Serving the 65th District
A Message from Assemblyman Paul Cook to the People of the 65th Assembly District
As I begin my third and final term in the state Assembly, I would like you all to know that I am humbled and deeply honored by your continued support and pledge to continue fighting for you in Sacramento.
This will likely be my most difficult term as your Assemblyman, as the state of California continues to face a massive budget deficit and a stalled economy that has left far too many Californians out of work. There will be much work to do and I will need all of the residents of the 65th Assembly District to remain vigilant and never hesitate to contact my office with any suggestions or advice.
I will continue to need your input and support so that I can do my best to serve you as your representative in the State Assembly!
local legislation
Assemblyman Cook to Hold Legislative Summits with Local Leaders
Assemblyman Paul Cook plans to hold a series of legislative summits with local leaders in the coming months. He will be seeking their input on state and local issues as well as discussing legislative priorities for the coming year. “As a former mayor, I’ve always made it a point to work closely with local officials who know their communities best,” Cook explained.
Assemblyman Cook has already set up his first legislative summit with law enforcement leaders from throughout the 65th Assembly District. Future plans include meetings with City Managers, School Superintendents, and Chamber of Commerce Executive Directors.
“Many of my most important pieces of legislation came out of meeting with local officials,” said Cook. “Hopefully, some valuable legislation will emerge from these summits.”
Across the 65th District
Assemblyman Paul Cook Congratulates Elected and Re-elected City Council Members
I would like to congratulate all of the newly elected and re-elected City Council Members within the 65th Assembly District. Although the coming year will be a challenging one with the twin challenges of another massive state budget deficit threatening funding for important local priorities and high unemployment, I look forward to working with all of you to meet these challenges.
Banning- Councilmembers Bob Botts and Debbie Franklin
Beaumont- Councilmembers David Casteldo, Roger Berg, and Brian Deforge
Big Bear Lake- Councilmembers David Caretto, Jay Obernolte, and Rick Herrick
Calimesa- Councilmembers James Hyatt and Jeff Hewitt
Hemet- Councilmembers Linda Krupa and Larry Smith
Menifee- Councilmembers Thomas Fuhrman and John Denver
Moreno Valley- Councilmembers Richard Steward and Marcela Co
Perris- Councilmembers Mark Yarborough and Al Landers
San Jacinto- Councilmembers Alonso Ledezma, Scott Miller, Andrew Kotyuk, and Mark Bartel
Twentynine Palms- Councilmembers Jay Corbin, Daniel Mintz, and Jim Harris
Yucaipa- Councilmembers Greg Bogh and Tom Masner
Yucca Valley- Councilmembers Dawn Rowe, Chad Mayes, and Isaac Hagerman
Assemblyman Cook has my support. And I’m a registered Independent. Though it’s odd that some of my Republican friends don’t hesitate to disagree with me.
Nevertheless, even leader whom whom you support aren’t always going to please you. We’re all okay with that. So here is my concern with a guy I continue to support and respect.
On or about December 8, when Assemblyman Paul Cook was in Yucca Valley, he spoke before local officials. He said: He is very nervous, afraid that Yucca Valley is going to turn into a ghost town, as those who can’t afford the costs of the sewage project will just walk away. One witness reports that Cook was so impassioned, at one point was pounding on the lectern trying get his point across to a bunch of local knuckleheads who are directly part of the problem.
Here’s the concern: Assemblyman Cook continue to support these guys with their personal agendas and funds the candidates of their choice who will play ball with them.
Last night when the HDWD Board met, it’s my preliminary understanding that Chief Financial Officer Frank Luckino — aka Town Council member — reported a single family hookup to the sewer is $10,000, and my understanding that would be apportioned out at $81.00 per month. Already homeowners are seeking to buy homes in Joshua Tree (watch for an increase of rental, leases and homes in J.T.).
A few months ago Frankie Luckino, Y.V. Mayor Chad Mayer — aka Chief of Staff for newly-elect Supervisor Janice Rutherford — carried the vote to not support infrastructure fees for developers and builders.
Homeowners and the people of Yucca Valley get the shaft from Frankie and Mayes. Like I have consistently advocated, Luckino in my opinion is an anathema to health and welfare of the Basin — and a stench that never stops giving.