News
August 1, 2007
Reaching Out to Represent you
As your elected representative to Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, I have made a serious commitment to carrying your voice both at the local level and beyond Silicon Valley. Over my years of service I have worked to represent our communities’ interests and concerns at the regional, State and national level, creating opportunities for collaboration on common issues and providing leadership in vital areas of policy affecting local governments.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) is a member organization composed of states throughout the nation. As Santa Clara County’s Delegate to NACo I have been a long-standing member of the Sustainability Leadership Team and Health Steering Committee. I have worked to represent Santa Clara County regarding issues such as regulations and funding related to Medicare and Medi-Cal, and seeking our share of funding for social services. In 2006, I was appointed to the Large Urban Counties Caucus Steering Committee. This caucus is comprised of the 100 largest Counties across the nation with populations exceeding 500,000. Collectively we represent about 130 million people. We work together to address issues related to the wide array of services provided to our residents, including funding for substance abuse prevention and treatment, strengthening emergency preparedness, prevention, response and recovery, housing and community economic development, and many others.
At the recent NACo conference in July, Valerie Brown, Sonoma County Supervisor and former member of the California State Assembly was elected as First Vice-President of NACo. Valerie is poised to become President of NACo in 2008-9. I look forward to working with Valerie to represent our County and all California counties at the federal level.
At the State Level, I have been an active member in the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), serving as a representative of Santa Clara County since I took office in January 2001. I currently am a delegate to the Urban Counties Caucus (all urban counties in the State) and the CSAC Board of Directors, as well as a member of the Health Policy Steering Committee. Recently, I was elected to CSAC’s Executive Committee and asked to Chair the Economic Development Policy Committee. In 2006, with the support of my colleagues, I founded the Bay Area Counties Caucus in order that the SF Bay Area Counties can discuss issues in which we have a mutual interest. The group has coalesced and evolved as an important platform to advocate for the specific needs of Bay Area counties.
What Others Say
“Liz Kniss is among the most qualified of elected officials it has been our pleasure to know...She is a dedicated and tireless worker for the citizens of North Santa Clara County. She listens. She has our total confidence and support.”
“Liz's role as a regional leader is pivitol. She works to bring together multiple viewpoints and voices. I believe we need her kind of skilled leadership in our Valley.”
“Liz is one of the most responsive elected officials I've worked with, government needs more like her.”
“Liz has shown the leadership it takes to protect and provide vital safety services. Liz has a proven track record.”
“Liz has consistently represented our District with the highest level of integrity and effectiveness; she deserves to be re-elected”
“I've been working with Liz on Cupertino issues for years; she brings committment and integrity to her discussions about our community.”
“Liz gets results. Her persistence has led to the new First Five preschool location in Mountain View, continuing school-linked services, and support for our Community Health Awareness Council. We're grateful.”
“Liz is doing a first rate job - the kind of good work that merits re-election as Fifth District Supervisor.”
“Partnering with our city is a high priority for Liz as we work together on environmental issues, and bus and rail services.”