Community Corner
UPDATE: It's Official -- Bill Dodd is 5th Candidate for State Assembly
Napa County Supervisor issues official announcement, campaign photo.
As we originally reported in Napa Valley Patch last month (see below), Napa County Supervisor Bill Dodd has decided to run for the 4th District State Assembly seat being vacated by termed-out Assemblywoman Marika Yamada of Davis.
Earlier this month, Dodd, as he promised in our earlier Patch article, issued his official announcement. Here, following, is the text of his announcement, which adds his own perspective on why he is running:
Supervisor Bill Dodd has announced his candidacy for the 4th State Assembly District.
Dodd, a small businessman and Napa County Supervisor, cited job growth, education, supporting California’s aging population and the unique rural needs of the 4th district as his priorities if elected.
“I’m running to return California government’s focus to investing in its people, especially in our children’s future,” Dodd said.
“State government used to make smart investments,” he continued. “It’s time to make California strong again. That means investing in schools, universities, transportation, and protecting our unique environment – the things that help produce good-paying California jobs.
Dodd, a Democrat from Napa County, also stressed his commitment to changing the political climate in the Legislature.
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“For too long, the legislature has put politics above progress,” said Dodd. “Serving as a local county supervisor, I’ve tackled – and solved – big problems by bringing people together.
“Sacramento politics-as-usual imperils California’s future prosperity. I will bring a cooperative, problem-solving spirit to the state Capitol.”
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Supervisor Dodd also serves on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and the Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.
Bill was born in Napa and has lived in the 4th Assembly District his entire life. He attended local schools and California State University, Chico.
He went on to become a small business owner with Culligan Water franchises throughout the North Bay. Bill and his wife, Mary, have five children and two grandchildren.
The 4th Assembly District includes all of Napa and Lake Counties, most of Yolo County, and portions of Solano, Sonoma and Colusa Counties
Bill Dodd, who represents District 4 on the Napa County Board of Supervisors, plans a bid for State Assembly, sources close to Dodd confirmed Thursday.
Dodd intends to join the race to fill the 4th District State Assembly seat being vacated by termed out Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada of Davis.
Dodd confirmed the news through a source close to county government. Dodd said through the source that he will be making a formal announcement in about a week.
Assembly District 4 consists of Yolo, Napa and Lake Counties, as well as portions of Sonoma, Solano and Colusa Counties.
Dodd will become the fifth person -- all Democrats -- so far in the race.
Other candidates already announced for the race are: Davis Mayor pro tem Dan Wolk, Davis Mayor Joe Krovoza, Lake County Supervisor Anthony Farrington and Napa County Planning Commissioner Matt Pope.
The frontrunners in the State Assembly race will be decided in the "top two" primary next June. The top two vote-getters in the primary, regardless of political party, will then face off against each other in the general elections in November 2014.
Dodd was first elected to the Napa County Board of Supervisors in March of 2000, and was re-elected in 2004, 2008 and 2012, all three times running unopposed.
He represents the cities and county of Napa on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and recently served a two-year term as chairman of this powerful regional body. Dodd currently serves as chairman of the Napa County Board of Supervisors, Local Agency Formation Commission of Napa County (LAFCO), and the Napa Valley/San Francisco region of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network; vice chairman of the Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District; and is a member of the Bay Area Joint Policy Committee made up of members of MTC, ABAG, BAAQMD and BCDC.
Dodd is past chair of the Napa County Transportation Planning Agency, Napa County League of Governments and the Napa Flood Control District, and represents Napa County on more than 20 boards and commissions.
Prior to his election, Dodd was the owner of Culligan Water franchises in four Northern California Counties. He is past president of the national and state Water Quality Associations and was awarded their top honor, induction to the Hall of Fame.
Dodd is a founding director of the Napa Community Bank, a founding director of the Napa County Children’s Health Initiative and founder of the Wolfe Center; an honorary Trustee of the Queen of the Valley Medical Center Foundation; and a member of Justin-Siena’s Hall of Fame; and is involved with many non profits.
Bill is married to Mary and has five grown children.
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