Voices in Our Heads
Patrick O’Donnell Activates and Educates
It’s easy to speak to California State Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell. I asked him for an opportunity to interview him and he said sure. I didn’t have to go through three schedulers, a chief of staff, and an assistant. I texted him and we set to meet on July 4th morning in front of his house. Now, I’m sure it helped that I’ve known Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell for more than a few years and he lives around the corner from me. But, before you think I’m special, let me just say that I’ve seen O’Donnell stop and speak to his neighbors, strangers in restaurants, and pretty much anyone who recognized him and wanted a moment of his time. It might have something to do with his local roots and being comfortable with the city that he’s lived in all his life. I think it’s more than that. I’m convinced it’s his affable personality combined with a no nonsense “I ain’t got time to waste on the unimportant things” to, I’m sure, his proud Irish roots. He’s committed to his responsibilities and then passing the baton on to the next generation by exhorting them to activate and educate.
Patrick O’Donnell was elected to the California State Assembly, in November 2014, to represent District 70. The district includes the cities of Long Beach, Signal Hill, San Pedro, and Catalina Island.
Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell
Patrick O’Donnell, Long Beach Proud
But, long before Patrick O’Donnell rose up the political ranks from Long Beach City Council member to State Assemblymember, he lived a “local boy done good life.” He was born in St. Mary’s Hospital in Long Beach and grew up his entire life in the city not far from where he lives now.
The roots for, first his teaching career, and then his public service duty, go back to his upbringing.
“I was brought up in a family of five kids, Irish-Catholic family, where we were taught to give back to our community…to leave the world better than you found it.”
Those lessons were the foundation of growing up. This led to his becoming a teacher of twenty-two years. “I actually go back when we have some breaks during the legislative year.” O’Donnell taught middle school for fourteen years and high school for eight in Paramount. The experience of teaching in schools with many low-income and English as second language learners left an impact on him that O’Donnell says he now brings to Sacramento.
There were many people who mentored him and had an impact on the Assemblymember as he grew up.
“Certainly, it was my parents. It was the teachers I had. It was the community around me, that supported me.”
The Moment that Patrick O’Donnell Knew
There was an event. It was many years ago, O’Donnell remembers.
“I think it was just after the 1992 riots and I thought these people are going to, they know a lot.’ They are City Council members and I was struck by the fact that they weren’t any brighter than me and I could do this.”
And he did. He was elected to the Long Beach City Council in 2004 representing the Fourth District. He would serve there until 2014 when he was elected to the State Assembly.
As anyone knows, politics is not for the faint of heart. It’s a “rough and tumble” world where one’s commitment is measured quickly and rewarded, if sincere. If not, that person is in for a rough ride. Patrick O’Donnell is the former, full of commitment and sincerity for the public service he serves.
“I love the ability to create positive change and stop negative change… I very much enjoy taking care of the small stuff. Some might see it as small stuff but it’s big stuff to someone who’s having that challenge.”
From the small business person facing the State Franchise Board to balancing the state budget, they are all important in Patrick O’Donnell’s world. However, there is a cost personally. There are the periods away from family and yes, even his experienced life has to tolerate the rough and tumble politics. “That’s okay, I signed up for it.”
I asked Assemblymember O’Donnell to define Leadership
And then realized that was no small task.
“Dedicated. Truthful. Honest. Meaningful. And the ability to listen is key, not just talk. “
Listening is important even when you’re the keynote speaker at an event.
“It doesn’t hurt to listen to people and a variety of opinions. It makes you a better public servant. “
For those young people considering a life in public service despite the roughness sometimes, Patrick O’Donnell offers this simple advice.
“Just do it. I would say educate and activate yourself. “
O’Donnell offers internships to young people. To find out more about these and other issues for the 70th Assembly District, visit the Assemblymember’s website HERE.
