LAKEPORT–Former state senator Wesley Chesbro came to Lake County Monday to announce that he will run for state assembly.
In his plight to give rural community members a voice, Chesbro intends to focus on education, health care and environmental issues.
“Being in a small community is like coming home for me,” Chesbro said.
With the defeat of Proposition 93, Patty Berg cannot run for re-election. Berg now backs Chesbro in his candidacy.
Chesbro is critical of proposed state park closures, referring to it as “a huge step back.” He maintains that an experienced politician is able to understand and utilize bonds, in order for urban areas to not be able to gang up and take available money from rural communities.
Chesbro says he”s prepared to “continue waging” on behalf of the people to whom the issues effect.
“I spent eight years in the senate working to make sure the north coast is not shortchanged…” Chesbro said.
He is familiar with the dynamics of the area. He mentions the desperate need for drug and mental health treatment in the county. Chesbro voiced a desire to combat the cuts in education that are so negatively affecting this area.
As a long-time resident of the north coast, Chesbro attended Humboldt State College in 1969. By 1971 he founded the areas first recycling center. He calls it one of his proudest accomplishments. He has continued efforts since the 70s to reinforce the importance of the environment.
Chesbro is candid about his position on governor Schwarzenegger;
“I”m not a big fan of electing entertainers to office…he”s more of an actor, and a little less of the courageous hero that people thought he was.”
But Chesbro gave kudos to the governor for various environmental issues.
Ultimately, Chesbro would like to follow in Berg”s footsteps. She paid a great deal of attention to the protection of rural communities, the needs of seniors and programs like In Home Support Services (IHSS).
“I am especially pleased to have Patty Berg”s endorsement. I have the highest respect for the work she has done. It means a lot to me that she would support my effort to become the next member of the assembly from the first district,” Chesbro said.
Though Chesbro agrees with the overall concept of term-limits, he calls the limits “too severe and too short.”
His long term goal is to become the budget chair as he did in senate.
Mandy Feder can be reached at mfeder@record-bee.com.
