by Timothy Rutt
Assemblyman Anthony Portantino announced Wednesday that, due to family difficulties, he would not be running for a seat on the state senate as he had planned. He sent out the following message Wednesday night:
Thank you for your patience and trust. After deep contemplation with Ellen, I have decided not to run for office during the 2012 election cycle. As many of you know, the last 13 months have been very difficult for my family. My mother, Barbara Portantino, has not been in good health, particularly since my brother Michael's untimely death last December. Many of you met Barbara at last year's holiday Open House and have kindly asked about her. Mom is currently awaiting surgery on February 14.
Since I will be travelling back East to help with Mom's care and it is likely that I will be needed in New Jersey to pack up her house and to help with her transition into assisted living, I won't be available to campaign in the manner that my supporters expect and our district deserves, while still attending to my legislative responsibilities.
Ellen and I are grateful for the tremendous support that I have received during my five years in the State Legislature and the eight years prior on the La Canada Flintridge City Council. Your ongoing support and encouragement for me to continue serving in office is truly appreciated. I assure you that I will not be ending my public service.
My father died when I was eleven years old and my mother has been the most significant influence on my life. I need to spend as much time with her as I can as she fights to reclaim her mobility in the time she has left as the matriarch of our family.
I hope you will understand that this decision in no way ends my political career. Placing it on "hold" allows me to focus on my family while they need me. I will continue to work to put trust and accountability back into public service, now and in the future.
We in the San Gabriel and San Fernando Valleys are blessed to have excellent representatives in Sacramento and in Washington who warrant our support. I will be offering them mine as I take care of my family and await a future opportunity to serve.
Thank you for your support, trust and patience. I look forward to sharing some good news about Barbara with you soon.
Anthony
