Lawmaker Taps Voters for Ideas

State Assemblyman Jerry Hill is encouraging his Peninsula constituents to submit ideas for new laws.

Residents have until Jan. 1 to enter the San Mateo legislator's fourth annual "Oughta Be a Law ... or Not" contest. Hill will select a winner and then introduce legislation based on the chosen idea. Submissions can range from proposals for local community improvements to statewide reforms.

The winner will have a chance to testify in Sacramento at a hearing on the legislation.

"This is a great opportunity for constituents to participate in our democracy and learn about the legislative process," Hill said in a statement.

Applications can be obtained on Hill's website at http://asmdc.org/members/a19/.

Once filled out, they can be e-mailed to assemblymember.hill@assembly.ca.gov, faxed to the San Mateo district office at (650) 341-4676 or mailed to the district office at 1528 South El Camino Real, Suite 302, San Mateo, CA 94402.

-- Bay City News Service