At a reception in Sacramento, the Regional Council of Rural Counties (RCRC) honored Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries (R-Lake Elsinore) as one of two recipients for its annual "Patti Mattingly Award" for 2011.  The Patti Mattingly Award is given to a policymaker who has demonstrated leadership on rural issues and an understanding of the unique challenges that rural communities face.

"RCRC appreciates Assemblyman Jeffries' commitment to and his tireless efforts for rural counties even though he does not represent an RCRC-member county.  He has made sure that rural counties have a seat at the table whenever possible," said RCRC Chair and Colusa County Supervisor Kim Vann. RCRC's Patti Mattingly Award was established in memory of former Supervisor Patti Mattingly of Siskiyou County who had tremendous courage, commitment and ability to promote constructive solutions surrounding rural issues. 

The recipient is selected by the RCRC Board of Directors to recognize a legislator who demonstrates these attributes, while championing the cause of rural counties. "His work in the area of firefighting, where rural counties continue to face public policy and budget challenges reflects his commitment to rural issues.  Equally as important, he is one of few legislators that have a deep understanding of firefighting and fire-related issues.  Given that this is one of RCRC's priority policy areas, it is only fitting that we recognize his leadership," said RCRC CEO Greg Norton.

"I am very honored to be recognized as 'Legislator of the Year' by the Regional Council of Rural Counties," said Jeffries.  "I believe that rural communities are often overlooked by the urban areas in California, and it is important for us to advocate for their unique interests.  As Chair of the Rural Fire Protection Working Group and a 29-year volunteer firefighter, these issues are very close to my heart."

Actions Assemblyman Jeffries has taken on behalf of rural counties in the Legislature include:

• Leading the opposition to the current SRA fire tax/fee scheme on homeowners - AB 29X - (and any SRA fees) including introducing AB 1506 to repeal the fire tax
• Successfully co-authoring, along with Assemblyman Wes Chesbro (Humboldt), AB 1648 in 2010 to reform the process for obtaining a license to operator fire service vehicles
• Authoring legislation to address the filling of vacancies on a board of supervisors
• Authoring AB 149 in 2009 to add two seats to the Board of Forestry that are to be elected county supervisors, with at least one being from a rural county
• Introducing AB 64 to help keep threatened State Parks open through cooperative agreements with cities, counties and local parks districts

In addition to Assemblyman Jeffries, Senator Lois Wolk (D-Yolo) was selected to receive the Patti Mattingly Award for her efforts on behalf of rural counties.

RCRC is an association of 31 rural counties that advocates before the Legislature, Congress, state and federal government agencies on behalf of rural issues.  Headquartered in Sacramento, county supervisors comprise RCRC's governing board.  Please visit www.rcrcnet.org for more information.

Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries represents Western Riverside County and Northern San Diego County, including the communities of Jurupa, Riverside, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Murrieta, Temecula, Fallbrook, Bonsall, Valley Center, and Julian.