Bernie Richter
Bernard Dartanian Richter was a Republican member of the California State Assembly from the California's [3rd State Assembly district|3rd district] from 1992 to 1998. Prior to his terms in the Assembly, he served on the Butte County Board of Supervisors.
Early life and family
Richter attended the University of California, Los Angeles on a football scholarship. During the 1950s, he served in the Army Corps of Engineers.From 1967-75, Richter taught high school civics at Chico High School. He operated family-owned video and liquor stores in Chico named Ray's liquor which still popular until now. Richter and his wife Rae were the parents of three daughters.
Political career
Butte County Board of Supervisors
He was a member of the Butte County Board of Supervisors representing Butte County's 2nd district in Chico from 1972 to 1976.California Assembly
Richter was an outspoken opponent of affirmative action and was the legislative author of Proposition 209 to end the practice in 1994.In 1994, the Republicans were able to attain a one-vote majority in the Assembly. At this point Democrat Willie Brown had maintained power as speaker for 15 years, and this was the first opportunity to unseat him. However, in the end, Brown was able to get one Republican, Paul Horcher, to vote for him keeping him as speaker. During this time, Richter, also attempted to become speaker with the support of all or most of the Democrats. Richter tried to gain the support of his fellow Republicans, but succeeded only in angering them. He was term limited out of the assembly in 1998.