Joe Simitian. The last of the great ones. He works hard on big issues, he understands what’s in his bills and he can throw a political elbow when needed.
-"Experts Expound" in The Capitol Weekly (Thursday, July 16, 2009)
- "...recently voted... one of the most effective legislators in California" (9/25/06)
- "Exceptional." (2/26/04)
- "...intelligent, savvy, articulate." (2/22/04)
- "A politician who doesn't act like one... Mr. Simitian is serious about public policy and is something of a maverick. He is willing, on occasion, to offend powerful interest groups... Last year alone, Mr. Simitian was the author of prominent legislation on education reform, water policy and renewable energy... Year after year, he seems to be in the middle of the action on the capital's most important legislation. (2/7/10)
- "...a key player..." (10/18/09)
- "...influential..." (9/17/09)
- "...an advocate for seniors." (5/31/05)
- "...highly capable, hard working... Simitian... has proved a quick study in Sacramento." (2/15/04)
- “Thirty-eight acres of coastal bluffs in Half Moon Bay have been spared from development and will remain open space…State Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) led the fight to preserve the area…” (11/2/01)
- "Not your average Joe... indefatigable and independent..." (1/19/05)
- "Joe Simitian has served the region with distinction..." (2/25/04)
- "...highly regarded..." (1/21/04)
- "Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) is a smart legislator..." (10/4/06)
- "Simitian has an eminently sensible approach." (7/13/05)
- "Simitian deserves praise for his perseverance..." (9/26/06)
- "Readers' Choice... Favorite local politician." (8/17/05)
- "To his credit, Simitian... can work with Republicans." (10/30/04)
- "...a strong reputation in the areas of education and the environment..." (10/13/04)
- "He's a staunch defender of the environment, a champion of education. He is known for reaching out to his constituents, and for working effectively with his colleagues in Sacramento to push legislation important to Midpeninsula and Coastside residents." (2/18/04)
- "[O]ne of the most effective and forward-looking legislators in Sacramento... Mr. Simitian has consistently performed at the highest level." (2/18/04)
- "Capable..." (6/28/05)
- "Simitian... is clearly one of the valley’s brightest and most articulate public officials... he’ll make a fine addition to the Legislature..." (10/26/00)
- "Simitian has a keen grasp of the issues..." (10/31/96)
- "...the man's responsiveness is incredible... Simitian has shown energy and commitment to getting things done." (10/13/04)
- “Joe Simitian has distinguished himself as a hard worker and a task-oriented politician who established a stellar track record and received almost universal praise... We feel good about Joe Simitian – unlike some politicians, he rolls up his sleeves and gets to work.” (10/18/00)
- “Continually accountable…” (2/23/00)
- "Simitian... has proven himself to be an effective an independent-minded leader at virtually every level of local and state government." (10/21/04)
- "Simitian has shown his independence and forward thinking since he was first elected... he [has] earned a reputation as a maverick for rejecting conventional thinking and pushing for budgetary reforms..." (2/26/04)
- “Simitian…shows political adroitness, a desire to make government work well and a thoughtful approach to regional concerns.” (10/22/91)
- "Simitian has been an effective legislator who keeps his head in the district... he has established himself as a leader on education, the environment and the budget." (10/28/04)
- "...experienced, credible and smart... a strong, effective leader with his mind on the people he serves." (2/24/04)
- "Simitian has been an effective legislator who keeps his head in the district." (2/24/04)
- "Simitian...has become a popular and successful politician in part through making himself accessible to his local constituents even as he has risen to statewide office. Recently Simitian has begun conducting ‘sidewalk office hours,’ sessions in which he sets up a table at a public place and talks politics with whomever approaches him." (10/5/01)
- "...outstanding service to the local community, great influence and respect among (his) colleagues and a commitment to bipartisanship... He's incisive, innovative and a quick study... (with) strong leadership, problem-solving and communication skills." (11/1/00).
- "During his tenure as a school board member and city councilman, Simitian demonstrated repeatedly that he is no spendthrift." (3/21/97)
- "A clear, effective and innovative thinker who can work on a bipartisan basis..." (2/26/04)
- "...outstanding... among the top assemblymembers to serve in the Legislature." "[A] spotless record of advocacy for environmental causes. On education... among the leaders promoting funding and higher standards of achievement." The Examiner (2/23/04)
- “Simitian has a proven track record of protecting the environment.” (10/25/96)
- "We like Simitian's program of asking constituents to come up with legislative ideas which he can introduce in Sacramento." (1/10/04)
- “Simitian is the right person to lead the charge for privacy rights in the Assembly…” (6/2/01)
- “Simitian…has a reputation as a problem solver and a leader.” (10/25/00)
- “He’s not your average Joe.” (December 2000)
- “Simitian is assured a seat in the Assembly, where he can continue his crusade to clean up the environment, expand health care access to low-income children and increase affordable housing.” (October 2000)
- One of the Legislature's half dozen "most effective" members. (9/14/06)
- “Simitian genuinely values bipartisanship and thoughtful public policy…” (2/19/01)
- “Intelligent and articulate…a major contributor…well versed in regional concerns.” (9/22/91)
- “Forward-looking and articulate…high-caliber leadership…” (10/21/87)
- “An exceptional record of volunteer service…” (10/31/83)
- "(Simitian) has a reputation for action." (12/13/00)
- One of "the power 100" in Silicon Valley. (7/2004)
- "...suspiciously sensible for a lawmaker." (5/29/05)