It’s starting to seem like anyone who works for Assembly Majority Leader Alberto Torrico needs to hold some type of public office. First his Deputy Chief of Staff Trisha Tahmasbi gets appointed to the Ohlone College Board of Trustees and makes a run for the Fremont City Council. Now, on a much, much less significant note, his aide (and former Argus freelancer) Ben Liu has applied for a spot on the Union City Parks and Recreation Commission.

It’s hardly an influential board. It can only make recommendations to the City Council, and whether it was about getting more youth service programs or city-subsidized dog park lights, the council usually ignored the commission’s recommendations when I covered City Hall.

Liu grew up in Union City. Here is what he wrote when I asked him why he wanted to sit on the commission:

“Since college, I was interested in public service.  My experience in the USAF and current job as a field representative for Majority Leader Alberto Torrico allows me to serve in an expanded role. Among my areas of focus for the Majority Leader are parks and recreation and public safety.

I applied for the position to gain access to, to know the community, and to understand the needs of our city’s residents. Most importantly I want to volunteer my time and impact the lives of our youth.”