San Mateo CountyCandidate for Supervisor, Supervisorial District 5

Quick facts:

• Mayor of the City of Brisbane
• Chair of the SFO Roundtable
• Owner of Silverspot Graphics
• Lifelong resident of South San Francisco and Brisbane
• Proud graduate of local public schools

I have lived in the area all my life, growing up in a working class family in South San Francisco, going through the public school system, and eventually putting down roots in Brisbane.  

At a young age, I learned the importance of hard work, resourcefulness and independence.  I had my first real job at the age of 15 and joined a union at 17.  As a high school and NCAA wrestler, I was immersed in the values of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance.  The ethics of my youth are deeply imbedded; they have informed the way I manage our business, partner with my wife to raise our children, engage in my city and county.  

Karen and I have been happily married for 20 years.  Our daughters, 15 and 18, have played soccer with Brisbane AYSO, participated in many library events, and for many years trained with the Brisbane Dance Workshop.  Karen is currently a Trustee of the Brisbane Elementary School District, President of the Brisbane Dance Workshop, and a Parks and Recreation Commissioner. Together we own a small promotional products business. 

Through years of volunteering and public service, my life has been enhanced by community engagement, especially when it has improved the lives of youth and those less fortunate. 

I believe creativity and community partnership, coupled with a strong business sense, will enhance County Services and deliver them in a more efficient and effective way.  I have no problem taking on powerful interest groups, and standing up for what I think is right.  I’m also a good listener, and value the art of compromise.

As Mayor of Brisbane I’ve had the opportunity to take the public’s aspirations and concerns into account and apply their feedback to the policies that have helped shape the City.  My approach is to empower the people and lead by example. 

During my terms as Council Member, Vice Mayor and Mayor, I have taken on a number of county leadership roles.  I am the Chair of the SFO Roundtable, which addresses airport noise.  I am working with a task force to update the strategic plan for Commute.org to reduce traffic congestion in the County.  Through the task force with HEART  (The Housing Endowment and Regional Trust), we are addressing the need for affordable housing.  And in the area of high speed rail, I have advised Caltrain on the electrification process.

The Board of Supervisors is just one piece in our Community puzzle - but their role has a major impact on our quality of life.  As a County Supervisor, I would be dedicated to making certain that County services reach the people who qualify for those services, strengthen partnerships between government, non-profits and businesses, and listen to the people who reside in our County.

Issues such as fiscal responsibility, economic development, housing, public safety, education, social safety net programs and the environment are priorities in every community.  I’ve been fully committed to addressing these issues, and applying proactive leadership in making these areas of government more accessible and accountable to the people.

A County Supervisor should engage the public, understand and solve complex issues, and have a sincere passion for making life better for all citizens of the County.  I have applied my tenacity and strong work ethic to become an All-American wrestler, a successful small business owner, a respected leader in my Community, and a role model for my children.  I would apply this energy in being a productive Supervisor.  

District 5 should be a place that:

• Makes us feel safe
• Connects us to services and our fellow citizens
• Provides an enriching environment for our kids
• Values traditions and where seniors are engaged
• Empowers us to be our best

I believe good things happen when citizens feel they have a vested stake in what goes on in their Communities.  In order for Northern San Mateo County to continue to thrive, we will need to incorporate the knowledge and experience of our long-term residents with the energy and aspirations of our newer inhabitants.  In an effort to refresh our Communities, I will continue to seek ways to empower our citizens, work with our businesses and non-profits, and collaborate with our elected officials in Sacramento and Washington DC, so that we maintain and enhance what we collectively support.