May 18, 2008

Democrats should give nod to Hill

Editorial

The Democratic contest for state Assembly District 19 features three well-qualified candidates, but we give the edge to San Mateo County Supervisor Jerry Hill based on his broad-based political experience and accomplishments, such as leading the charge to provide medical coverage to nearly all uninsured children in the county.

In Millbrae Mayor Gina Papan he faces a formidable challenger with similar, but less extensive, political experience. We also like Richard Holober, president of the San Mateo County Community College District, though he hasn't spent as much time in the public political arena as his two opponents.

We're confident all three are capable of representing the district, but endorse Hill because we believe his experience and political connections through serving on regional boards place him in the best position to accomplish important work in Sacramento.

Still, Hill made it difficult for us to endorse him because of the way he handled himself after Sheriff Greg Munks got caught in an illegal brothel in Las Vegas last year. Not only did Hill join fellow supervisors in failing to publicly demand that Munks account for himself, but he almost seemed to condone the sheriff's behavior by immediately defending his ethics and character.

Hill is a political veteran and seems a generally astute player in government circles, which is why we were surprised he later accepted $4,700 in campaign contributions from Munks and his wife. Was Hill hoping people might have forgotten about the sheriff's tawdry brothel visit? Under the public spotlight he eventually returned the money.

We hope this was a rare lapse on Hill's part, perhaps triggered by misguided loyalty.

Yet the sheriff's fiasco alone shouldn't disqualify Hill from the seat he covets. He has an impressive political resume that's hard to ignore, so we can only hope he learns from his missteps. He has earned a seat on the California Air Resources Board and also served previously on the San Mateo City Council. He's done well enough along the way to collect the backing of much of the district's political establishment. Incumbent Assemblyman Gene Mullin backs Hill, noting that the six-year term limits in the Assembly makes his political background vital.

Hill helped launch an initiative that ensures nearly all of the county's children get medical care and is aggressively promoting an emerging proposal to offer health care to indigent adults in the county. This a daunting and audacious venture that has a decent shot at success partly because of Hill's involvement. The supervisor has also been an effective advocate for open space and environmental protection.

Among three good choices for the Democratic nomination, Hill emerges as the most qualified to navigate through the legislative halls to serve his district. We urge voters to select Hill in the June primary.