Rancho Cordova City Councilman Ken Cooley has been unanimously elected to serve as Vice Chair of the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission. The internationally known commission investigates earthquakes and earthquake related issues then makes recommendations to the Governor and Legislature concerning policies and programs that are geared towards reducing earthquake related risks and concerns.

Cooley was nominated by the League of California Cities to represent California in 2005. He was then appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2007 and confirmed by the State Senate in 2008. Of the 20 members serving on the Seismic Safety Commission, 15 of them are appointed by the Governor. The remaining five are appointed by each of the following: the Speaker of the Assembly, the Building Standards Commission, the Senate Rules Committee, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, and the State Architect’s Office.

Cooley has been interested in earthquake safety for many years. He has worked closely with members of the State Senate and State Assembly and the Seismic Commission staff to research and create public policy responses to earthquakes. Cooley has lived in Rancho Cordova with his wife since 1977. He was elected to Rancho Cordova City Council in 2002 and was sworn in as a charter council member the day the City was incorporated in 2003.