The 27th District Assembly race has been something of an enigma
in the South Valley. Morgan Hill and San Martin were ripped from
the 28th district in last year’s decennial redistricting and placed
in a coastal district that includes Santa Cruz and Monterey
counties.
The 27th District Assembly race has been something of an enigma in the South Valley. Morgan Hill and San Martin were ripped from the 28th district in last year’s decennial redistricting and placed in a coastal district that includes Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.
Democrat John Laird, who served on the Santa Cruz City Council from 1991-1990, has spent his political career building coalitions, which will serve voters of San Martin and Morgan Hill well. Laird has been involved in a variety of human rights issues and is committed to education. He has been on leave with his job with the county of Santa Cruz as he campaigns and has spent a total of 21 years in government work, laying the groundwork for what should be a smooth transition into the state legislature.
His opponent, Republican Chuck Carter, lacks Laird’s well-rounded experience.
The Pinnacle recommends John Laird in the 27th Assembly District.
Additionally, The Pinnacle believes that Simon Salinas, representing the 28th District, has proven his commitment to the South Valley and should be returned to Sacramento for a second term. Salinas helped a Hollister hospital cut through red tape to acquire a bankrupt nursing home as frail residents were being transferred out of the county. Additionally, he has kept pressure on CalTrans to make improvements to Highway 25, the deadly two-lane link between Gilroy and Hollister.
South Valley residents are familiar with Salinas from his frequent “coffee talks,” held throughout the district. He has earned a second term. The Pinnacle recommends that District 28 residents cast their votes for Simon Salinas.
