Michael Villines
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Michael Villines has been in the California State Assembly since 2004. He represents the 29th district. He succeeded Steve Samuelian who retired after one term due to ethical issues. The 29th Assembly District consists of Clovis, Fresno, Hume Lake, Madera, Orange Cove and Shaver Lake.
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[edit] Republican Leader
Villines was chosen by his colleagues in November 2006 as the third Assembly Republican Leader of the year. He succeeded George A. Plescia of La Jolla. Plescia had succeeded Kevin McCarthy who stepped down to make a successful run for Congress.
Villines serves as chief negotiator for Assembly Republicans, crafting solutions to the critical problems facing California. He is a member of the "Big 5" group of legislative leaders that includes Governor Schwarzenegger, Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman, and Speaker of the Assembly Fabian Nunez. Final agreements on such important issues as how to balance the budget are reached during "Big 5" meetings.
[edit] Priorities and Recognition
Improving California’s business climate, reducing the tax burden on hard-working families and restoring common-sense solutions and accountability to state government are Assemblyman Villines’ top legislative priorities. Villines has been named an “Emerging Leader” by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and the Orange County Register recently recognized his fiscal discipline stating, “it’s good to see somebody, at least, is sticking up for the taxpayers and insisting on a balanced budget.”
[edit] Background
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Villines served as an aide to former Gov. Pete Wilson, first as an advance representative coordinating the Governor’s media appearances, and later as an appointee to the Department of Fish and Game implementing the Governor’s legislative and policy agenda for reforming burdensome environmental issues. He also served as chief of staff to former State Sen. Chuck Poochigian, and most recently owned his own small business.
[edit] Education
Villines is a graduate of California State University, Fresno, and holds a BA degree in political science.
[edit] Personal
He and his wife Christina live in Clovis with their three children.
[edit] External Links
| Preceded by Steven N. Samuelian |
California State Assemblyman 29th District 2004 – present |
Incumbent |
| Preceded by George A. Plescia |
California State Assembly Republican Leader November 10, 2006 – present |
Incumbent |
