a 1,000 vote lead and very few ballots left to process, the election results won’t change. I’m very excited to be the Democratic nominee for the 19th Assembly District and look forward to success in the November election.

First, thank you to everyone who helped make this moment possible.

To my wonderful and energetic volunteers, to those who endorsed me, donated to my campaign, put up a lawn sign, I want to say Thank You once again.

Everyone’s efforts, large and small, had a hand in my victory. I will never forget this campaign and your assistance. I could not have done it without you.

Yesterday, Gina Papan called to concede the race and wish me well. Richard Holober had called previously and offered similar wishes. You can read more at the San Mateo Daily Journal and San Mateo Daily News websites.

I want to take a few days and enjoy our victory. I will be back in touch soon to tell you of our plans for our November campaign and ask for your help to ensure I get to Sacramento.

Thank you once again!

Please join me in welcoming Marico Enriquez to the San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Commission.

Marico brings a strong history of community involvement to the Commission. He currently serves on the board of the Filipino American Coalition. I have no doubt that he will do a great job of educating the community about San Mateo County’s abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.

/Jerry

This is a response to Sandra, who posed the following questions in the comments section of my first post. Sandra’s original message can be found here.

Sandra,

Thank you for your questions. You asked:

How would you help with, or reform, the health policy for the people of California?

My plan would have two basic tenants:

1) Expand coverage to the uninsured through a system of shared financing. This shared system would levy charges on employers, individuals, and caregivers, and couple those with higher government subsidies from existing programs.

2) Extract cost-efficiencies by reforming the way health care is delivered. The reforms would include better education for consumers, so they can make better decisions about how they allocate their health care dollars. People with complex-chronic conditions will be enrolled in coordinated care management programs that will treat their conditions in a more cost-effective manner. Finally, I believe expanding coverage to the uninsured will help lower costs by keeping people from using the emergency room (the most expensive form of care) for routine treatments.

You can find out more about my healthcare policy proposals under the ‘Issues’ section of my website.

You also asked:

Since the Sierra Club has taken this country to global warming by outlawing nuclear power, and polluting with coal. Why would I vote for someone who is supported by these idiots?

Great question. First off, allow me to make one minor correction to your statement. The Sierra Club is an advocacy organization, and as such, they do not make laws. That said, the Sierra Club does advocate for conservation as a means of gaining energy independence and opposes building more power plants, nuclear or coal-fired. I support that position.

There are so many new technologies and initiatives that promise to make our state and our nation more energy-efficient than we are at present, that I believe it is premature to begin building more power plants. Solar and wind energy are just two examples. Solar, in particular, is only a couple more years away from being cost-competitive with electricity supplied by traditional energy companies.

Investment in so-called ‘Clean-Tech’ companies is soaring as investors and the public-sector alike see the vast potential for energy-saving products and technologies. In the next few years, there will be an electric vehicle on the market that will allow its owners to send energy to the statewide electricity grid.

More and more companies and households are enrolling in energy-efficiency programs that conserve electricity. As a legislator, I would like to create more incentives to fast-track these types of conservation programs and technologies.

Last week I was honored to learn that I was a recipient of Breathe California’s Clean Air Award.

From the award website:

For close to 20 years, San Mateo County Supervisor Jerry Hill has demonstrated exemplary leadership and genuine enthusiasm for fighting air pollution and protecting public health. From his steadfast support of Spare the Air Days to his role implementing the state’s landmark global warming law (AB 32), Supervisor Hill has fought for critical air quality legislation at the local, regional and state levels. In addition, he has been a long-time champion of tobacco control issues and smoke-free areas in San Mateo County.

It was an honor to receive the award, but at the same time it was humbling to know that in any given year, there are a number of elected officials and environmentalists representing San Mateo County who are equally worthy of recognition. We’re all very fortunate to live in a region that prizes environmental quality.

There’s still work to be done, however. That’s why I will continue to fight for tougher air quality standards as your representative on the Board of Supervisors and the California Air Resources Board.

/Jerry

Sheriff Greg Munks behavior in Las Vegas last year was wrong. I was, and remain, disappointed in his actions and I don’t condone his behavior.

At the time of the incident, the Board of Supervisors requested advice from our County Counsel on what actions could be taken. In light of the recent publicity, I again asked County Counsel what actions the Board could take in this matter.

The advice one year ago was the same advice I was given today.

Due to the fact that the activities occurred outside of San Mateo County, was on the Sheriff’s own time and because no charges were ever filed by the Las Vegas authorities because it was determined that no crime had been committed, the County Counsel’s office informed the Board that there was no legal recourse the County could pursue.

Under different circumstances, the Board of Supervisors has acted very aggressively in investigating and acting upon inappropriate actions by other elected County officials when it involved County resources, County employees or on County time. As an example, the Board took very strong actions in regards to inappropriate behavior by the independently elected County Coroner because those actions took place on County property, on County time and with County employees over a period of time.

While this situation with the Sheriff remains deeply distressing to me and my colleagues, we are forced to accept the legal limitations given the circumstances. However, as we all know, the Sheriff will have to answer to the people who hired him–the voters of San Mateo County, when he comes up for election in 2010.

I do believe however, that we should look to see what changes we can make to our County Charter so that in the future the Board of Supervisors has more authority to investigate and take actions against elected County officials for inappropriate behavior. I have asked the County Counsel to develop options for the Board to consider that provide us more authority in these types of situations. We will bring these items forward for public discussion and action.

Additionally, so there is no appearance of a conflict as we review possible changes to the County Charter, I am returning the contribution I received from the Sheriff. Insinuations that my actions with regards to the Sheriff were influenced by his contributions are untrue and insulting. My decisions have been made on the advice of our County Counsel and the legal parameters we must operate under. I will continue to make decisions that are in the best interests of the residents of San Mateo County.

/Jerry

The Internet has provided us such a wonderful opportunity to communicate directly.  On this blog, I’ll be letting you know where I stand on the issues.  I hope you will be encouraged to participate actively as well, ensuring that everyone’s views are known.

Feel free to comment and provide your input and insight.  I welcome your involvement and participation.