Assemblyman Scott Wilk

[Conway] – Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway, of Tulare, today announced the members of her leadership team for the 2013-14 Legislative Session, selecting a skilled group of Assembly Republican Caucus members from throughout California representing different backgrounds and interests.

“I am delighted to have these talented, dynamic and experienced Republicans leaders serving on my leadership team,” said Conway.  “Working together, my leadership team will play an important role for our Caucus as we fight for our common-sense ideas – bringing back private sector jobs, investing in K-12 and higher education, keeping Californians safe from dangerous criminals and holding state government accountable to the people.”

The following individuals were named today by Conway to leadership positions:

Assistant Republican Floor Leader:

Assembly Member Curt Hagman, R-Chino Hills

The Assistant Republican Floor Leader is the lead Republican helping to ensure the smooth operation of the business of the Legislature during Assembly session, and that common-sense measures receive full and fair consideration during legislative debate. Interacting directly with the Majority Floor Leader concerning floor session proceedings, the Assistant Republican Floor Leader plays a key role in helping guide debate on the Assembly Floor for the Republican Caucus.

Assembly Member Curt Hagman was elected to his third term in 2012, representing the 55th Assembly District.  Hagman additionally serves as Vice Chair of the Assembly Insurance Committee and as a member of the powerful Assembly Rules Committee.  In 2011, he was appointed as a member of the State Allocation Board, which works with the Office of Public School Construction in funding allocations to applicable school districts ensuring appropriate school construction.  He owns several small businesses and previously served as both Mayor and Councilmember for the City of Chino Hills.

Assembly Republican Caucus Chair:

Assembly Member Brian Jones, R-Santee

The Republican Caucus Chair assists the Leader in advancing the Republican policy agenda and achieving the Caucus’ political goals.  Additionally, the Caucus Chair regularly communicates with Republican leaders throughout California on key legislative issues and party matters.

Assembly Member Brian Jones was elected to his second term in 2012, representing the 71st  Assembly District.  He has earned a reputation as a strong fiscal conservative and a vocal advocate for a smaller, more responsible government.  His articulate commentary and leadership abilities earned him the appointment as Chairman of the Assembly Republican Caucus in 2012.  Jones also serves as Vice Chair of the Assembly Committee on Business, Professions and Consumer Protection.  Prior to his election, he was a local businessman and served as Councilmember and Vice Mayor of the City of Santee.

Deputy Republican Floor Leader:

Assembly Member Donald P. Wagner, R-Irvine

The Deputy Republican Floor Leader works closely with the Assistant Republican Floor Leader helping to ensure the smooth operation of the business of the Legislature during Assembly session, and that common-sense measures receive full and fair consideration during legislative debate.

Assembly Member Donald P. Wagner, R-Irvine, was elected to his second term in 2012, representing the 68th Assembly District and is presently the Vice Chair of the Assembly Judiciary and Aging and Long Term Care Committees. Assembly Member Wagner previously served on the South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees, where he was elected to three consecutive terms, and served an unprecedented six years as Board President. He is also a practicing attorney and is active in the Orange County business and legal communities.

Assembly Rules Committee Vice Chair

Assembly Member Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita

The Vice Chair of the Assembly Rules Committee plays an important role in ensuring that legislation receives a full and fair hearing in the Assembly.  The Assembly Rules Committee acts as the executive committee of the lower house. One of its most important functions is to refer all bills and resolutions to the appropriate Standing Committee. It also grants rule waivers or suspensions and handles all personnel matters.

Assembly Member Scott Wilk was elected to his first term in 2012, representing the 38th Assembly District.  Wilk has had a lengthy career in the public and private sectors, serving as chief-of-staff for former Assembly Members Tom McClintock and Paula Boland, working with the California New Car Dealers Association, and protecting higher education as a member of the Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees.  He is also the owner of a successful local public affairs firm and has worked to promote local job creation and protect open space.

Assembly Budget Committee Vice Chair

Assembly Member Jeff Gorell, R-Camarillo

The Vice Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee plays an integral role in the drafting of the State Budget each year, serving as chief budget advocate and spokesperson for Assembly Republicans, working to advance fiscally-conservative principles throughout the budget process.

Assembly Member Jeff Gorell was elected to his second term in 2012, representing the 44th Assembly District.  He brings a broad spectrum of public and private sector experience to the State Capitol, with experience as a successful small business owner, university adjunct professor, county criminal prosecutor, naval intelligence officer, war veteran, and former aide to  Governor Wilson.  A third generation navy man, Jeff currently serves as a Lt. Commander (intelligence officer) in the United States Navy Reserve. He has completed two one-year tours to the Middle East and Afghanistan and was decorated for his leadership in a combat zone.

Assembly Appropriations Committee Vice Chair

Assembly Member Diane Harkey, R-Dana Point

The Vice Chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee is on the front lines of the debate over government spending at the State Capitol.  They analyze every fiscal bill making its way through the Legislature for its impact on the state budget and state spending overall, working to restrain new government spending and overregulation.

Assembly Member Diane Harkey was elected to her third term in 2012, representing the 73rd Assembly District.  Harkey brings a wealth of experience in business and budgeting to the State Capitol, having enjoyed a successful 30-year career in corporate finance and banking. Interacting in the real world with large and small businesses and assisting with financial needs in good and poor economic climates allows her to bring a practical and pragmatic business perspective to the Legislature.  Harkey has been the Legislature’s leading opponent of California’s high-speed rail plan, effectively articulating the serious flaws and lack of secure funding in the plan.  She previously served as Mayor and Council Member in the City of Dana Point.

Chief Republican Whip

Assembly Member Dan Logue, R-Marysville

Chief Republican Whips help devise legislative floor strategy and provide direction and guidance to the Republican Whips as they work to advance the Republican Caucus position during Assembly floor sessions.

North State Assembly Member Dan Logue was elected to his third term in 2012, representing the 3rd Assembly District.  A fiscal conservative, small business owner, and staunch opponent of high taxation and government waste, Logue has worked tirelessly to bring his belief in limited government and free enterprise to Sacramento.  He presently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Assembly Health Committee.  Assemblyman Logue also leads the Republican Caucus Task Force on Jobs and Economic Recovery, applying his extensive experience in economic development, leading Republican efforts to improve California’s business climate.  He previously served as a member of the Yuba County Board of Supervisors.

Republican Whips:

Assembly Member Brian Maienschein, R-San Diego

Assembly Member Marie Waldron, R-Escondido

Republican Whips are charged with mobilizing Member votes on important legislation, acting as a liaison between Members and leadership, and helping to coordinate strategy within the Caucus.

Assembly Member Brian Maienschein was elected to his first term in 2012, representing the 77th Assembly District.  He also serves as Vice Chair of the Assembly Human Services Committee.  Previously, Maienschein served on the San Diego City Council for 12 years, where he was noted for his work as the city’s first homeless commissioner and for his disaster relief work in the wake of the Cedar Creek and Witch Creek fires.  He also teaches Election Law at the University of San Diego Law School and California Western School of Law.

Assembly Member Marie Waldron was elected to her first term in 2012, representing the 75th Assembly District.  She also serves as Vice Chair of the Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism, and Internet Media.  Prior to her election, Waldron served on the Escondido City Council for 14 years.  She is also a founding member of the California Women’s Leadership Association, which helps to elect women to all levels of government. Waldron, a small business owner, has fought to ease the excessive taxation and regulations on working families and small businesses throughout her career in public service.