Alquist, Alfred E.

Alfred Ernest Alquist was born August 2, 1908, in Memphis, Tennessee. He began his political career in 1960, when he ran for California's 28th District Assembly seat but lost to incumbent Clark Bradley in the general election, after having won the highly contested primary. In 1962, he won a State Assembly seat in the 24th District, which included Saratoga, Campbell, and northern San José. As an Assemblyman, Alquist focused his platform on stopping pollution. After serving two terms, he ran for and won a State Senate seat, a position he held from 1967 to 1996. As a State Senator, he represented the 11th and 13th Districts, which included Santa Cruz, San Mateo, San Carlos, and Santa Clara County. In addition to environmental issues, Alquist sponsored legislation to reform education, employee benefits, the election process, law enforcement, conservation efforts, and taxes. In 1969, he created the Educational Opportunities Program and Services for disadvantaged students, which still exists today and in 1971, Alquist pushed for open ballots for the primary elections. In addition to politics, Alfred E. Alquist was an active member of several community service programs, including the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, the Mayor's Committee on Human Relations, the Santa Clara County Veteran's Employment Committee, and the Santa Clara Valley Council for Civic Unity. Alquist retired in 1996.

From the description of Alfred E. Alquist papers, 1963-1996 (bulk 1980-1996). (San Jose Public Library). WorldCat record id: 643349449

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