Special districts in Monterey County and across the state recognized Assembly Member Mark Stone as their 2016 Legislator of the Year. Assembly Member Stone was selected because of his non-partisan spirit, support of local flexibility, and close work with the local service specialists responsible for delivering waste management, water, fire protection, parks, and other essential services.
Dennis Allion, MRWMD Board Member; Bruce Delgado, MRWMD Board Chair; Assembly Member Mark Stone; MRWMD Board Member Gary Bales; MRWMD General Manager Tim Flanagan
The recognition is awarded by the California Special Districts Association (CSDA), and was presented Friday at the Monterey Regional Waste Management District in Marina, CA. Bruce Delgado, Chairman of the District Board of Directors said, “Waste Management districts vary enormously across the state. Assembly Member Stone has shown a deep understanding of the complexity of waste management and the value of special districts in diverse communities. Assembly Member Stone is an advocate for local flexibility and a champion for local residents.”
In presenting the award, CSDA President Vince Ferrante stated, “During his tenure as the Chair of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, Assembly Member Stone has served as a thoughtful and considerate voice. His record on local issues demonstrates his willingness to defend local flexibility and protect local taxpayers and ratepayers.”
Assembly Member Stone is recognized for fostering close relationships with the special district officials in his Assembly District in order to find solutions that empower communities to find answers to meet local needs.
In 2016, Assembly Member Stone played a key role in protecting limited resources for essential infrastructure projects by proposing a compromise solution to SB 885 when it came before his committee. As originally drafted, SB 885 would have required local agencies to defend legal claims arising out of the work of private, contracted design professionals. While this legislation was then pulled from consideration, Assembly Member Stone’s efforts were critical to protecting local taxpayers and ratepayers from an otherwise costly new law.
“Special Districts play an important role in closing critical service gaps to communities. Special Districts allow local leaders who are both highly-informed about a particular service and about the specific needs of an area to make decisions that best serve people in the community,” said Assemblyman Stone upon receiving the Legislator of the Year from CSDA.
“Assembly Member Stone has clearly demonstrated his knowledge and respect of the special district governance structure,” said Tim Flanagan, General Manager of the Monterey Regional Waste Management District.
CSDA and special districts across the state invite state legislative representatives and the public to get to know the special district leaders who provide essential services to local communities. The Association recently launched a public outreach campaign titled “Districts Make the Difference.” Additional information can be found at: www.districtsmakethedifference.org.
California’s communities are served by just over 2,000 independent special districts. These local governments are led by a board of directors that are elected or appointed to a fixed term to serve diverse communities and regions throughout the state.
