Always leave the campsite in better shape than when you arrived. This maxim guides the Boy Scouts, and it should guide legislators. Every one in public office should strive to make the world a better place for future generations.
This month marks the end of my almost seven years as your Assemblyman. When I first took office, our state was in the grips of a terrible recession. While I can’t take credit for turning the economy around – and any politician who claims such credit is lying to you – I hope I helped California survive the crisis and learn from it.
During my time in office, I strove to serve our community with meaningful legislation that made a difference in the lives of California families. I authored the Rainy Day Fund, a savings account for the state, forcing Sacramento to sock away money when times are good, so we needn’t scramble so much when times are not so good. I authored landmark production tax incentives, to keep good entertainment jobs in our community – after a generation of lawmakers had tried and failed. I authored the only substantive Proposition 65 reform ever, which saved our local businesses from those junk lawsuits you hear about so often.
I was the co-author of the water bond, which brings $700 million to our region to clean up the plentiful groundwater beneath our feet, which we haven’t been able to tap despite the drought, because it’s so polluted. I authored a bill to allow families to avoid probate (and attorneys’ fees), a bill the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association called one of the most important bills since Prop. 13. And, on a more fun level, I authored the bill to bring back those classic black license plates that seem so popular now. (And would you believe the bureaucrats fought that bill every step of the way?)
Serving the public is not just done through legislation though. I tried to be a different type of public servant. I endeavored to answer all e-mails I received: if someone asked me how I was going to vote, or why I voted a certain way, or simply asked for my opinion on the new flavor of milkshake at a local restaurant, I answered them. I didn’t take a walk on tough votes. In fact, I didn’t miss a vote for several years – over 10,000 votes in a row – one of the longest streaks in the nation. And I tried to be bipartisan. There is no monopoly on good ideas. Even though working with the other side is not exactly in vogue right now, I did it, in the name of working together for the good of our nation.
Public office changed me a bit. I lost my father during my tenure, and if I have one regret, it is simply that I didn’t get to spend that much time with him. Other than that, I don’t regret much, even the head full of gray hairs that I acquired during my time in office.
Indeed, it has been an honor to serve you. And I remain available to help with whatever you need. So stay in touch, will you? You can (still) reach me any time at mike@mikegatto.com. I hope I left the “campsite” that is our state in better shape.
Mike Gatto is the former California state assemblymember for the 43rd district.