Santa Cruz City Councilwoman Lynn Robinson to Run For State Assembly

Lynn Robinson, who has served on the Santa Cruz City Council for two terms starting in 2006, said Tuesday that she will run for Bill Monning's seat in the Assembly.

County Supervisor Mark Stone, of Scotts Valley, announced Monday that he will also run for the seat. Stone fell out of favor with Santa Cruz politicians last week when as a Coastal Commissioner he voted against the $76 million hotel project across from the Boardwalk that many said would help revitalize that part of town.

Stone declined to let Santa Cruz officials know what he was thinking until the vote, ruining the city's chances to change the project and make concessions that would be more suitable, according to several people involved in the process, including Mayor Ryan Coonerty.

"That wasn't leadership," said Coonerty.

Robinson sent this email to supporters:

I wanted you to know first: I have decided to run for state Assembly in the new 29th District to represent the Monterey Bay area. This is a very exciting time!

For the past several months people have come forward and asked that I consider running if Bill Monning decided to run for state Senate. After much discussion, talks with my family and support from people throughout the Monterey Bay area, I have decided to join the race. 

We need an effective voice for the Monterey Bay area in Sacramento. I will work for everyone to protect our environment, build a sustainable economy with good jobs and foster safe communities. I know this is a very challenging time for the state and local communities. This will not be an easy job, but I will work hard for you, as always.

I hadn’t planned to run for the Assembly until people asked. But now I am tremendously energized and hope you will join and support me in my race. I am in the process forming my campaign committee and structure.  I will be talking to all of you soon and look forward to partnering with you on this endeavor. 

I wanted to share a few comments from some of those that came forward and asked me to run. I’m excited to have such a strong base to start with; that base being each and every one of you. Together we will accomplish great things and my guiding principal will be to bring your voice to the state level.

"No one on the City Council works harder than Lynn Robinson.  She will make a great member of the Assembly and I am proud to give her my full support.  Lynn will bring the practical perspective of a small business owner, parent, and city councilmember to the Capitol.  She is a lifelong Democrat and she is a voice that is desperately needed in Sacramento."

Ryan Coonerty, Santa Cruz Mayor

"Lynn has been a strong and committed voice for public safety. It's hard to imagine someone more honest, hardworking and effective than Lynn. We've worked together on a number of neighborhood and community issues and I am excited about her bringing that experience and ethic to the Assembly!"

 Santa Cruz Police Deputy Chief Steve Clark, President Police Management Association

"Lynn will provide the necessary leadership our community and our state needs. Lynn will put people ahead of personal political agendas and do what is needed to create jobs, rebuild our economy, preserve our environment and make sure we keep California moving forward."

Joe Marini, III
Co-Founder &  President, Locally Owned Business Alliance of Santa Cruz