Anthony Portantino
| Anthony J. Portantino | |
|---|---|
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 44th district |
|
| In office December 6, 2006 – November 30, 2012 |
|
| Preceded by | Carol Liu |
| Succeeded by | Chris Holden |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 29, 1961 Long Branch, New Jersey |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Ellen Portantino |
| Children | Sofia Bella Rose |
| Residence | La Cañada Flintridge, California |
| Alma mater | Albright College |
| Occupation | Unemployed |
Anthony J. Portantino (born January 29, 1961 in New Jersey) is an American politician who served in the California State Assembly.
Contents |
Entertainment Career [edit]
Assemblyman Portantino came to California in 1986 to "pursue a career in the entertainment industry." Portantino was credited as "Producer" for the first time thirteen years after moving to California.[1]
Political Career [edit]
Assemblyman Portantino served two terms on the La Cañada Flintridge City Council, from 1999 until 2006. There, he was mentored by now State Senator Carol Liu, who further supported him as her successor in the California State Assembly when she was term limited out of office.[2]
In the Assembly, Portantino had the reputation as a polarizing figure who couldn't get along with his colleagues.[3] Portantino ran for Speaker twice, and lost twice. After failing to gain a single vote of support from his colleagues, Portantino changed his public persona into one that was highly critical of the Legislature and Democratic leaders. He was also one of the Assemblymembers who met to thwart the ascent of Assemblymember Karen Bass, the first African-American woman to attain the California speakership. [4]
Accomplishments [edit]
In 2011, Portantino introduced legislation banning open carry of firearms, even if unloaded.[5]
He also introduced legislation to allow prostitutes to remove tattoos at taxpayer expense.[6]
Portantino voted voted no on certain portions of the Democratic budget in June 2011, often using Republican arguments to justify his vote. He did not offer any alternative of his own though.
Portantino's Efforts to Stay in Office in 2012 [edit]
Termed out of the California State Assembly, Portantino then began his quest to stay in public office, in the very institution (the state Legislature) that he had publicly excoriated. He initially stated he would run for Congress against David Dreier, even though the district had yet to be drawn.[7]
Then, when that did not materialize, Portantino declared that he would take on Senator Carol Liu, his mentor, who had given him his first break in politics, although they differed on no issues.[8] Portantino only stood down after cutting a deal with members of the Democratic leadership in the Legislature.[9] Portantino stated he stood down to take care of his grieving mother. She passed away at a nursing home on the east coast; he was not at her side.[10]
Currently, Portantino is unemployed.
Education [edit]
Portantino graduated from Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania with a BS in Psychology/Business.
Personal [edit]
He is married to Ellen Portantino who also graduated from Albright College; they have two daughters.
References [edit]
- ^ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2457305/
- ^ http://articles.lacanadaonline.com/2005-10-13/news/news08_1_endorsement-pta-member-education-and-other-issues
- ^ http://www.laprogressive.com/the-speaker%E2%80%99s-heavy-hand/
- ^ http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/capitolalertlatest/011111.html
- ^ Miller, Terry (April 12, 2011). "Portantino’s Bill Banning "Open Carry" of Handguns Passes Key Committee | Latest News | Pasadena Independent". pasadenaindependent.com. Retrieved 22 June 2011.
- ^ http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_21418052/portantinos-tattoo-removal-bill-passes-legislature
- ^ http://sierramadre.patch.com/articles/portantino-preparing-for-2012-congress-run-but-will-he-face-david-dreier
- ^ http://articles.glendalenewspress.com/2011-12-14/news/tn-gnp-1215-portantino-struggles-to-find-political-footing_1_assemblyman-anthony-portantino-carol-liu-state-senate-campaign
- ^ http://burbankblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/anthony-portantino-reveal-deal.html
- ^ http://arcadia.patch.com/articles/remembering-barbara-garrone-portantino-anthony-portantino-s-mother#photo-13156693
