Simitian Throws Hat in For Supe Seat

State Senator Joe Smitian (D-Palo Alto) announced to a crowd of friends and supporters in Palo Alto on Sunday his intention to run for the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors in 2012.

"Our county government deals with some of the state's greatest challenges, including health care, welfare, public safety, and regional land use." said Simitian in a press release. "More than 1.7 million county residents expect county government to deliver real results on a daily basis. I look forward to being part of that effort."

County residents elect the Board of Supervisors to four-year terms, up to a maximum of three terms in office. The Board convenes regularly to set policy for the County, adopt ordinances for unincorporated communities (areas outside of city jurisdictions), and oversee the budget.

Back in September, Mountain View announced her decision to run. That brings the number up to at least two candidates who have declared their candidacy for District 5, though last year more Mountain View councilmembers flirted with the idea of a run for County Supervisor in 2012.

A career politician, the two-time state senator served one-term as County Supervisor at the end of the last century. Simitian was also President of the Palo Alto School Board, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto and State Assemblyman.

If elected, he would replace Liz Kniss–who terms out–for the District 5 seat.