Latest JPC Blog Entries
| TARGET: San Bernardino County corruption Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:20:00 -0800 San Bernardino County is a vibrant place, with a mix of cultures, different climates, and a growing population. Unfortunately, it has also been home to some of the worst scandals in the state.&...(more) |
| The Tea Party and Maxine Waters' misplaced anger Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:38:00 -0800 On Saturday August 20, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) lashed out at the Tea Party, stating that the Tea Party could "go straight to hell." Suffice to say, her comments are as ridicu...(more) |
| Paul Cook's Native American bills and efforts Tue, 31 May 2011 20:10:00 -0800 Assemblyman Paul Cook has amassed perhaps the strongest record of legislative success in Native American cultural and social issues of any current California legislator. Cook was the lead author of la...(more) |
Paul Cook biography
A Lifetime of Commitment
"I've spent my lifetime defending America and the values that make us strong. We need leaders with the courage to stand on principle and fight for our values. That is my mission in Congressional District 8."- Paul Cook
Retired Marine
An infantry officer in the US Marine Corps and veteran of the Vietnam War, Paul's military record spanned twenty-six years. His actions in combat earned him many honors, including two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star with a V for valor. He retired from the US Marine Corps as a Colonel.
Educator
Paul is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University where he earned a bachelor of science in education. He holds a master's in political science from University of California Riverside and a master's in public administration from Cal State San Bernardino. Paul has taught various college level courses that include history, public administration, and political science at Copper Mountain College, California State University San Bernardino, and UC Riverside.
Small-town Mayor
After retiring from military service, Paul won a seat on the Yucca Valley Town Council in 1996. As a Councilman and Mayor, he has been an outspoken advocate for fiscal restraint. He pushed an aggressive plan to keep Yucca's taxes low and spending limited. His commitment to 21st century police protection and the highest levels of emergency readiness have given Yucca Valley's citizens renewed confidence in its government.
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Beyond the challenges and achievements of his public record, in 1996 Paul began a battle with leukemia – winning that battle when doctors declared him in full remission. Paul's community, classroom, and professional pursuits continued during the entire period of his treatment and recovery.
During his time in the California State Assembly, Paul has distinguished himself as Chair of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee. He has authored significant and successful legislation on child safety, veterans affairs, and public corruption, among many other issues. He is most proud of his legislation on veterans and military families, on reducing taxes, and on revamping state and local procedures for cases of missing persons.
Paul has held leadership posts with area United Way and Red Cross chapters and is the past Executive Director of the Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Paul is a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion. Paul and his wife Jeanne reside in Yucca Valley.
