Lake Elsinore Assemblyman Gets High Praise

Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries (R-Lake Elsinore) has received recognition for his work to protect the interests of California's rural counties, it was announced Wednesday.

Jeffries received the Regional Council of Rural Counties' annual Patti Mattingly Award last night in Sacramento, according to a news release from Jeffries' office. Jeffries is one of two recipients of the award for 2011; Sen. Lois Wolk (D-Yolo) was also selected for her work on behalf of rural counties.

"The award is given to a policymaker who has demonstrated leadership on rural issues and an understanding of the unique challenges that rural communities face," said Jeff Greene, Jeffries' chief of staff.

RCRC's Patti Mattingly Award was established in memory of former Supervisor Patti Mattingly of Siskiyou County who "had tremendous courage, commitment, and ability to promote constructive solutions surrounding rural issues," according to the news release.

The recipient is selected by the RCRC Board of Directors to recognize a legislator who demonstrates these attributes, while championing the cause of rural counties, the news release stated.

According to Greene, actions taken by Jeffries in the Legislature on behalf of rural counties include:

• Leading the opposition to the current SRA fire tax/fee scheme on homeowners - AB 29X - (and any SRA fees) including introducing AB 1506 to repeal the fire tax;

• Successfully co-authoring, along with Assemblyman Wes Chesbro (Humboldt), AB 1648 in 2010 to reform the process for obtaining a license to operator fire service vehicles;

• Authoring legislation to address the filling of vacancies on a board of supervisors;

• Authoring AB 149 in 2009 to add two seats to the Board of Forestry that are to be elected county supervisors, with at least one being from a rural county; and

• Introducing AB 64 to help keep threatened State Parks open through cooperative agreements with cities, counties and local parks districts.

RCRC is an association of 31 rural counties that advocates before the Legislature, Congress, state and federal government agencies on behalf of rural issues. Headquartered in Sacramento, county supervisors comprise RCRC's governing board.  

"RCRC appreciates Assemblyman Jeffries' commitment to and his tireless efforts for rural counties even though he does not represent an RCRC-member county. He has made sure that rural counties have a seat at the table whenever possible," said RCRC Chair and Colusa County Supervisor Kim Vann.

"His work in the area of firefighting, where rural counties continue to face public policy and budget challenges reflects his commitment to rural issues.  Equally as important, he is one of few legislators that have a deep understanding of firefighting and fire-related issues. Given that this is one of RCRC's priority policy areas, it is only fitting that we recognize his leadership," said RCRC CEO Greg Norton.

Jeffries said he was very honored to be recognized as an RCRC Legislator of the Year.

"I believe that rural communities are often overlooked by the urban areas in California, and it is important for us to advocate for their unique interests. As chair of the Rural Fire Protection Working Group and a 29-year volunteer firefighter, these issues are very close to my heart."

Along with Lake Elsinore and Wildomar, Jeffries represents the western Riverside County communities of Jurupa, Riverside, Murrieta and Temecula, as well as Fallbrook, Bonsall, Valley Center and Julian in northern San Diego County in the 66th District.