There will be a new woman leading California Assembly Republicans. And, as Katie Orr reports from Sacramento, the choice is getting good marks on both sides of the aisle.
Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen will officially take over as Assembly minority leader in November. The Modesto Republican says her focus will be on creating more jobs, lowering taxes and improving education.
Olsen: “I’m a mom of three school-age children and it’s so important to me that we can get back to the place of top-quality schools, where every child can have access to a great education that sets them up for success in life.”
Democratic Consultant Robin Swanson says Olsen was a smart choice and she hopes Olsen’s priorities will help all California women.
Olsen: “Maybe she will make a family-friendly agenda and pay equity priorities. I can imagine that they are personal priorities for her. So hopefully those will rise to the top in the legislature as well.”
Republican Consultant Beth Miller says Olsen is down-to-earth and approachable. Miller says Olsen will set clear priorities for the party.
Olsen: “I think it is not by mistake that the minority leader is, again, from the Central Valley where we have seen some of the hardest hit communities, many of which are still struggling for an economic recovery.”
Olsen was first elected to the Assembly in 2010. She will be termed out in 2016.