Now, “I’m going to try to spend as much time as possible in the Santa Clara River Valley,” meeting residents and hearing their concerns, said Gorell. “I’m a moderate guy,” with real world experience.“I’ve amassed a broad spectrum of public and private sector experience that will serve constituents well in the Assembly,” said Gorell, a third generation navy man.As a Deputy DA, Gorell said he has developed an insight into preventing youth violence and keeping the community safe. Since 1999, he has been assigned to both the D.A.’s felony trial unit and juvenile crime unit. He works daily with countywide law enforcement agencies to curb gang violence, drug dealing, school violence, and to promote early intervention for youth.Gorell said he is a firm believer in a bi-partisan, “can-do” approach to government that produces results rather than conflict.He earned his BA in History from U.C. Davis and his Juris Doctorate from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.“My general philosophy is that state government needs to support local communities, not the other way around,” said Gorell.
Back from Afghanistan war duty, Gorell to seek state Assembly seat
February 23, 2003
Santa Paula News
A Lieutenant in the Naval Reserve, Jeff Gorell, a former speechwriter for Gov. Pete Wilson, volunteered for active duty just days after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
Gorell earned five medals and ribbons during the Afghanistan campaign, which had interrupted his own campaign for the state Assembly.By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesA Lieutenant in the Naval Reserve, Jeff Gorell, a former speechwriter for Gov. Pete Wilson, volunteered for active duty just days after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.Gorell earned five medals and ribbons during the Afghanistan campaign, which had interrupted his own campaign for the state Assembly.Now back on the job as a Ventura County Deputy District Attorney, Gorell is in the race again.“I haven’t done an official announcement, but I’m 100 percent in the race,” said Gorell, a self-described “moderate” Republican who hopes to succeed Assemblyman Tony Strickland when he is forced out by term limits.Assemblywoman Hannah-Beth Jackson had represented Santa Paulans until she was forced out by redistricting and constituents inherited the conservative Strickland.Gorell has put together a campaign team and fundraisers have been scheduled and “I’ll be making endorsement announcements pretty quick,” for his campaign to lead the 35th Assembly District, he noted.
