Bill Quirk is a candidate for California State Assembly District 20 in the 2014 General Election. Castro Valley Matters reached out to each candidate and asked for a statement.

I am proud to be your locally elected Assembly Member in Sacramento. I have lived in the Eden Area for over three decades and have worked hard to better the schools, jobs and public safety in our community.

As promised in 2012, I have successfully fought for increased funding for public schools, community colleges, and universities to better prepare Californians to compete for 21st Century jobs.

I have successfully passed legislation to reduce red tape and make it easier for businesses to start, grow, and stay in California.

Earlier this year my office partnered with the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber to host a forum on how to “green” your business. As a result we connected small businesses in the area with the tools and resources to save money and help save the environment.

I have supported local fire and police services by stopping state raids on local government funds. As the only scientist in the State Assembly, I have applied my technical expertise and analytical perspective in Sacramento to resolve some of California’s most complex problems. I am a leader on energy and environmental issues, particularly in the strict regulation of fracking and fight against climate change.

I now have a full two years in the Assembly. During that time, I have been a business friendly Democrat. I have worked against many bad bills including a mandate that was not needed and would have increased the price of electricity. I also fought a number of bills that would have been very harmful to the Biotech industry.

As a result of my work, I am now considered a key voice on the influential Utilities and Commerce committee. This committee reviews most energy bills and all the telecommunication bills. I have also shown that I can get bills passed that simplify regulations and streamline the regulatory processes for individuals and business.

Castro Valley deserves a voice for safe communities, eliminating red tape for small businesses, and fully funded public schools. My goal is helping citizens, not special interests. My office has coordinated an Annual Senior Scam Stopper Seminar that has helped educate seniors about how to protect themselves from fraud.

The Eden Area is my home. I want the best for Castro Valley and will continue to be a vigilant advocate for everyone in our district. Thank you for the trust you give me to serve as your voice in Sacramento.