Berman still better choice in District 24

In the June primary for Assembly District 24, we recommended Palo Alto City Councilman Marc Berman as the best choice in a strong field to replace Rich Gordon.

In the runoff this fall between Berman and Vicki Veenker, we’re sticking with that advice — but Veenker is a strong candidate as well.

Veenker is backed by Close the Gap, which recruits progressive women to run for the predominantly male Legislature — a worthy goal. She has never held public office but argues that her mediation work as a lawyer in the tech industry is equally valuable.

In the spring, Berman was far more articulate about state issues. Veenker has pretty much caught up. Both are Democrats.

Berman, also a lawyer, is development director of the Silicon Valley Education Association and as a councilman, has been a voice for affordable housing in a city disinclined to welcome it. He’ll be a strong advocate for education reform and for state action on the housing crisis.

Berman has the support of many public officials, including Gordon, a highly regarded lawmaker who is termed out.

He has a balance of support from unions and business, indicating an ability to broker compromise across party lines.

Veenker also has notable endorsements, including Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian, U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo and the powerful California Teachers Association.

Compounding an already difficult decision for voters, the campaign has turned ugly, although mostly because of independent expenditures. Neither of these people deserves to be trashed. Each has the potential to serve well. But we still give the edge to Berman.