The following is an open letter to Dan Wolk:

Clearly, there isn’t much ideological or policy light between you and Joe Krovoza in the Assembly election. Sure, the two of you have different sensibilities, different expertise, different experiences, and in some instances, different policy positions. However, the two of you are progressive Democrats who would continue, more or less, along the same road traveled by our current assemblywoman, Mariko Yamada.

In a normal election, you and Joe would duke it out, we would send a progressive Democrat to Sacramento, and most Davisites would be content. This year is different. Bill Dodd, a newly minted Democrat, is a popular Napa County politician with deep pockets. He is not a tea party wacko, but more of a moderate Republican who understands that running as a Democrat in this district is a good career move. He is a formidable opponent.

If no one gets a majority in the primary, the two top vote-getters will run off in the November general election. Dodd likely will win the most votes because you and Joe will split Davis and progressive votes. But there is a good probability that not only will you two split votes, but you will knock each other out and let a Republican candidate into the runoff with Dodd.

For the general good of keeping a progressive voice in the Assembly, one of you should bow out. Since Joe will just be completing his term as mayor while you are scheduled to begin your mayoral duties, it makes more sense for you to drop.

There are other reasons bowing out is the right thing for you to do. Being mayor of Davis will provide excellent experience and demonstrate that you keep your commitments. You are young and will have other opportunities to run for state or federal office. In fact, in just two years, Sen. Lois Wolk will be termed out. That seems to be a more fitting race to enter, and you would gain a much wider base of support, likely even mine.

For the good of the 4th Assembly District, please consider fulfilling your term as mayor and then running for a state office.

Matt Biers-Ariel
Davis

Comments

comments