California Journal Recognizes Wolk's Integrity And Effectiveness

Assemblywoman named among legislative "Freshman Elite"

Once every two years, the California Journal publishes its selection of the State's top legislators. The Minnie Awards, named for the goddess Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom who appears on the State seal, recognize lawmakers who set the standard for conduct, integrity, and effectiveness. Wolk was one of seven rookie legislators named the Freshman Elite for her high standing among first-term legislators. She was also awarded the Golden Pedigree for her integrity, trustworthiness, and personal ethics.

"To be counted among the legislative elite," wrote A.G. Block of the California Journal, "Lawmakers must adhere to a more refined standard -- a pattern of conduct, an outlook, a demeanor that exemplifies the best kind of public service.

"Integrity is the Legislature's coin of the realm, for it implies that a member is true to his or her word and can be trusted," Block continued. "Which members are regarded as true to their word? Who is seen to have a moral center, a value system, a sense of personal ethics that guides his or her every action? Which members are genuinely respected, even by those who disagree with them on issues and solutions?"

The California Journal selects award winners by evaluating their work of the current two-year session, which will adjourn at the end of this month. The publication also utilizes interviews with legislative participants and observers, including members of the press, who are in a position to comment on legislators' behavior and activities.