Gov. Jerry Brown filed papers at the Alameda County Registrar of Voters office in Oakland today to run for an unprecedented fourth term as California’s leader.
Speaking to reporters outside the registrar’s office, Brown said, “This is my fourth time at this and I’m doing so with humility and the realization that there are great responsibilities in the work that lies ahead.”
Brown, who was accompanied by his wife, Anne Gust, said that if he gets re-elected to another term, his priorities will be keeping the state’s budget balanced, changing the way schools are funded and supervised and public safety.
In terms of the state’s finances, Brown said he will “act very prudently” in managing its money.
“I’ll keep my eye on the ball,” he said.
As for education, Brown said there will be a switch in July to a new system in which there is more local control over public schools and more local accountability for every school in the state.
In the area of public safety, the governor said he is continuing to work hard to implement the recent realignment system in which many inmates have been moved from state prisons to local jails.
Brown said it’s important that those who break the law “are dealt with firmly and intelligently.”
Asked why he’s running for office again, Brown, who will turn 76 in April, said, “I understand the complexity and diversity of California and I like to get up in the morning and go to work. I think I can make a contribution over the next four years.”
Brown even said this might not be the last time he runs for office.
Brown, who served as Oakland’s mayor for eight years, joked that he might run for mayor again, saying that he gathered petition signatures at Oakland City Hall on Thursday and talked to “a lot of old friends.”
Brown declined to comment on potential opponents in the governor’s race, noting that the filing deadline is not until next Friday and things could change by then.
JeffShuttleworth1158a02/28/14
CONTACT: Gov. Brown press office (916) 445-4571
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