Paul Cook

• Biography:

  Paul Cook’s personal and professional achievements chronicle a life given to preserving timeless principles and the institutions that support them.

  A common-sense conservative, he believes government works best when it expands freedom and opportunity for individuals and families. He believes trust in public servants can only be earned when elected leaders confront problems – and maintain their principles.

  An infantry officer in the US Marine Corps, Paul's military record spanned twenty-six years. His actions in combat earned him many honors, including the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. He would later use his training and experiences in warfare to teach political violence and terrorism courses at the University of California Riverside.

  After retiring from military service, Paul campaigned for and won a seat on the Yucca Valley Town Council in 1998. As a Councilman and Mayor, he was an outspoken advocate for fiscal restraint. He pushed to keep Yucca's taxes low and spending limited. His commitment to 21st century police protection and the highest levels of emergency readiness gave Yucca Valley's citizens renewed confidence in its government.

  Assemblyman Cook was elected in November 2006 to represent the people of the 65th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Banning, Beaumont, Big Bear Lake, Calimesa, Cherry Valley, Hemet, Homeland, Joshua Tree, Menifee, Moreno Valley, Morongo Valley, Nuevo, Perris, Romoland, Running Springs, San Jacinto, Sun City, Twentynine Palms, Winchester, Yucaipa, Yucca Valley and other parts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

  Paul is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University where he earned a bachelor of science in teaching. He holds a master's in political science from University of California Riverside and a master's in public administration from Cal State San Bernardino.

  Paul has held leadership posts with area United Way and Red Cross chapters and is the past Executive Director of the Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Paul is a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion. Paul and his wife Jeanne reside in Yucca Valley.