In Conversation with Assemblymember Marc Berman: The Future of Voting in California
Pam D. Jones of Menlo Together and Diane Leeds of San Francisco Peninsula People Power will be in conversation with Assemblymember Marc Berman, who has introduced legislation to mail a ballot to every registered voter and to require ballot tracking. They will discuss San Mateo County’s success in increasing the participation of traditionally low turn-out populations through the Voter’s Choice Act and explore opportunities for more participation from underrepresented communities.
Mark Church, the San Mateo County’s Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder and Chief Elections Officer will be providing an introduction. Discussion will be moderated by Petra Silton, Director of Advocacy & Education, Thrive.
*Zoom information will be sent to registered attendees.
SPEAKERS
Assemblymember Marc Berman
Assemblymember Marc Berman was first elected to the California State Assembly in November 2016 to represent the 24th District, which includes southern San Mateo County and northern Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. In the Assembly, Marc serves as chair of the Committee on Elections and Redistricting, where he has become a leading voice on protecting voters from deceptive elections practices, making election information more accessible to voters, and improving election cybersecurity and campaign finance disclosure. In addition, Marc is one of only two members to chair two select committees. The Select Committee on the Master Plan for Higher Education in California is taking a methodical review of the 1960 Master Plan to ensure that California’s higher education system works for students in the 21st century economy. The Select Committee on the Census leads the Assembly’s efforts in preparing California for the 2020 Census, which is used to determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives as well as distribute tens of billions of dollars to state and local governments. Marc also serves on the following Assembly Standing Committees: Governmental Organization; Insurance; Privacy and Consumer Protection; and Transportation.
Pam D. Jones
Pam D. Jones believes that government should be accessible and inclusive, works to ensure residents are civically engaged. She is a member San Mateo County VEOAC, co-chair Cañada College President’s Advisory Group, core member Menlo Together, co-founder Menlo Park Residents for Civic Engagement (now in active), member LWVSSMC-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, board member Menlo Park Historical Association, treasurer of Meditate & Thrive Inc., and former school board member in the Ravenswood City School District. Pam is a retired community college professor and health care professional.
Diane Leeds
Diane Leeds is a member of San Francisco Peninsula People Power, a non-partisan grass-roots civil rights organization focused on expanding local voter participation and racial justice. Diane has been co-chair of San Mateo County’s Voter Education and Outreach Advisory Committee since 2018. She was a member of San Mateo County’s Complete Count Committee for the 2020 Census. She also advocates for seniors living in Residential Care Facilities (RCEF) through Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County, Inc. Diane previously held a variety of marketing positions in the computer industry including 20 years at Hewlett-Packard Co.
Mark Church, San Mateo County’s Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder and Chief Elections Officer
Mark Church was elected San Mateo County’s Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder and Chief Elections Officer in 2010 and assumed office on January 3, 2011. His experience as a Mayor and County Supervisor combined with his legal background make him uniquely qualified to manage the diverse operations of the office. Church has served on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors (2001-2011) representing District 1. Prior to that, he served as Mayor and Councilman of the City of Millbrae.
Moderator
Petra Silton, Director of Advocacy & Education, Thrive Alliance
Petra Silton developed and directs the Advocacy & Education program at Thrive Alliance, where she drives advocacy, outreach, and education initiatives to help nonprofits amplify the impact of their work. Prior to Thrive, Petra established innovative social programs such as a for-profit catering service at D.C. Central Kitchen, one of the first revenue-generating social enterprises, and the School Choice Program at Peninsula Bridge. She is also an experienced leader and effective fundraiser for local schools. Petra holds a BA in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania and a diploma from the Pot au Feu École de Cuisine in Paris.
