NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – On Saturday Davis Mayor Pro Tem Dan Wolk officially announced his decision to run for the California State Assembly, joining a growing field of candidates who will seek the District 4 seat in 2014.
With the Saturday announcement, Wolk joins a field that includes Lake County Supervisor Anthony Farrington, Davis Mayor Joe Krovoza and Napa County Planning Commissioner Matt Pope.
Mariko Yamada, who will be termed out next year, currently holds the seat for District 4, which includes Lake and Napa counties, and portions of Colusa, Sonoma, Solano and Yolo counties.
Wolk, the son of state Sen. Lois Wolk, made the announcement at Davis' Sycamore Park, next to Willett Elementary School, which he attended as a child.
He was joined by his family and nearly 100 supporters at the event. He was introduced by his wife, Jamima, and talked about the top priorities of his campaign.
“I am running for Assembly to restore the California dream for our children and grandchildren,” said Wolk. “Our state has been neglecting their future and that is unacceptable. In the Assembly, I will work to ensure we fully invest in public education, our infrastructure, our environment and our middle class.”
Wolk also announced more than 60 key endorsements from community, education, public safety, economic and other leaders from around the district.
They include former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin, Former Assemblymember and Yolo County Supervisor Helen Thomson, Solano County Supervisor Linda Seifert, Solano County Sheriff Tom Ferrara, Yolo County Sheriff Ed Prieto, Yolo County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jorge Ayala and Napa Vice Mayor Peter Mott.
“I look forward to meeting people from all over Assembly District 4, discussing the issues important to them – and working with them to improve California’s future.”
Dan Wolk has served on the Davis City Council since 2011 and voters returned him to the Council in 2012 with more votes than any other candidate in Davis’ history.
As a city council member, he has led efforts to adopt the surface water project, pushed for greater investment in the city’s roads and bike paths and explored sustainable energy initiatives.
Wolk is deputy county counsel for Solano County, handling public finance, public contracting and water issues. He also is the founder of the Legal Clinic of Yolo County, a legal services provider for low-income families.
Wolk grew up in Davis and attended Davis public schools, before attending Stanford University and receiving his law degree from UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall.
He lives in Davis with his wife, Jamima, a former professional triathlete and small business owner, and their two young daughters, Avery and Layla.