Event Coverage

Assemblymember Gene Mullin Stresses Importance of Political Participation and Civic Education

California Assemblymember Gene Mullin, 19th District, who ran on Tuesday’s elections for a final term and won, was the guest speaker at this week’s SAMCAR Combine Marketing at the Elks Lodge. He apologized to SAMCAR members if his message sounded bleak, but he stressed it’s urgent that the public get more involved in the political process.

Mullin has been in public service for 16 years, as South San Francisco planning commissioner, and as South San Francisco mayor and city council member, before he was elected to the 19th District Assembly seat in 2002. He also taught government at South San Francisco High School for 32 years.

To illustrate the importance of voting and taking part in the political process, Mullin indicated in the June primary, San Mateo County had the lowest number of voters in history. He said the negativity and coarseness of current campaigns are “tested incessantly” and are “an axiom that negativity works” in turning off voters and reducing turn-out in the polls.

Mullin also attacked the money spent on election campaigns, noting over $1,200,000 was spent on campaign ads in the last primary and general elections.

As a result of low voter turn-out, he said, “fewer of us are making decisions about our country and our state. … The decision-makers and the few who vote are mostly like us – white, upper middle class. But the bulk (of the people) is not white. This contradicts the foundations of a democratic society,” explained Mullin.

As he continues another term and even after he is out of office, Mullin said he would like to continue to concentrate on expanding the voting populace, reducing negative campaigns, increasing the level of civility, and move politics in a positive direction.

As a member of the Education Standing Committee, Mullin said he will reintroduce a bill that will allow high school seniors who are 17 years old to vote in the primaries if they turn 18 by Election Day. He also would like schools to get paid when students miss school to work at the polls, noting the real life experience is the best education and should be regarded as a field trip, instead of a missed day. He said being involved in politics early in life almost ensures active political participation later in life.

“Civic education is falling by the wayside,” Mullin lamented. He said subjects like math and science are given more importance than civic education because students’ scores in these subjects are what determine performance standards.

“If you don’t test it, you don’t teach it. I would like to launch a program to reengage schools and their students in the democratic process,” he remarked.

SAMCAR President John Gieseker thanked Mullin for his years in public service.

“It’s been an honor to know you. Thank you for everything you do,” said Gieseker.

On Election Day, Mullin, a Democrat, won over Republican Elsie Gufler, receiving over 72 percent of the vote.  In addition to the Education Committee, Mullin is chair of the Housing and Community Development Standing Committee and also serves on the Public Employee Retirement and Social Security Standing Committee.

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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