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What They’re Saying About Joe

    Mercury News
  • “Simitian has been recognized as one of the most effective legislators in Sacramento.” (5/25/12)
  • “He has a long record as a voice of fiscal sanity…” (5/25/12)
  • ”(Simitian’s) intellect and political skills are particularly suited to the deliberative state Senate, where he has skillfully guided a wide range of causes from texting while driving to kindergarten readiness and renewable energy.” (5/25/12)
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    New York Times
  • “A ... politician who doesn’t act like one ...” (2/7/10)
  • “Mr. Simitian is serious about public policy and is something of a maverick. He is willing, on occasion, to offend powerful interest groups… Last year alone, Mr. Simitian was the author of prominent legislation on education reform, water policy and renewable energy…” (2/7/10)
  • “Year after year, he seems to be in the middle of the action on the capital’s most important legislation.” (2/7/10)
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    San Francisco Chronicle
  • ”... a paragon of civil discourse ...” (8/27/11)
  • “A legislator who is known for turning constituent ideas into state laws ...” (9/13/10)
  • “Credit Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, for his efforts in overcoming resistance by some telecom companies to push this potentially life-saving issue.” (1/1/08)
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    Palo Alto Weekly
  • “Not your average Joe… indefatigable and independent…” (1/19/05)
  • “Joe Simitian has served the region with distinction…” (2/25/04)
  • ”... highly regarded ...” (1/21/04)
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    The Daily News
  • “As a legislator, Simitian has been extremely active and has managed to parlay many of the issues dear to his constituents into laws. . . . he has shown persistence and the fortitude to press ahead despite setbacks . . .” (6/2/12)
  • “Simitian has been responsive to constituents and frequently holds town hall meetings throughout his district, unlike some lawmakers who get comfortable in Sacramento. . .” (6/2/12)
  • ”. . .experience, accessibility and (a) track record of delivering results.” (6/2/12)
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    Los Altos Town Crier
  • ”...the man’s responsiveness is incredible… Simitian has shown energy and commitment to getting things done.” (10/13/04)
  • “Joe Simitian has distinguished himself as a hard worker and a task-oriented politician who established a stellar track record and received almost universal praise… We feel good about Joe Simitian – unlike some politicians, he rolls up his sleeves and gets to work.” (10/18/00)
  • “Continually accountable…” (2/23/00)
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    Mountain View Voice
  • “Simitian…has become a popular and successful politician in part through making himself accessible to his local constituents even as he has risen to statewide office. Recently Simitian has begun conducting ‘sidewalk office hours,’ sessions in which he sets up a table at a public place and talks politics with whomever approaches him.” (10/5/01)
  • ”...outstanding service to the local community, great influence and respect among (his) colleagues and a commitment to bipartisanship… He’s incisive, innovative and a quick study… (with) strong leadership, problem-solving and communication skills.” (11/1/00).
  • “During his tenure as a school board member and city councilman, Simitian demonstrated repeatedly that he is no spendthrift.” (3/21/97)
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  • ”. . . a damn good legislator. . .” (5/16/12)
  • “North Santa Cruz County couldn’t ask for a better representative than four-year Sacramento veteran Joe Simitian. A champion of education, he’s also a supporter of green energy initiatives and state parks. He’s also proven willing to buck his party’s leadership – and paid the consequences. We need Simitian’s integrity and commitment to schools and the environment.” (10/22/08)
  • “Simitian… is clearly one of the valley’s brightest and most articulate public officials… he’ll make a fine addition to the Legislature…” (10/26/00)
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    Campbell Express
  • “No matter how long he’s been in office, he does not seem to have succumbed to the tenor of most politicians. He’s still approachable, still works for his constituents and does not seem to have forgotten his roots.” (12/22/10)



    Los Angeles Times
  • ”. . . eloquent . . .” (7/11/12)
  • “Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) is a smart legislator…” (10/4/06)
  • “Simitian has an eminently sensible approach.” (7/13/05)



