Berkeley City Councilmember Kriss Worthington has decided to run for a seat in the state assembly, a position he said would enable him to incorporate progressive ideas at the state level.
Worthington said the 14th Assembly District, which includes the East Bay, is a particularly progressive region and would allow him to have a strong voice on issues such as affordable housing and health care.
"I am a liberal activist on liberal causes," he said.
Worthington, who currently represents Berkeley’s student-heavy 7th district on the City Council, said he plans to announce his bid for the assembly seat in the June 2008 election on Sept. 24.
If elected, he would become the first openly gay assemblymember from the district.
San Francisco Supervisor Tom Ammiano, also openly gay, said he supports Worthington because of the council member’s commitment to social justice.
"I think it’s great that Kriss is running for assembly," Ammiano said. "I am (running for state assembly) myself and I would love to be able to serve with him."
Councilmember Betty Olds said Worthington has been a very active council member and has shown a great ability to anticipate the changing needs of the constituents of his district.
Councilmember Gordon Wozniak said Berkeley would not experience negative impacts from Worthington’s departure from the City Council because his presence in Sacramento would benefit the entire East Bay area.
"(If Worthington is elected), it might be a boon for both the assembly and the council," he said.
Worthington said his election to the assembly would allow him to make the issues he has promoted in the city priorities at the statewide level.
Wozniak said that while he and Worthington differ on some issues, he thinks Worthington would be a positive addition to the assembly.
"He’s a very dedicated politician, works very hard, tries to represent his constituents, and I assume he would do the same at the state level," Wozniak said.
Worthington said he is effective at adapting liberal ideals into policy. He cited his success in raising $8 million for affordable housing and parks in the city since 1998.
"I have a phenomenal record of getting bills passed," he said.
Contact Chang Cai and Selina MacLaren at newsdesk@dailycal.org. |
