Assemblymember Rich Gordon Endorses Palo Alto City 

I am pleased to endorse Marc Berman for election in 2016 to the California State Assembly representing the 24^th Assembly District. 

It is time for the next generation of community leaders to take their place in advocating for our residents, representing our interests, and moving our state forward.

Marc grew up in our community.  He attended our local schools.  He has seen the great changes in our region over the past several decades and he has lived those changes.  He understands from a very personal perspective the challenges we face – maintaining quality education, protecting our environment, and housing all of our people.

Having been your representative in the legislature since 2010, I know that Marc has the right mix of elected experience, life experience, and talents to be the advocate we need in Sacramento.

As a member of the Palo Alto City Council, Marc has dealt with difficult and complex issues. A strong advocate for our environment, Marc has worked to assure that Palo Alto has a 100% carbon-neutral electricity portfolio and he has been supported by the League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club.  He fought for economic fairness and middle class families when advocating for an increase to the minimum wage in his community.  Marc has been an advocate for open and transparent government with his efforts to assure that the local budget process allows residents to see how their tax dollars are being spent.

As an executive at the Silicon Valley Education Foundation Marc has actively worked on the key education issues facing our children.  He has worked to create partnerships between local corporations and the education community to make STEM education available to all students in the Silicon Valley.  He will be a strong advocate for public education in Sacramento.

As a lawyer at a prominent Silicon Valley firm, Marc represented victims of domestic violence, helping them seek temporary restraining orders and permanent protection under the Violence Against Women Act.  I know he will defend the most vulnerable among us.

Sacramento is about building relationships and knowing when to negotiate to achieve positive outcomes.  Marc has experience in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.  He knows how to build coalitions.  He has the intellectual curiosity to ask the right questions.  And most importantly, he comes to public service because he cares deeply about others, our community, and our State.

Marc Berman will be an outstanding member of the California State Assembly and I am honored to lend my support to his candidacy.

Sincerely,

Rich Gordon, Assemblymember, AD 24