Richard Katz (politician)

Richard Katz is a former Democratic politician who served in the California State Assembly representing the 39th assembly district for 16 years from 1980 until 1996 when he was termed out and succeeded by Tony Cardenas. During his time in the Assembly, Assemblyman Katz served as both the Majority and Minority Leader for the Democratic party.

1998 Election

Mr. Katz attempted a legislative comeback in 1998, losing the primary for the 20th Senate district to LA City Councilman Richard Alarcon.^[1]

Post Assembly Career

Katz was a major proponent of the San Fernando Valley secession movement—cochairing the failed Measure F, an initiative effort that appeared on the 2002 ballot.^[2]

An ally of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, he was Villaraigosa's public appointee to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority board and Metrolink board chair. Although he supported City Controller Wendy Greuel's candidacy for mayor in 2013, Katz was appointed to the city planning commission by the successful candidate, Mayor Eric Garcetti.^[3]

Personal life

Katz is married to Wendy Mitchell, who has served in various capacities in the California State Legislature, and was appointed to the California Coastal Commission in 2010.^[4][5][6]

References

1. Our Choices in the April 13 L.A. City Election
2. Breaking away? L.A.'s coming vote on independence for the valley
3. Zahniser, David (September 30, 2013). "Garcetti puts two major Wendy Greuel supporters on planning panel". Los Angeles Times.
4. "Commissioner Biographies". California Coastal Commission. Retrieved 2013-10-01.
5. Governor's Appointments (PDF). 1, B-C (January 2011 ed.). California Governor's Office. pp. 66–71.
6. "California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) Applauds Appointment of Wendy Mitchell to the California Coastal Commission" (Press release). California League of Conservation Voters. January 1, 2011. Retrieved 2013-10-01.