Patch Blog: Why I Support Butler From a Young Democrat's POV

Hello world!

This is my first post and I’m kicking it off blogging about what I love most – politics! I want to thank Patch and Danielle Jacoby for giving me the opportunity to write. I will not be using this space to be nasty nor to attack anyone – I’m not a nasty person.

I wanted to tell you why a young activist like myself is supporting Assemblywoman Betsy Butler’s re-election campaign. I have had the honor of knowing Betsy for a couple of years now and I can vouch that she is a passionate, humble and strong woman.

Before redistricting occurred, like many others, I had supported someone else in the 50th Assembly District race, but after speaking with Betsy in person, there was no doubt in my mind that she is the most qualified candidate to represent the communities where I do my social justice work and switched my support. (Note: The Redistricting Commission released new maps and the 41st Assembly District became the new 50th Assembly District).

Betsy Butler is the most humble person ever. She never introduces herself as what she is, an Assemblywoman. When she ran for office, she made promises like any good politician would as they ask for the voters precious and coveted vote. In her first year, she stunned everyone, because here she was a freshman getting her bills passed in the State Assembly, the very same bills that would fulfill her campaign promises. Hold on a minute, a politician keeping her promises? Tell me that isn’t shocking!

She campaigned on banning bisphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles, then a few months after she was sworn in, Gov. Brown announced that he had signed The Toxin-Free Infants and Toddlers Act (AB 1319 - BUTLER), which prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of baby bottles and toddlers. She campaigned on protecting ?

• For Homeowners: In Butler’s first year in the Assembly, she authored and the Governor signed AB 771, a bill that prevents home buyers in a common interest development, such as a condominium or town home, from being charged excess document fees. SIGNED BY GOV. JERRY BROWN
• For Seniors:  AB332 (protecting seniors from abuse) which increases the fines for financial crimes committed against seniors. The bill passed the legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support. SIGNED BY GOV. JERRY BROWN
• For Veterans: Betsy authored AB 201, This bill would have authorized superior courts to develop and implement veterans courts with the objective of providing mentally ill offenders who are veterans of the United States military, including those with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, substance abuse, or any mental health problem stemming from military service with appropriate treatment and veterans services. (Jerry Brown vetoed this bill, however, she was honored by Vietman Veterans of America with the 2011 Legislator of the Year Award)

Look, as a Young Democrat I am always happy to take a hard look at supporting someone with new ideas who thinks they are the solution to everything. I can’t find a reason why we need to replace Assemblywoman Betsy Butler in the State Assembly, can you?

Listen, we always look for the next big/new thing in politics, but shouldn’t we keep a politician who actually keeps their promises like Betsy Butler? I truly believe that if we had more elected officials who were willing to keep their promises like Betsy, California would be closer to being the Golden State it once was.

I hope you can join the California Democratic Party and Equality California this weekend as Betsy kicks off her re-election campaign!