State Sen. Bill Emmerson (R-23) has tendered his resignation effective Dec. 1, admitting to losing passion for the job. Emmerson had previously represented the Hill in the state Senate until last November’s elections implemented the 2010 redistricting.
Idyllwild and other Hill communities are now within the 28th Senate District, but elections for even-numbered districts will be November 2014.
Nevertheless, since his election to represent the new 23rd district, Emmerson said he would continue to consider the Hill as his constituents until the new senator is chosen. Years ago the former dentist had a practice in Idyllwild.
In his statement, he said, “But it’s time for me to move on. I have always felt that one had to be passionate about their work. In these past few months, my passion has waned and my constituents deserve a senator with the level of commitment that I once had.”
He also stressed that his health was fine and did not affect this decision.
The Hill is not the only area without Senate representation until 2014. Nearly four million Californians are in the same situation, called “deferrals.” Consequently, the California Senate Rules Committee took action last January to assign the unrepresented areas or deferrals to current senators, which is why Emmerson continued to represent the Hill until a new senator was elected in November 2014.
Emmerson serves as vice chair of the Senate’s Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and the Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee. He was also appointed to the Senate Rules Committee, Human Services Committee, Senate Governance and Finance Committee, and Joint Legislative Budget Committee.
