Daron McDaniel, Supervisor
Merced County
November 2, 2020
Please describe your role with Merced County:
I am an elected member of the Merced County Board of Supervisors and I chair the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC). I serve on the Executive Committees of the Local Government Commission (LGC) and the San Joaquin Valley Policy Council, as well as the State Board of Directors for The California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions (CALAFCO).
What’s the most interesting or fulfilling part of your job?
Constituent services ‒ Helping folks who need help with navigating the government bureaucracy.
What’s your proudest professional or personal accomplishment?
I’m most proud of the work I did with Senator Jeff Denham and Mike Anderson, a “Gold Star” father, to pass the “Gold Star Family” license plate bill and being present for Governor Schwarzenegger’s bill signing. We were also able to raise funds from the private sector to set up a trust fund to pay for these license plates for “Gold Star” families. A Gold Star Family refers to the immediate family member(s) of a fallen service member who died while serving in a time of conflict.
What’s your favorite movie of all time?
“Top Gun” I always wanted to be a fighter pilot. “Repo Man” is another favorite and I especially love the sound track.
What makes Merced County special?
We are close to everything, right in the middle of the state. In one and a half hours I can be snow skiing at 7,000 feet or in two hours I can be surfing at sea level– not to mention all of the fresh produce we have here in the San Joaquin Valley.
Do you have any words of advice for someone interested in becoming a County Supervisor?
Make sure you have thick, tough skin but stay with your core values.