Event Coverage

SAMCAR Hosts Reception for Assemblymember Ira Ruskin

“The home is part of the American dream and you all help people reach the American dream even in tough times, and you will be there when these tough times pass,” California Assemblymember Ira Ruskin (District 21) assured SAMCAR members who gathered at the home of Michael Verdone in Redwood City last night. 

SAMCAR hosted the reception in honor of Mr. Ruskin, who is seeking a third term in the State Assembly. Former Redwood City mayor and city council member, Ira Ruskin was elected to the State Assembly in 2004, representing the 21st District, which includes San Carlos, Redwood City, Woodside, Portola Valley, Atherton, Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and the Almaden Valley of San Jose.

Mr. Ruskin thanked the Association for its support. “SAMCAR has always been a great friend and I really appreciate it,” he said. “I respect your needs and what you do.”

Mr. Ruskin shared his impressions about the state legislature. With regard to election campaigning, he noted, “It’s tough out there.”

Life in the Legislature “is pretty much what I envisioned, but what surprised me most was the torrent of legislation we face. We see 1,000 bills a year … it’s a river of legislation and it’s a challenge,” he said.

Asked if he can maintain his independence in decision-making, Mr. Ruskin answered, “It all comes down to core values and beliefs, and at times you feel extreme pressure, but you do what you believe in.”

Mr. Ruskin said the biggest challenge facing the state is the budget. “It’s a tough budget with tough choices. Sometimes it can be hard because there’s good in both sides. There are big issues out there.”

Mr. Ruskin said his experience in local government has helped him face difficult challenges. He said he continues to maintain close ties and stays close to local officials and constituents in a district that encompasses 12 cities and parts of two counties.

“Thank you for caring,” Mr. Ruskin told SAMCAR members. “I know you all have pressure from the holidays and your business, but I really value your friendship and your being here to support me as I seek my third term.”

Mr. Ruskin is chair of the Budget Sub-Committee on Natural Resources, and also serves on the Higher Education, Transportation, and Labor & Employment Committees as well as the Joint Committee on Emergency Services and Homeland Security and the Assembly Select Committee on Foster Care. He also has played a leadership role in organizing officials from Santa Clara, San Mateo and Alameda Counties to successfully lobby the state legislature to enact landmark legislation protecting the Bay Area’s water supply and mandating that San Francisco repair the vulnerable Hetch Hetchy water delivery system. 

Mr. Ruskin and his wife, Cheryl, reside in Redwood City.

The San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® (SAMCAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 3,800 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula. SAMCAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in San Mateo County.

The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

For further information, please contact Julie Ziemelis, Director of Public Affairs, e-mail , or phone (650) 696-8214.

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