The Capitol Weekly, a Sacramento-based newspaper covering California government and politics, has put together short profiles of each newly-elected legislator that will serve in the State Assembly. In this time of budget crisis, more attention is being paid to this group of newcomers than ever before.
Among those profiled is recently-elected former City Councilmember Bonnie Lowenthal. From the C-W:
None of the Lowenthals appear to make any bones about where they stand as straightforward LA-area liberal Democrats. Bonnie Lowenthal made several well-photographed appearances at rallies promoting same-sex marriage during the campaign. She has endorsed a single-payer healthcare system, though she also said there were problems around cost-containment with the main recent proposal to make that happen.
The profile also provides a possible glimpse of what is to come from the 54th District’s new representative.
Lowenthal’s big issues in the Assembly are likely to be healthcare, education and transportation. She worked in family counseling and as a mental health coordinator for 30 years, and may try to push for increased mental health care coverage by the state, something likely to bring her to blows with Republicans.
Warren Furutani, who also serves parts of Long Beach as the 55th District’s representative, was not profiled because he is an incumbent.
Lowenthal will be sworn into the Assembly on Monday.
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor