In 1986, I was elected to the California State Assembly to 
represent the 22nd District in Santa Clara County after a hard-fought
campaign against two local Mayors.  I arrived in Sacramento full of 
ideas to improve public education, lower taxes, and keep the economy 
expanding.  Like all new Legislators, I ran into an immediate brick 
wall as the realities of politics were revealed to me.  But it was 
here, in the Assembly, where I would learn the complex art of political 
maneuvering.
	After some early frustrations, I began to collaborate with 
bipartisan groups of likeminded lawmakers who were interested in 
advancing positive changes. Working in this way allowed me to build 
relationships and trust with colleagues.  I learned that Ronald Reagan 
was absolutely correct when he advised, "There is no limit to what a 
man can accomplish if he doesn't care who gets the credit."
	That saying made a lot of sense to me since the Democrats 
always controlled the Assembly during my years in the Legislature. 
Following that principle allowed me to help shape budget priorities in
California for eight years and to have a significant impact on the 
state's business environment.






	In my first term I was able to expand the research and 
development tax credit for high tech companies, an issue critical to 
the economic health of Silicon Valley.  This earned me the distinction 
of being designated by the American Electronics Association as "High 
Tech Legislator of the Year."  I was able to ensure continued funding 
for California tourism marketing and direct money to expand the use of 
computers in the classroom.  
	A significant bill passed by me sharply restricted the power of 
tax assessor by forcing them to assume that the sales price of property 
was, in fact, its fair market value.  This prevented the widespread 
practice of over assessment, keeping money in the private sector.  This 
accomplishment earned me an award as the California Business Properties
Legislator of the Year.





	My second term was highlighted by the emotional debate over the 
availability of assault weapons in California.  From my post on the 
Public Safety Committee, I was able to ensure that a carefully written
law emerged that restricted the use of these weapons and did not 
infringe on the rights of legitimate gun owners.  Other bills I 
authored increased penalties for crimes committed with guns and gave 
new flexibility to District Attorneys.   
	In this term I began to champion the role of "sub acute care" 
facilities in California, medical institutions that cared for people 
who needed long term, constant medical treatment but did not need an 
expensive hospital.  This was the beginning of a two year effort to 
force MediCal to recognize the cost savings potential of using the sub 
acute facilities in lieu of hospitals.  Continuing my work advocating 
policies that improved the business environment for the electronics 
industry earned me a second award as the AEA High Tech Legislator of 
the Year.
	My third term was a tumultuous time in California as an 
economic recession buffeted the state.  Tax revenues to the state 
shrunk alarmingly and a bitter budget debate consumed California.  
Working with Governor Pete Wilson, I helped formulate the tough 
solutions to a seemingly impossible situation.  One of the key 
provisions I fought for was a requirement that any tax increases be 
temporary with a hard expiration date.  The second half of this term 
was consumed with the always controversial reapportionment process that 
redraws legislative district lines every ten years.  I served as one of 
the negotiators on the Republican team.  





	Major bills authored by me created public school choice for 
students, reduced property tax appraisals, expanded research and 
development tax credits for high tech companies, and lowered the age to
14 where juveniles can be tried as adults for murder.
	My fourth term became my most productive as a new spirit of 
cooperation spread through the Legislature and members were determined 
to fix some growing problems.  Growing alarm at the negative business 
environment led to a major reform of the workers compensation insurance 
system in the state.  Research and Development tax credits authored by
me became law.  I was able to pass a law allowing parents choice of 
where their children attended public school in California.  	
	In 1994, I also passed a law allowing District Attorneys the 
discretion to try 14 year old juveniles as adults for the crime of 
murder. 
	The years in the Assembly were a terrific learning experience.
Eight years of immersion in the complexities and subtleties of 
legislating and governing such a diverse State had prepared me for my 
next challenge, running for the office of State Insurance Commissioner.