Cameron Smyth has hired many staff members now that he has officially won the campaign to replace Dr. Keith Richman.
I don't know all the people, but at first glance it looks filled with mainstream people, not activists.
A person from our community is former Judy Mikels staff member Jarrod DeGonia. Jarrod, congrats on the promotion.
Any word on what the first bill will be that Smyth will introduce?
Here is the press release...
Out from behind the City Council dais and into statewide office, Assemblyman Cameron Smyth has assembled a representative team that he said is experienced and cohesive.
"We have a good team ... I'm excited," Smyth said Friday. "I'm ready for the first of the year so we can get to work."
Locally, Smyth has chosen Ed Masterson as his field representative.
Masterson, whom Smyth said he has known for nearly a decade, is a past president of the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce.
"I wanted someone who's both well known and well respected in the community," Smyth said.
Though he said he doesn't have a political background, Masterson said his business background - including work in the film industry - has honed and informed his interpersonal relations.
Additionally, the Saugus resident said "I've been working here in the business community since 1999 ... (and) I've grown to love this community."
In addition to interviewing and assembling a team of staffers who have a "broad base of knowledge," Smyth said it was key to select a group that is cohesive and works well together - something the new assemblyman said he's got.
The 38th district office is being relocated from Granada Hills to Santa Clarita, said Kevin O'Neill, Smyth's chief of staff.
In addition to Masterson, Christine Ward will be a local field representative, having formerly worked as an executive assistant and scheduler for former Assemblyman Keith Richman, who Smyth replaces.
Jarrod DeGonia, former chief of staff for Ventura County Supervisor Judy Mikels, will be the district director, O'Neill said.
In Sacramento, in addition to O'Neill, Ryan Flanigan will serve as legislative director and press secretary, and Donda Scholl will be Smyth's executive assistant and scheduler.
Smyth looks like a young Mitt Romeny.
I have met Smyth once (at the Simi Valley Steet Fair) and he seemed like a pretty smart guy. Selecting these experienced staffers shows me that my assessment of him was probably accurate.
I wish him the best.
If Judy Mikels is still in Simi Valley.
Judy Mikels was in Simi and Ventura County all week, Mr. Worthless.
I bet $100 she will not be here by March.
What is your point? Is she never allowed to move away from Simi Valley? Do you plan to live here for a long time? If someone makes enough money to move away why be jealous?