When I was little, I didn’t want to jump off the high dive at the swimming pool. It was a long drop. I climbed the ladder, argued myself to the edge, and stood, not quite willing to commit to the prerequisite first step. I even stepped aside to let others go ahead, but kept coming back to the edge. I don’t remember if I jumped that day, but I do remember how it felt.
In the last month, on the verge of my reelection campaign for Tuolumne County Supervisor I’ve felt it again, only I’m not on a high dive this time. This jump is into an opportunity to run for the California State Assembly. Tom Berryhill’s 25th Assembly District seat will be open.
He and Senator Cogdill have represented us faithfully and are taking on new challenges. There are several candidates running for Assemblyman Berryhill’s seat, but none of them have the same perspective, unique experience, and passion to bring about change up there. And what happens in Sacramento doesn’t stay in Sacramento, unfortunately. To help bring about change, I need to be there.
As you know from my work on the Board of Supervisors, I listen carefully to you, spend your money wisely, have a broad range of qualifications, and do my homework. I’ve worked to increase transparency, accountability, make sound decisions, and be your champion on the Board. I’m well-prepared to serve in the Assembly. But I had planned to run for another term as your supervisor.
There are good reasons I was hesitant to change my plan. I love my work here, we’re making headway on some important issues, and I am appreciated. Running for the Assembly is a daunting task and serving there is mostly thankless. Stepping away from what’s comfortable and relatively certain toward what is unknown is risky. But Sacramento is the place where change must happen.
So you see, Tom Berryhill’s decision to run for Senator Cogdill’s seat created a high dive decision for me. Rich, Megan, and I have prayed about it and it’s clear it’s time to commit to the prerequisite first step. So, here it is.
I’m running to represent you in the 25th District of the California State Assembly. Are you with me?
Blog maintained and paid for by Teri Murrison – Assembly 2010, FPPC # 1323866.
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