Description
The Dominic L. Cortese Collection consists of photographs, a press release, newspaper clippings, speeches, and correspondence
that document his time as Santa Clara County Supervisor from 1969 to 1980.
Background
Dominic L. Cortese, a native of San Jose and son of an Italian immigrant farmer, served on the Santa Clara County Board of
Supervisors from 1969 until 1980. It was his first election attempt during a period of heavy social unrest, and involved an
extremely active campaign which led to his defeat of an entrenched sixteen-year incumbent. Cortese won two subsequent re-elections
and during his tenure chaired the Board three times. He also chaired the Local Agency Formation District twice, the Santa
Clara Valley Transportation District (which he was instrumental in creating) twice, and the Local Criminal Justice Planning
Board created by Governor Ronald Reagan. He served as the Board's representative on the Regional Air Quality Board, the Bay
Area Conservation and Development Commission, and ABAG. He was the Board's delegate to the local Economic Opportunity Commission
(Federal War on Poverty). When the EOC was under threat of takeover by the Federal government, Cortese along with two other
local officials founded the Economic and Social Opportunities Commission (ESO).
Restrictions
The Archives can claim physical ownership only for some collections. Users are responsible for securing permission of the
copyright holder for publication or quotation.
Availability
Collection is open for research.