City Clerk — City of Santa Clara

     I’m Robert O’Keefe, candidate for City Clerk.  I was born and raised in Santa Clara and attended local schools, grammar school through college.  I bought my current home in Santa Clara in 1999, where I live with my wife Lori, we both love Santa Clara and have no plans of leaving.  

     I recently retired from the California Highway Patrol after 30 years of service.  I attained the rank of Lieutenant, ultimately overseeing patrol operations in San Francisco and San Mateo Counties. 

     The duties of the Santa Clara City Clerk have recently changed with the greatest responsibility being that of the city’s Election Official.  I believe that this position needs to be non-political, non-partisan, and public service oriented, ensuring true democracy and transparency in all of our city elections. 

     My entire career has been dedicated to public service, and I still wish to serve.  I have proven leadership skills and vast government administrative experience.  If elected, I will perform my duties professionally, honestly, with high moral and ethical standards.  Santa Clara is my city, it’s your city, it’s our city!  With that thought in mind, I would be honored by your vote.

The role of the City Clerk is now twofold – to be responsible for city elections and the city seal. Qualifications are important because the City Clerk should be able to carry out all responsibilities in the event the Assistant City Clerk is unable to.

I have a science degree, graduate diplomas in public policy, legal studies and IT, and a masters in business administration. I also have ten years experience at national and local government in Australia. This includes five years as a performance auditor for the National Audit Office which reports on the operational effectiveness of departmental programs. I have also worked in the Committee Office of the Senate as a policy researcher. 

I have been involved in the local community for many years now, through my children’s schools, PTA, Library volunteer, serving on school bond committee, and running a non-profit organization that re-uses musical instruments. I enjoy being part of our community and the many benefits community brings to all of us. The City Clerk is an important part of community in getting people involved through voting, and I believe I have the skills and qualifications of community-building to be an excellent City Clerk.

Transparency in elections is so important to a democracy. My aim would be to work with residents to strengthen these processes. I believe that a City Clerk needs to have three guiding principles:

1.     A strong ethical compass.  I have no criminal record, and have that strong ethical compass to impartially carry out the duties of the City Clerk including guiding new City Clerk candidates through the election in direct opposition to my campaign to run again. I can uphold the law and all legal and adhere to legal and administrative requirements.

2.     Leadership. Leading the team of the Office of the City Clerk, and being part of the broader city administration team means that someone is taking responsibility. Especially during this time of transition where the Assistant and City Clerk need to be work together.

3.     Willingness to listen and learn. No one goes into a job knowing all there is to know about it. Running elections requires the Clerk to be a willing and committed and I have deep understanding of the need for transparent administrative processes. The Clerk is directly accountable to all residents, so being able to listen to their concerns is paramount to the success of the position.