Damon Connolly deserves vote for state Assembly

Assemblymember Marc Levine, who serves Marin County, is leaving his position in the state Legislature to run for California insurance commissioner. To take his place in the Assembly, I urge all to vote for Marin County Supervisor Damon Connolly. Connolly, who is a former member of the Miller Creek School District Board of Trustees and San Rafael City Council, has served ably on the Board of Supervisors.

He is a true leader on the issue of climate change. He helped to found MCE (formerly Marin Clean Energy) and led the way in forming Sonoma Clean Power. As vice mayor in San Rafael, he authored Marin County's first climate change action plan.

He has led the way to sue “Big Oil” for climate impacts and has sponsored a ban on facilities that would facilitate offshore oil drilling. He personally goes car-free for two months every year, to show it can be done.

Connolly is also a leader on homelessness and associated mental health disturbances. He authored county adoption of Laura's Law, encouraging people to join mental health assistance programs. He strongly supports programs to acquire affordable housing for homeless people.

Wildfire is an increasingly important issue and Connolly helped lead the successful effort to pass Measure C, assuring funding to address it. He has the support of Marin, state and Santa Rosa firefighters.

Connolly is also a great guy and very approachable. He works well with people and will make an outstanding member of the state Assembly representing Marin County and southern Sonoma County.

— Jerry Meral, Inverness