    Capitol Weekly
  • “Simitian has a reputation as a heavy hitter in the Capitol on renewable energy and environmental protections . . .” (12/22/11)
  • ”. . .gets an “A” for effort. In fact, he might even be the post-term limits Legislature’s perspicacity poster child.” (6/9/11)
  • “Joe Simitian. The last of the great ones. He works hard on big issues, he understands what’s in his bills, and he can throw a political elbow when needed.” (7/16/09)
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    The Alamanac
  • ”...a strong reputation in the areas of education and the environment…” (10/13/04)
  • “He’s a staunch defender of the environment, a champion of education. He is known for reaching out to his constituents, and for working effectively with his colleagues in Sacramento to push legislation important to Midpeninsula and Coastside residents.” (2/18/04)
  • ”[O]ne of the most effective and forward-looking legislators in Sacramento… Mr. Simitian has consistently performed at the highest level.” (2/18/04)
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    Sacramento Bee
  • ”. . . unusual courage. . .” (4/20/12)
  • ”. . . the Legislature’s most prolific author of bills that seek to provide at least a thin veil of privacy.” (8/8/10)
  • “Capable…” (6/28/05)



    San Mateo County Times
  • “Simitian… has proven himself to be an effective an independent-minded leader at virtually every level of local and state government.” (10/21/04)
  • “Simitian has shown his independence and forward thinking since he was first elected… he [has] earned a reputation as a maverick for rejecting conventional thinking and pushing for budgetary reforms…” (2/26/04)
  • “Simitian…shows political adroitness, a desire to make government work well and a thoughtful approach to regional concerns.” (10/22/91)



    The Daily Journal
  • ”. . . tenacious. . .” (7/2/08)
  • “Simitian has been an effective legislator who keeps his head in the district… he has established himself as a leader on education, the environment and the budget.” (10/28/04)
  • ”...experienced, credible and smart… a strong, effective leader with his mind on the people he serves.” (2/24/04)
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    Santa Cruz Sentinel
  • “Give state Sen. Joe Simitian credit – if he believes in an issue, he won’t give up, no matter the legislative hurdles.” (4/25/12)
  • ”. . . Simitian – one of the most effective legislators in California . . .” (3/9/12)
  • “A clear, effective and innovative thinker who can work on a bipartisan basis…” (2/26/04)



    The Daily Post
  • “It’s . . . regrettable that term limits will force Simitian to leave the state Senate this fall.” (7/9/12)



    The Examiner
  • ”...outstanding… among the top assemblymembers to serve in the Legislature.” “[A] spotless record of advocacy for environmental causes. On education… among the leaders promoting funding and higher standards of achievement.” The Examiner (2/23/04)



    Oakland Tribune
  • ”…one of the most thoughtful members of the Legislature…” (7/5/12)



    The Stanford Daily
  • “Simitian has a proven track record of protecting the environment.” (10/25/96)



    The Independent
  • “We like Simitian’s program of asking constituents to come up with legislative ideas which he can introduce in Sacramento.” (1/10/04)
  • “Simitian is the right person to lead the charge for privacy rights in the Assembly…” (6/2/01)
  • “Simitian…has a reputation as a problem solver and a leader.” (10/25/00)



    California Journal
  • “He’s not your average Joe.” (December 2000)
  • “Simitian is assured a seat in the Assembly, where he can continue his crusade to clean up the environment, expand health care access to low-income children and increase affordable housing.” (October 2000)



    Times Tribune
  • “Intelligent and articulate…a major contributor…well versed in regional concerns.” (9/22/91)
  • “Forward-looking and articulate…high-caliber leadership…” (10/21/87)
  • “An exceptional record of volunteer service…” (10/31/83)



    Half Moon Bay Review
  • ”(Simitian) has a reputation for action.” (12/13/00)



    San Jose Magazine
  • One of “the power 100” in Silicon Valley. (7/2004)



    Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
  • ”...suspiciously sensible for a lawmaker.” (5/29/05)