Biography
Over the past four decades as a small business owner, a citizen statesman fighting to keep your taxes low in Sacramento, a dedicated family man, and a community volunteer, Senator Bob Dutton has always taken a “common sense” approach to problem solving.
That “common sense” approach, along with Senator Dutton’s commitment as a tax fighter in Sacramento, resulted in every California citizen seeing their taxes significantly lowered in 2010.
Born and raised in Lincoln Nebraska, Senator Dutton moved to pursue the California dream in 1969.
He proudly served in the Army Reserve, was a member of the California Air National Guard, and was honorably discharged in 1974.
His commitment to the Inland Empire began shortly after arriving in Southern California as he opened a real estate investment and management firm, Dutton and Associates, Inc., located in Rancho Cucamonga, where he serves as the CEO.
In addition to running a small business and being a member of a number of professional organizations, Senator Dutton also made a commitment to giving back to the community, a value instilled in him by his father, by serving as president or board member for numerous community and civic organizations including the local Kiwanis Club, YMCA, Red Cross, the Chamber of Commerce and the Community Foundation. It was his personal effort and dedication that kept many of these organizations operational through some difficult economic times.
Giving back to the youth of his community was also very important to Senator Dutton as he served as the coach of his daughter’s fast-pitch softball team. Dozens of girls from those teams received scholarships and went on to play college softball.
Senator Dutton won election to the Rancho Cucamonga City Council in 1998 and won re-election in 2000. As a member of the council, Dutton worked to increase the number of police officers and fire fighters without raising taxes. He also led the fight to eliminate the city’s Utility Tax, which was abolished in 2001.
His experience as a local elected official and business owner, led to his election to California’s 63rd State Assembly District in 2002.
In 2004, Senator Dutton won election to the State Senate and represents portions of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties in the 31st Senate District. He won a second term in November 2008 when he captured nearly 60 percent of the vote.
Because of his leadership and “common sense” approach on key issues like the budget and transportation, Senator Dutton was unanimously selected Senate Republican Leader-elect in early 2010. He assumed control of the caucus following the passage of the 2010-11 budget.
During the 2011-12 budget negotiations, Senator Dutton was able to unite the Senate Republican Caucus and not only hold the line against tax increases, but his leadership resulted in taxes being lowered for California families by reducing the sales tax and car tax, saving the average California family hundreds of dollars a year.
During those negotiations, here’s what some prominent figures had to say about Senator Dutton:
“Bob Dutton is an island of calm in the eye of the storm,” George Will, Washington Post, May 20, 2011.
“He did a great job conceptualizing a set of proposals Republicans in the Senate wanted to see incorporated in the final budget,” Jim Brulte, former Senate and Assembly Republican Leader, San Bernardino Sun, June 26, 2011.
“He was very clear about what the needs of Republicans are – a cap on out-of-control spending and public pensions reform. He did an excellent job brining that out,” Senator Bob Huff, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, June 26, 2011.
“Senator Dutton represents our caucus well. He is firm in his convictions and delivers our position to the governor and the Democrat leadership,” Senator Sharron Runner, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, June 26, 2011.
Senator Dutton has received many honors including Legislator of the Year by the California League of Cities, the California State Sheriff’s Association, the California Small Business Association, California Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Veterans of California, and the California Small Business Roundtable.
Senator Dutton married his wife, Andrea Guillen, in 1981. Andrea, a fourth generation Chino resident, is the Department Director of Radiology at Chaffey Community College. He and Andrea have a daughter, Kara, who received her Master’s in 2010 from the University of La Verne, and is now working in the banking industry.
