by Timothy Rutt
Former Pasadena City Councilman Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) was sworn in Monday as assemblyman for the new 41st Assembly District.
Holden was also named Majority Whip of the California Democratic Caucus.
Holdn started his first day by introducing a bill addressing economic development and jobs creation, according to a release from his office.
“We need jobs here and we need jobs now. AB 9 represents the first step in my commitment to creating jobs here in the 41st District, and in the State of California,” said Holden in the release. “I am honored to begin my service in the Assembly and will leverage all of my resources as a Member of the Speaker’s Leadership Team work to improve California’s economy.”
AB 9 provides the platform to develop, evaluate, and negotiate economic development policy. Holden has begun to meet with business and labor organizations, and with members of both political parties to explore areas of cooperation and consensus.
Holden represents the newly-redrawn 41st Assembly District, which encompasses the cities of Pasadena, portions of South Pasadena, portions of East Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, La Verne, Altadena, San Dimas, Claremont, and Upland. Altadena was formerly in the 44th District, represented by Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge), who decided not to run in the 2012 elections.