About Judy

Judy’s background begins with her upbringing in Kansas City, Kansas. Her mother was an R.N. and TWA’s first air hostess, whose uniform is in the Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian. Judy’s father was an attorney in Kansas City who would have been in the foreign service but for an emergency appendectomy at American University, followed by recovery and a to return to college in Kansas. He has probably been the biggest influence on Judy’s interest in government.  

Judy attended Goucher College in Baltimore, MD for two years, and graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in International Relations. She then worked for the Peace Corps in Washington D.C. when Sargent Shriver was its head, and John Kennedy was President.  

When Judy came to Marin in 1966, she knew this was where she wanted to be. Judy has lived in Novato for almost 20 years, and can’t imagine living anywhere else.  

Personal   

Born July 16, 1940 in Kansas City, Kansas.  Married 30 years to Bruce Arnold, recording artist & songwriter, and master pattern maker of scale automobiles. Mother to Gray Ainsworth, Erin Fish and John Mark Arnold. Grandmother to Brayden Ainsworth & Lauren, Julia and Ainsworth Fish.  

Employment   

• Currently working as Marin County Supervisor, District 5
• District Chief of Staff for Carole Migden, California State Senate
• District Coordinator for President pro Tempore John Burton, California State Senate
• Director of Communication & Fund Development, Goodwill Industries of the Redwood Empire
• Marin County’s First Supervisorial Aide (Gary Giacomini)
• Publicist Marin Transit Systems, Inc.
• Journalist, U.S. Peace Corps  

Community Service   

• Served on Novato City Council 2003—2006
• Member Joint Powers Oversight Committee (countywide)
• Member Transportation Sales Tax Expenditure Plan Development Community Advisory Committee (for passage of Measure A)
• Former member, Board of Directors, Marconi Conference Center
• Co-Vice President, Marin National Women’s Political Caucus
• President, Tomales High School Parents Club
• Organized Legislative Action Committee for State School Funding Program
• Vice President & Local Action Chair, Marin County League of Women Voters  

Accomplishments as County Supervisor for 5th District

• Led effort for the formation of a Marin business "roundtable", now the Marin Economic Forum, to address business education, solicitation and retention of targeted industries, and entrepreneurial support county-wide
• Preservation of the 64-acre Black Point Nature Preserve as county open space
• Launched the Vial of L.I.F.E. program in Marin County, providing first responders with potentially life-saving information when responding to emergencies in the home
• Spearheaded the launch of new online access for the public to county restaurant inspection information
• Provided support to open the new Novato Community Clinic facility, following on the 2008 opening of the County Health & Wellness Center in San Rafael

Senate Accomplishments for 5th District   

Brought Charter School Funding inequity problem to Senator Migden that resulted in a bill in 2005. Worked with Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey on an agreement between the Army and State agencies on the clean-up of the Hamilton Wetlands Project. Secured crucial state funding through John Burton, for the purchase of the Bahia wetlands Point person for Senator Burton in stopping a planned transformer in Bel Marin Keyes. Responsible for Novato parents obtaining all important non-discretionary school funding in 2001.  

Of Special Note   

Contributing Writer, 50/50 by 2000: A Political Handbook for Women Author, When I Grow Up & The Lost Smile (published children’s books)