Chairman, Assembly HIgher Education Committee
For 30 years, Marty Block has lived in our neighborhoods and as an active community volunteer, respected elected official, and experienced professional, he is uniquely qualified to tackle the issues that are important to the communities of the 39th Senate District. As the Senator for the 39th Senate District, Marty will build upon his legislative accomplishments in the Assembly and reflect upon his years of service in our communities to improve our education systems, economic activity, environmental health, and our quality of life.
"I have worked tirelessly for my community at the local level, and I will continue to be an effective advocate in Sacramento on behalf of everyone in San Diego to improve our most critical services," commented Block.
Marty was elected to represent the 78th Assembly District (San Diego) in November 2008, and shortly thereafter was appointed by Speaker Bass to the Assembly Leadership as the Assistant Majority Whip and subsequently by Speaker Pérez as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Higher Education. His passion on education issues, both at the K-12 levels and collegiate levels shows a strong regard for those who have little or no voice in the political process. He utilizes this same results-oriented approach to state government that served him so well in his prior roles. His other legislative priorities include protecting public safety, providing jobs and economic development, seeking fiscal accountability, offering quality district services, fighting for veterans' rights, and ensuring that everyone in the district has access to affordable, quality healthcare. His resume is rich in community service and civic involvement and Marty has always had a keen grasp of so many issues that face our community.
Community Service
Past Commissioner, San Diego County Commission on Children, Youth and Families.
Past Member, San Diego County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force.
Past Government Relations Chair, San Diego Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Past President, American Jewish Committee, San Diego Chapter.
Founding Chair, San Diego Latino/Jewish Coalition.
Past Member, San Diego Children's Initiative.
Host of more than 50 Public Affairs Television Programs on San Diego's Learning Channel.
San Diego Superior Court
Frequent service as Judge Pro Tem
San Diego State University
Retired after 26 years as professor, dean and director
Founding Chair/Director, National Higher Education Law and Policy institute
Retired Member, California Faculty Association (affiliated with CSEA/SEIU/AFL-CIO/CTA/NEA)
San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees
Elected 2000, 2004 and 2008
Elected by Colleagues as President for Eight Terms
President, San Diego-Imperial Counties Comm. College Assn. (SDICCCA), 2004-2006
Statewide Co-Chair, CA Comm. Colleges Underfunded District Caucus, 2004-2006
Democratic National Convention Delegate
Elected as Delegate in 1988 (Dukakis), 1992 & 1996 (Clinton), and 2004 (Kerry)
San Diego County Board of Education - Elected 1986 and 1990
Elected by Colleagues as President for Two Terms
Elected as Statewide President of California County Boards of Education
Elected to Board of Directors of California School Boards Association
Western Illinois University
Director, Student Legal Services, 1978-79
Illinois School District 68
History Teacher, 1972-78
Member, Illinois Education Association/NEA
Education
Syracuse University, Political Science
Indiana University, BA, Political Science/Education
DePaul University College of Law, Doctor of Jurisprudence
Awards and Honors
Five-time Recipient of Outstanding Faculty Awards at San Diego State University
Presented with University Distinguished Service Award upon Retirement by SDSU President
Stephen Weber
Honored for community service by California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation
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