What They're Saying About Joe

Simitian has a reputation for being fiscally responsible...Simitian also stands for government accountability." (4/12/16)

"The proposal by Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian to help preserve those 100 homes for low-income families (at the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park) is practical, humane, and wise." (1/26/15)

"Simitian has been recognized as one of the most effective legislators in Sacramento." (5/25/12)

"He has a long record as a voice of fiscal sanity..." (5/25/12)

A...politician who doesn't act like one..." (2/7/10)

"Mr. Simitian is serious about public policy and is something of a maverick. He is willing, on occasion, to offend powerful interest groups... Last year alone, Mr. Simitian was the author of prominent legislation on education reform, water policy and renewable energy..." (2/7/10)

"Year after year, he seems to be in the middle of the action on the capital's most important legislation." (2/7/10)

". . .a paragon of civil discourse. . ." (8/27/11)

"A legislator who is known for turning constituent ideas into state laws. . ." (9/13/10)

"Credit Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, for his efforts in overcoming resistance by some telecom companies to push this potentially life-saving issue." (1/1/08)

"Not your average Joe... indefatigable and independent..." (1/19/05)

"Joe Simitian has served the region with distinction..." (2/25/04)

"...highly regarded..." (1/21/04)

"As a legislator, Simitian has been extremely active and has managed to parlay many of the issues dear to his constituents into laws. . . . he has shown persistence and the fortitude to press ahead despite setbacks . . ." (6/2/12)

"Simitian has been responsive to constituents and frequently holds town hall meetings throughout his district, unlike some lawmakers who get comfortable in Sacramento. . ." (6/2/12)

". . .experience, accessibility and (a) track record of delivering results." (6/2/12)

"Simitian deserves praise for his perseverance..." (9/26/06)

"...the man's responsiveness is incredible... Simitian has shown energy and commitment to getting things done." (10/13/04)

"Thumbs-up: To our Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Representative Joe Simitian...who's producing tangible results." (12/10/14)

"Joe Simitian has distinguished himself as a hard worker and a task-oriented politician who established a stellar track record and received almost universal praise... We feel good about Joe Simitian – unlike some politicians, he rolls up his sleeves and gets to work." (10/18/00)

"Simitian...has become a popular and successful politician in part through making himself accessible to his local constituents even as he has risen to statewide office. Recently Simitian has begun conducting ‘sidewalk office hours,’ sessions in which he sets up a table at a public place and talks politics with whomever approaches him." (10/5/01)

"...outstanding service to the local community, great influence and respect among (his) colleagues and a commitment to bipartisanship... He's incisive, innovative and a quick study... (with) strong leadership, problem-solving and communication skills." (11/1/00)

"During his tenure as a school board member and city councilman, Simitian demonstrated repeatedly that he is no spendthrift." (3/21/97)

"The right of low-income families to a good education has long been close to Simitian's heart." (11/11/15)

"One of the broadest pushes to reel in America's surveillance state isn't in Congress, the White House or a courtroom; arguably it's in Joe Simitian's office in California's Santa Clara County government building." (2/5/16)

metro

". . . a damn good legislator. . ." (5/16/12)

"North Santa Cruz County couldn’t ask for a better representative than four-year Sacramento veteran Joe Simitian. A champion of education, he’s also a supporter of green energy initiatives and state parks. He’s also proven willing to buck his party’s leadership – and paid the consequences. We need Simitian’s integrity and commitment to schools and the environment." (10/22/08)

"Simitian... is clearly one of the valley’s brightest and most articulate public officials... he’ll make a fine addition to the Legislature..." (10/26/00)

"Simitian has a keen grasp of the issues..." (10/31/96)

"No matter how long he’s been in office, he does not seem to have succumbed to the tenor of most politicians. He’s still approachable, still works for his constituents and does not seem to have forgotten his roots." (12/22/10)

". . . eloquent . . ." (7/11/12)
"Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) is a smart legislator..." (10/4/06)
"Simitian has an eminently sensible approach." (7/13/05)

