Rutherford Named 2015 Outstanding Elected Official

The American Society for Public Administration Inland Empire Chapter presented San Bernardino County Second District Supervisor Janice Rutherford with the 2015 Outstanding Elected Official award last week at the Victoria Club in Riverside. "Supervisor Rutherford was chosen because she personifies the best of the public service - thoughtfulness, commitment, and practicality. Furthermore, the Inland ASPA chapter also recognizes her unusual ability to collaborate, unite, and inspire," said Monty Van Wart, a member of the organization's board. Past recipients of the Outstanding Elected Official award include Riverside County Assessor Larry Ward, Yucaipa City Councilman Dick Riddell, former Assemblyman now Congressman Paul Cook, former Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge and former Assemblywoman Amina Carter. "It is an honor to be recognized by this exceptional group of public service professionals," Rutherford said. "The Inland Empire is blessed to have many outstanding elected leaders committed to doing what's best for our residents and the future of the communities we represent, and I am thankful to be a member of such a hardworking and dynamic team." Voters elected Rutherford to the Board of Supervisors in November 2010 and again in November 2014. She served a two-year term as Chair of the Board and spearheaded the implementation of campaign contribution limits and other policy changes aimed at restoring public confidence in County government. Rutherford is well respected for her unbending commitment to fight for taxpayers and property owners, including serving as a taxpayer advocate for former State Board of Equalization Member Bill Leonard. During her 10 years on the Fontana City Council, Rutherford worked with her colleagues to provide quality amenities to improve residents' quality of life, including new parks, community centers, and 93,000-square-foot regional library. In addition to her daily duties as a member of the Board of Supervisors, she serves on the boards of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, San Bernardino Associated Governments, Inland Empire Economic Partnership, Local Agency Formation Commission, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Joint Conference Committee, Omnitrans, and the Sam & Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts.