LA MESA – Mary England, the president of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce, has announced her candidacy for the 79th district State Assembly seat.
She is the first Republican to enter the race.
“Businesses are going under or leaving this state in droves,” England said. “The voters are very suspicious right now. They know politicians in Sacramento have lost their way. The spending, the pensions, everything is out of control.
LA MESA – Mary England, the president of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce, has announced her candidacy for the 79th district State Assembly seat.
She is the first Republican to enter the race.
“Businesses are going under or leaving this state in droves,” England said. “The voters are very suspicious right now. They know politicians in Sacramento have lost their way. The spending, the pensions, everything is out of control.
“I want people to know that I feel and understand what they’re going through. I feel the pain of local business people who are trying to keep their heads above water.”
The district, which was recently realigned, includes the cities/communities of La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and portions of Spring Valley, as well as parts of the cities of San Diego and Chula Vista (including Bonita and Otay).
Democrats hold a 14-point registration lead (43 to 29 percent), but England is confident she will be able to replace Democratic Assemblyman Marty Block, who is giving up the seat to run for the state senate.
“Yes, the battle may be uphill, but there is also a Democratic voter majority in Lemon Grove, but I’ve been successful there,” she said.
England has also served more than 12 years on the Lemon Grove City Council, running for mayor in 2002, but losing a close election to Mary Sessom.
“I will oppose any tax increases because, frankly, it’s not the politician’s money — it’s the people’s money and I’m just the shepherd,” she said. “I look forward to the challenge, as well as bringing a fresh new approach to the legislature.”
Democrats competing for the seat include Chula Vista City Councilmember Rudy Ramirez, Sid Voorakkara, Pat Washington, and former San Diego Unified School Board Trustee Shirley Weber.