John Vasconcellos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Vasconcellos
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| Member of the California Senate from the 13th district |
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| In office December 2, 1996 – November 30, 2004 |
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| Preceded by | Al Alquist |
| Succeeded by | Elaine Alquist |
| Member of the California State Assembly |
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| In office January 2, 1967 – November 30, 1996 |
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| Preceded by | Al Alquist |
| Succeeded by | Elaine Alquist |
| Constituency | 24th district (1967–74) 23rd district (1974–92) 22nd district (1992–96) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 11, 1932 San Jose, California |
| Died | May 24, 2014 (aged 82) San Jose, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residences | Santa Clara, California |
| Alma mater | Bellarmine College Preparatory and Santa Clara University |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
John Bernard Vasconcellos Jr. (May 11, 1932 – May 24, 2014) was an American politician from California. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He represented the Silicon Valley area for many years. He served 30 years in the California State Assembly and 8 years as a California State Senator. He was known for his interest in psychology and for promoting the idea of self-esteem in politics.
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John Vasconcellos' Early Life
John Vasconcellos had family roots from Portugal and Germany. He attended Bellarmine College Preparatory and Santa Clara University. He graduated from Santa Clara University with very high honors, known as magna cum laude. He was also the top student in his class, called the valedictorian.
After college, Vasconcellos served two years in the United States Army as a lieutenant. He was stationed in Germany. When he returned, he went back to Santa Clara University. He earned a law degree in 1959. He then worked at a law firm and for the Governor, Pat Brown.
His Career in California Politics
In 1966, John Vasconcellos successfully ran for a seat in the California State Assembly. He started his work on January 2, 1967. By 1980, he was one of the longest-serving members there. He became the chairman of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. This was a very important role in the California State Legislature.
Promoting Self-Esteem
In 1986, Vasconcellos suggested creating a State Task Force to Promote Self-Esteem. This group looked at how self-esteem could affect society. He believed that feeling good about yourself was important for everyone.
Serving in the State Senate
Vasconcellos served in the Assembly until 1996. He had to leave because of term limits, which set a maximum time a person can serve. He then ran for and won a seat in the California State Senate, again representing Silicon Valley.
In the State Senate, he led committees on Public Safety, Education, and Economic Development. He served two terms there. He had to retire again due to term limits. Throughout his career, Vasconcellos often talked about how our personal feelings connect to politics.
Ideas for Younger Voters
In 2004, Vasconcellos introduced a bill called "Training Wheels for Citizenship." This bill would have allowed people aged 14 or older to vote. The votes of 14- and 15-year-olds would count as a quarter of a vote. Votes from 16- and 17-year-olds would count as half a vote. Some groups supported this idea, but others did not. The bill did not pass.
Retirement and Legacy
After serving 38 years in the California Legislature, Vasconcellos retired on November 30, 2004. Friends and colleagues created The Vasconcellos Project to continue his ideas. This project launched the Politics of Trust Network. It aims to encourage a new way of thinking about politics.
John Vasconcellos had one of the longest careers as an elected state legislator in California history. He was known for his work on public education and the state budget.
His Passing
John Vasconcellos passed away at his home in Santa Clara, California. He was 82 years old.
Honors
- He was honored as a Commander of the Order of Prince Henry by Portugal on June 9, 1997.
