For those who like political theater, this year should be an exciting one with a statewide initiative in the June primary that would allow open primaries, and water bonds on the November general election ballot. There is sure to be a lot of shakeup in our local jurisdictions as well. Assemblyman Dave Jones is termed out after serving six years in the State Assembly. Running to replace him are Sacramento County Supervisor Roger Dickinson, Sacramento City Council Member Lauren Hammond, Sacramento City Council Member Kevin McCarty, and budget analyst Chris Garland. Dave Jones would like to continue his public service, and is running for State Insurance Commissioner, a position currently held by Steve Poizner who is leaving that seat to run for Governor.
This 9th Assembly District seat has rich Sacramento history. Dave Jones was elected to this seat in 2004 when Darrell Steinberg, who is now Pro Tempore of the State Senate, was termed out. Both Dave Jones and Darrell Steinberg started their political service on the Sacramento City Council.
Supervisor Roger Dickinson is giving up his supervisorial seat to run for the State Assembly. Running to replace him is Grantland Johnson who served on the Sacramento City Council and Sacramento County Board of Supervisors before serving as the Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency. Running against him is project manager Phil Serna, son of former Sacramento Mayor Joe Serna Jr.
Sacramento City Council Member Lauren Hammond is also giving up her council seat to run for the State Assembly. Running to replace her is education consultant and former Sacramento City Unified School District member Jay Schenirer. Running against him is Sacramento City School Board member Patrick Kennedy.
Sacramento City Council member Kevin McCarty has a safe seat, should he not win, he can hold his City Council seat until 2012. If he does win the Assembly seat, there will be a special election to replace him on City Council.
The Sacramento Association of REALTORS® has a great working relationship with all of these individuals, and will continue to work with them in any capacity they serve in. REALTORS® are sure to have a plethora of issues come before government in 2010, include income tax withholding and point of sale.
