California Senator Brian Dahle introduced himself to the Colusa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
Dahle represents the first Senate District, which acquired Colusa, Glenn, Butte, and Tehama counties by deferral after 4th District Sen. Jim Nielsen retired in November.
Dahle was the Republican nominee for governor in the 2022 election, but lost to incumbent governor Gavin Newsom.
He will represent Colusa County until the 2024 election.
“We understand what some of (Colusa County’s) needs are, but not all of them,” Dahle told the board.
Dahle has worked closely in the State Legislature as an advocate for Sites Reservoir and water storage, which he said was promised to California voters almost a decade ago.
“Sixty percent of California’s water comes from my senate district,” said Dahle, who added he was looking forward to being Colusa County’s partner in seeing the project through.
Dahle also advocates for the restoration of Williamson Act subvention payments, better broadband for rural communities, and support for higher Medi-Cal reimbursement rates to retain rural hospitals.
“We are doing what we can to make California a better place,” Dahle said.
Among his committee assignments are budget, transportation, and natural resources. He serves as vice-chair on the Environmental Quality Committee and is vice chair of the Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee.
Dahle represented California’s First Assembly District from 2012 until 2019. Before joining the Legislature, he served on the Lassen County Board of Supervisors.
Colusa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Kent Boes said in his six years on the board and four years on the Williams City Council, Dahle is the first state representative to immediately reach out to him by phone after assuming office.
“It’s very much appreciated,” Boes said.
Dahle plans to staff Nielsen’s Forest Avenue office in Chico for his use. Otherwise, Dahle can be reached at his Capitol or Redding offices.
Dahle is a farmer and small businessman. His wife is 1st District Assemblywoman Megan Dahle. ■