Chuck Washington, former Temecula city councilman. Photo courtesy Chuck Washington
Chuck Washington, former Temecula city councilman.
Photo courtesy Chuck Washington

The Hill’s new county supervisor, Chuck Washington, former Temecula city councilman, was officially sworn into office last week. But he publicly took the oath of office at the March 10 Riverside County Board of Supervisor’s meeting.

As he joins the board, Washington told the Town Crier his priorities will be public safety, the budget, job growth, higher education and job training. These were his priorities while serving on the Temecula City Council and in the 1990s, the Murrieta City Council.

“I’ve got a chance to push these into the entire district,” he said. “I feel a good deal of past successes, first in Murrieta and three terms in Temecula.”

Idyllwild holds a special place in his and his wife’s hearts, he added. Shortly after their marriage 40 years ago, they first visited the Hill and went camping. They continue to visit the area frequently, so he is familiar with the highest point in the county.

“Idyllwild community issues are different from the rest of the valley,” Washington noted. “There is a culture and environment to preserve.”

This past weekend, Washington said he had plans to go through the 3rd District with former supervisor (now state senator) Jeff Stone. They served together briefly on the Temecula council and have worked together on many local issues. He also added that Verne Lauritzen will also be his chief of staff and they have had several conversations about Idyllwild. Lauritzen also served in that capacity under Stone.

When asked about this strategy to be elected Democrat in a highly Republican 3rd District, he replied, “I will rely on the district to value what I’ve done. I’ll be nonpartisan and hope they’ll treat the record. I’m pro-safety, business, family and education; all things people will value and want to return me to office.”

Washington stressed that he feels that “partisan politics can get in the way of what constituents really want — results.”

When called to Sacramento for a second interview, before the governor made the appointment, Washington said he was asked if he had aspirations for higher political office. “No,” he responded, then “… hoped I didn’t offend anyone.”

He emphasized, “I’m doing this because I have heart for it for the people. I’ll give it my best.”