"Simitian has a reputation as a heavy hitter in the Capitol on renewable energy and environmental protections . . ." (12/22/11)
". . .gets an "A" for effort. In fact, he might even be the post-term limits Legislature’s perspicacity poster child." (6/9/11)
"Joe Simitian. The last of the great ones. He works hard on big issues, he understands what’s in his bills, and he can throw a political elbow when needed." (7/16/09)
"A champion for funding state parks." (7/26/07)
One of the Legislature's half dozen "most effective" members. (9/14/06)
"Simitian genuinely values bipartisanship and thoughtful public policy…" (2/19/01)

almanac

"...a strong reputation in the areas of education and the environment..." (10/13/04)
"He's a staunch defender of the environment, a champion of education. He is known for reaching out to his constituents, and for working effectively with his colleagues in Sacramento to push legislation important to Midpeninsula and Coastside residents." (2/18/04)
"[O]ne of the most effective and forward-looking legislators in Sacramento... Mr. Simitian has consistently performed at the highest level." (2/18/04)

Sacramento Bee

"New lawmakers should take a page from former state Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, who actively and sincerely solicited legislative proposals from people in his district. Too many lawmakers get to Sacramento and forget whom they are serving." (12/04/12)
". . . unusual courage. . ." (4/20/12)
". . . the Legislature’s most prolific author of bills that seek to provide at least a thin veil of privacy." (8/8/10)

"Simitian... has proven himself to be an effective an independent-minded leader at virtually every level of local and state government." (10/21/04)
"Simitian has shown his independence and forward thinking since he was first elected... he [has] earned a reputation as a maverick for rejecting conventional thinking and pushing for budgetary reforms..." (2/26/04)
"Simitian, a Democrat, is one of the Bay Area's most productive legislators..." (10/19/02)

". . . tenacious. . ." (7/2/08)
"Simitian has been an effective legislator who keeps his head in the district... he has established himself as a leader on education, the environment and the budget." (10/28/04)
"...experienced, credible and smart... a strong, effective leader with his mind on the people he serves." (2/24/04)
"Simitian has been an effective legislator who keeps his head in the district." (2/24/04)

"Give state Sen. Joe Simitian credit – if he believes in an issue, he won’t give up, no matter the legislative hurdles." (4/25/12)
". . . Simitian – one of the most effective legislators in California . . ." (3/9/12)
"A clear, effective and innovative thinker who can work on a bipartisan basis..." (2/26/04)

"It’s . . . regrettable that term limits will force Simitian to leave the state Senate this fall." (7/9/12)

The Examiner

"...outstanding... among the top assemblymembers to serve in the Legislature." "[A] spotless record of advocacy for environmental causes. On education... among the leaders promoting funding and higher standards of achievement." The Examiner (2/23/04)
"We are impressed with Simitian's knowledge of local issues and his enthusiastic response to local problems." (9/24/03)
"(Simitian) works well with his colleagues on the other side of the aisle." (9/18/03)

Oakland Tribune

"…one of the most thoughtful members of the Legislature…" (7/5/12)

The Stanford Daily

"...a strong and reliable voice for his constituents." (11/04/02)
"He is devoted to education..." (11/04/02)
"...has shown a commitment to issues facing the Stanford community." (11/04/02)

The Independent

"We applaud Simitian for standing up to the lobbyists in Sacramento..." (12/07/12)
"We like Simitian's program of asking constituents to come up with legislative ideas which he can introduce in Sacramento." (1/10/04)
"Simitian keeps on fighting bravely for bills that make lobbyists cringe." (12/07/02)

California Journal

"He’s not your average Joe." (December 2000)
"Simitian is assured a seat in the Assembly, where he can continue his crusade to clean up the environment, expand health care access to low-income children and increase affordable housing." (October 2000)

Times Tribune

"Intelligent and articulate…a major contributor…well versed in regional concerns." (9/22/91)

"Forward-looking and articulate…high-caliber leadership…" (10/21/87)

"An exceptional record of volunteer service…" (10/31/83)

Half Moon Bay Review

"(Simitian) has a reputation for action." (12/13/00)

San Jose Magazine

One of "the power 100" in Silicon Valley. (7/2004)

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

"...suspiciously sensible for a lawmaker." (5/29/05)