OCEANSIDE — Former Oceanside councilman Rocky Chavez announced he will be running for assemblyman of the new California 76 th Assembly District in November 2012 at a supporters rally on Sept. 14. The new 76th district represents Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad and Encinitas.
The rally to announce Chavez’ run was held on the factory floor of the Federal Heath Sign Company. Production work paused briefly as Chavez addressed a crowd of several dozen supporters and factory workers and said his focus will be on jobs, education and government efficiency.
“I’m running on the issues and am open to discuss those issues,” Chavez said. “Once you get elected you need to represent all residents. My record as councilman shows exactly that. I listened to people talk about their neighborhoods and can bring that understanding to the state.”
Chavez served as a councilman for seven years. During his time in office he served on the regional homeless task force, which brought area wide resources for the homeless together as one networked system. Resource providers were put in touch with each other so they could hone their efforts and reduce unnecessary duplication of services.
“We were able to tie services along with nonprofits into a decisive system,” Chavez said. “It wasn’t done before.”
Chavez most recently served as Active Secretary for the California Department of Veterans Affairs. He oversaw the state department switch its focus and offer more support services to veterans. Programs were developed and implemented to help troops deal with post traumatic stress disorder. This support helped decreased the number of veterans who ended up in jail.
Chavez also served in the military for 25 years and earned the rank of colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps.
As assemblyman, jobs creation will be one of his top priorities. Chavez said private enterprises will be vital in creating new job opportunities.
“We need to establish an environment that supports entrepreneurship and a creative environment,” Chavez said.
Chavez said education will be key in preparing workers and needs to be redefined to meet current needs. Community colleges, technical trade schools and online learning will soon play a bigger role in preparing individuals for careers.
“I’m running for state assembly because I’ve learned the role of state government is to support economic development, streamline the process, and give small businesses and individuals the ability to improve this economy,” Chavez said.
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