Griset for Assembly

One of the most coveted and contested Assembly seats in the state is the open seat in central Orange County’s 72nd District. The seat is open because after six terms, Assemblyman Richard Robinson decided to run for Congress.

The Republicans want the seat and see a chance to haul it in and the Democrats desperately want to retain it. Robinson was Orange County’s lone Democratic assemblyman and losing that seat could leave the Orange County Democrats with no officeholder in Sacramento.

Both parties are investing a lot of money and effort in the campaign. But the Democrats have put up one thing more--the best candidate. He is Dan Griset, the mayor of Santa Ana.

Griset is a known quantity. He has a record of service and performance. He has been a city councilman in Santa Ana since 1979. He knows the district, the county and the problems.

One of the main problems facing the district and county in coming years is traffic congestion. That is one problem, among others, about which Griset knows more than his opponent. Griset has served on both the Orange County Transportation Commission and the Orange County Transit District board. He was one of the most visionary members of the board on the need for alternate means of transportation, such as the guideways now being planned for use on several county freeways.

Richard E. Longshore is the Republican nominee. His only claim to fame is that he ran against Robinson twice, losing both times. Voters should treat Longshore on Nov. 4 as they have before and reject his candidacy.

In the neighboring 71st Assembly District, incumbent Assemblywoman Doris Allen (R-Cypress) is seeking a third term. She has earned it on her legislative performance and should be reelected.

Allen is a leader in the Assembly on education matters and in the last session had more bills on education passed and signed by the governor than any other Republican in the Assembly. One of those provides more money to low-wealth school districts and another allows children of working parents to attend schools close to the parents’ places of employment.

Dan Griset in the 72nd District and Doris Allen in the 71st are by far the most qualified candidates. We urge their election Nov. 4.