Brentwood News Q&A with Betsy Butler, Candidate for State Assembly

Q: For those in Brentwood who don’t know you, tell us a little about yourself.
A: My dad was a Republican. My mom, a Democrat. We always discussed the world and different points of view and I am proud to have been an advocate for those without a voice. This foundation was solidified by working for public servants like Lieutenant Governor Leo McCarthy and President Bill Clinton as well as the California League of Conservation Voters, the Environmental Defense Fund and the Consumer Attorneys of California. I also served as President of the National Women’s Political Caucus (LA Westside Chapter) and am a current board member of Equality California.
Q: What is it you hope to accomplish if you are elected our assembly member?
A: During my first year in the Assembly, I authored the landmark law banning a toxic chemical (BPA) in baby bottles and sippy cups. I also authored laws protecting our seniors and creating environmentally sustainable projects, bringing new jobs to Los Angeles. I am an unwavering advocate for our veterans and am honored to have been named Legislator of the Year by the Vietnam Veterans of America. If re-elected, I will continue to fight for the environment, health and senior care, education and our veterans.
Q: Seems like Santa Monica did a lot in recent years to draw in new businesses. That might be good for Santa Monica, but many on the Westside think it added significantly to traffic as commuters drive to and from Santa Monica. Anything you’d like to say about this?
A: One of the reasons I decided to run was because, as a resident of the Westside for over twenty years, it is disappointing that there has not been a commitment to creating sustainable communities. I am not against development but do believe we need balance. Unless decision-makers are committed to holistically looking at development, we risk endangering both our environment and our quality of life. Traffic and development are regional issues and, as a member of the State Assembly, I have experience working with various levels of government to find solutions and funding for problems like traffic and development.
Q: What good ideas from your past political experience would you like to see implemented across District 50?
A: The 50th District is unique and diverse in its strength. We are the home of progressive thought and we need to think beyond our District. As a native Californian, I know that our state leads the country in solving the most pressing issues facing our nation.
Q: Sacramento strikes many as particularly dysfunctional. What can you do to help change this?
A: I have demonstrated the ability to unite legislators and community groups to create progressive policies. Being able to focus on the environment, our seniors, veterans and working families during my first year in the Assembly has been a privilege.
What I hope I have shown others is that they should not be afraid of the big-money interests. These interests spent a lot of money against me during my first campaign and I took them on in my first year in the Assembly. I believe in the voters. That faith in people is all any public servant needs.
Q: Anything else?
A: For 30 years it has been my pleasure to work with seniors, environmentalists, women, labor and the LGBT community to address the needs of California. It has been the work of a lifetime.
This year, I am fighting to protect farm workers from dying of heat and thirst and I am going to need your help. Agribusiness interests are powerful, and communities like ours can make a difference to ensure safety for our farm workers. I will let you know how you can help as this struggle unfolds.