Yolo 4th Supervisor Race Gets Crowded

Ferrera, Provenza, and Kennedy.  Who is Cathy Kennedy?

For months (some would say longer), Jim Provenza and John Ferrera have been laying the groundwork for this election.  With the recent news that a heretofore unknown person has pulled papers from the County Clerk’s Office to enter the 4th District’s Supervisor race, the chattering class is atwitter with expectation.

Thanks to all of our readers’ tips, the Davis Voice obtained an exclusive interview with potential candidate Cathy Kennedy early this evening.

Yolo County is governed by an elected Board of Supervisors (BOS).  Each member represents a geographical area in the county.  This year, 3 of the 5 seats on the BOS are up for grabs.  The 4th District, to be vacated by Assembly candidate Mariko Yamada, is populated by many Davisites.

After the jump, we’ll dish on the two latest formal entries to the Yolo BOS’s 4th District race.  Read our initial coverage on John Ferrera here.

Mr. Ferrera has surprised some by securing the endorsements and active support of many local leaders.  His depth of experience in governmental matters has obviously struck a chord with the community.  John’s opponents represent two ends of the political spectrum, the known and the unknown.

Jim Provenza is best known as immediate past President of the Davis Joint Unified School District (DJUSD).  He secured the endorsements of several local political figures, including Supervisor Mariko Yamada, months ago.

Professionally, Jim has kept a roof over his family’s head as a practicing attorney.  For  the past 15 years, he has served as a Special Assistant District Attorney, representing county law enforcement before the California Legislature.   Previously he served as Counsel to the California Senate Judiciary Committee and Chief Counsel to the California Assembly Public Safety Committee.

Jim received his law degree from UCD’s King Hall.  Encouragingly, Jim has the endorsement of several DJUSD and other state school officials.  Many of Mr. Provenza’s supporters cite his legal education and history as an advocate for the less fortunate as a good foundation to serve the 4th District.

Cathy Kennedy has yet to announce endorsements in this election.  Due to the fact that the incumbent is not filing, she will have until Wednesday, March 12th to submit her nominating signatures.  Ms. Kennedy is not concerned with endorsements,

“Our community is begging for someone who is not an anointed politico.  The 4th District wants a sensible, moderate and thoughtful voice.”

We thought that we had that base covered, but welcome to the party!

Ms. Kennedy is a native of L.A. County who has resided in Yolo County for 6 years.  She is registered as “Decline to State” on the Yolo County voter rolls (both Provenza and Ferrera are registered Democrats.)  Cathy puts the food on the table for her 4 children by working at the California Restaurants Association as their Member Development Manager.

Cathy readily recognizes that she has little practical background in crafting policy, but eloquently and passionately states (you are now entering a snark-free zone) that she “knows how to get things done” and that the acrimonious nature of local politics turns off potential voters.

Her platform includes an emphasis  on attracting more  small businesses to Yolo County.  Cathy would like to promote our county as more of a destination point for tourists by encouraging more dining and entertainment choices around our already established cultural venues.

“The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in this country and needs to be encouraged, not hampered by onerous taxes and regulations.”

Time will tell if a political and public policy novice can mount a credible challenge to two well known public servants.  Check back with the Davis Voice in the coming weeks and months for uncensored and in-depth interviews with all of the candidates.

For a full editorial disclosure on the Yolo 2008 candidates, click here.