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: : Biography
Steve Filson was born in San Diego, California where his father was stationed at Naval Air Station North Island. As the son of an aviation officer, Steve grew up on military bases located across the United States and overseas. He witnessed the emerging force of the Civil Rights Movement in Louisiana and the post-World War II rebuilding efforts in the Philippine Islands. Steve returned to San Diego to earn a Bachelor of Science degree at San Diego State University.
Upon graduation, Steve followed in his father's footsteps and became a pilot in the United States Navy. He served as a Navy pilot for eight years on active duty and twelve years in the Navy reserves. Over the course of his twenty year military career, Steve served aboard the USS Hancock and the USS Ranger and piloted three different carrier-based attack aircraft, the A-4 Skyhawk, the A-6 Intruder, and the A-7 Corsair II in Lemoore, California in the San Joaquin Valley. Steve retired at the rank of Commander in 1994.
When Steve left active duty service in 1978, United Airlines hired him to fly the Boeing 727. Only three years later, however, United instituted massive personnel cutbacks and Steve was laid off. He took a job in telecommunications sales and simultaneously earned an MBA at St. Mary's College in Moraga. In 1983, Steve rejoined United Airlines and retired recently as a Captain of the Boeing 777.
At United, Steve also served as a flight operations manager and even walked a picket line with his fellow union members. His strong leadership and mediation skills helped over 1600 pilots resolve tough issues by thoroughly understanding contract administration, labor law, employee relations, pensions, and complex Federal and State regulations. In a sense, Steve has always been in the trenches implementing the many great pieces of legislation that have come out of the Democratic Party. This is an experienced viewpoint that will serve the residents of the 15th district well.
As a Navy officer and squadron leader, Steve encountered and overcame a wide range of problems that continue in state government and for people working in the private sector. His consummate commitment to fairness, justice, government and corporate responsibility, and the needs of American families effects every decision he will make in the Assembly
Most recently Steve has joined efforts to bring affordable health insurance to small businesses and their families. Now a licensed agent in California, Steve has started a business which advises clients on the best choice available. As an independent contractor he has gained a viewpoint about health insurance coverage which is powerfully unique for a member of the California Legislature. Because of its stress on working families and its urgency, Steve intends to make this a significant issue in the campaign.
Steve Filson and his wife Mary have lived in Danville for many years. They have four children and one grandchild.
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