Edward Vincent

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Edward Vincent (born June 23, 1934) was elected to the California State Senate in November, 2000, and represents the 25th Senatorial District which includes Compton, Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lynwood, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Pedro and the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Vincent and his wife Marilyn of 40 years have lived in Inglewood since 1968 and are the parents of two daughters and three grandchildren.

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[edit] Life before politics

Born in Steubenville, Ohio, Vincent parlayed a love of sports, a fierce desire to succeed, and an indomitable spirit into an education and formidable career.

In 1952, he was awarded an athletic scholarship to the University of Iowa where he majored in Public Relations and Advertising. He also excelled on the football field, receiving All Big Ten and All-American honors. As the third draft choice of the 1956 Los Angeles Rams, Vincent played in several games before being sidelined by injuries.

While serving in the military, Vincent received all Army and all Service Football Team honors. After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1959, Vincent continued his education, earning a BA degree in Corrections and Social Welfare from California State University Los Angeles. He then embarked upon a 35-year career with the Los Angeles County Probation Department.

[edit] Local politics

The Senator's elected offices have included membership on the Inglewood Unified School District's Board of Trustees; serving as President in 1978-79, and representing the residents of District No. 4 on the Inglewood City Council form 1979-1983.

Vincent was a member of the Inglewood city council from 1979 to 1983. In 1983, Vincent began his term as the first African-American Mayor of the City of Inglewood and was re-elected for three additional terms. He was also commissioner of the State of California World Trade Commission

[edit] State Assembly

Vincent served as a Member of the California State Assembly from 1996, representing the 51st Assembly District. In the Assembly, he chaired the Elections, Reapportionment and Constitutional Amendments Committee and California Horse Racing Industry Committee. On October 24, 2000, Vincent received the Cuactemoc Award for outstanding public service on behalf of farm workers. The award was presented by La Cooperativa. Cuactemoc was the last Emperor warrior of the Aztec.

[edit] State Senate

Vincent serves as a member of the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Governmental Organization and Health. He also chairs the Select Committee on the Horseracing Industry. He the State Senate, Vincent has authored legislation on Gambling licenses, state teacher retirement benefits, horse racing, and community care facilities. He was forced to leave the Senate in 2008 due to term limits. (His successor was chosen in the June 3, 2008 election).

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