Monday, July 25, 2016

Wolk feted for service to Solano County

Wolk feted for service to Solano County
 
By Kimberly K. Fu, kfu@thereporter.com, @ReporterKimFu on Twitter
Posted: 07/21/16, 6:41 PM PDT | Updated: 3 days ago
Kimberly K. Fu — The Reporter Surrounded by the mayors of Solano’s seven cities, Sen. Lois Wolk, D-Solano, thanks leaders for their partnership, the community for their trust and her staff for their dedication.
 
Surrounded by local, state and national leaders Thursday in Fairfield, Sen. Lois Wolk, D-Solano, was toasted again and again during the first stop on what’s being called her “Farewell Tour.”
Leaders at the Solano Economic Development Corporation gathering touted her integrity and her willingness and availability to help and called her a champion of the people.
“This is a pretty special person in my mind,” advised Congressman Mike Thompson. “We were both elected at the same time.”
He was elected into Congress, he joked, while she was elected to serve the “Republic of Davis.”
Describing Wolk as doing marvelous work, Thompson thanked the senator for her service.
“She’s for her constituents and she’s always been,” he said. “She’s made sure that the people ... get their money’s worth. She works tirelessly for that.”
Her successful end of life bill, work on improving traffic-heavy roadways such as Highway 12 and dedication to water issues all are proof of her amazing abilities, he said, and she will never be forgotten.
“I know that Lois will always be on call,” Thompson said. “She’s checking out but she’s not leaving.”
Wolk, who has been in public service for decades, is serving her final term in office. She was a high school teacher before entering politics, serving as a Davis city councilwoman and two terms as that city’s mayor. From 2002-2008, she served as representative for the Eighth Assembly District and was elected to the Senate in 2008.
Assemblyman Bill Dodd, D-Solano, praised Wolk for her leadership and ability to get things done.
“She’s just done a phenomenal job,” he said. “What a class act.”
Solano County Supervisor Jim Spering, on behalf of the Solano Transportation Authority, thanked Wolk for her efforts in making Highway 12 safer.
“I can’t tell you how many lives you’ve saved,” he said. “Solano County has absolutely been blessed to have Lois Wolk. She’s dedicated to her constituents. ... She has been a champion (of the people) and made a difference in saving lives.”
Supervisor Skip Thomson called Wolk a true advocate for the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta while Vallejo Mayor Osby Davis said she’s a person to emulate.
“You are the kind of public servant that all of us should strive to be,” Davis emphasized, citing her honesty, integrity and commitment to all people.
For her part, Wolk expressed gratitude to county leaders for their partnership.
“You’ve allowed me to do what I love the most,” she said. “Solving problems.”
She called her staff a blessing and attributed her success in getting things done to strong local ties.
In closing, she thanked those present for making her 14 years of service to Solano very good years.
“It’s been, in my perspective, a great ride,” she said.