Dear Voter

By Esther C. Beirne

I'm running for San Rafael City Clerk because I think it is one of the most important roles in our local government, and I have the experience required to do the job. As your Deputy City Clerk for the past 7 years, I have seen first hand how vital the work of the City Clerk's office is, and I have learned the skills and responsibilities of the position from current City Clerk and campaign supporter, Jeanne Leoncini.

I am not a politician. I'm running for City Clerk because I care about our community, because I know intimately what it takes to be a good City Clerk, and because I believe I am the best candidate to fulfill the role. In addition to management ability, experience is very important in this position. The City Clerk has to follow multiple federal and state laws and regulations that govern how city information is recorded and distributed. With my 7 years of on-the-job experience, I know these rules inside and out, and can therefore continue the City Clerk's important work from day one.

I take great pride in serving as the community's conduit for vital public information. I dedicated myself to making public information more accessible by serving on the City's WEBTEAM, which developed the City's website into a more user-friendly and comprehensive site. In the same spirit, I will continue working with colleagues on City staff to streamline and modernize the City Clerk's department. I will also implement new policies to ensure the Department is as `green' and Earth-friendly as possible. This will reduce our environmental impact, and save taxpayers money by reducing costs.

I am the only candidate that has City government experience, in a position that really needs it. I have strong working relationships with City staff, which will allow for a seamless transition. I am also a 2006 recipient of the "Certified Municipal Clerk" designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, a certification that required study over multiple years to learn the intricacies of being a City Clerk.

My campaign is supported by Mayor Al Boro, Councilmembers Paul Cohen, Barbara Heller, Cyr Miller and Gary Phillips, City Attorney Gary T. Ragghianti and City Clerk Jeanne Leoncini. Also endorsing my campaign are the San Rafael Police and Firefighters Associations, the Marin Independent Journal, and many more.

I've worked very hard for the people of San Rafael for seven years, and will continue to do so as San Rafael City Clerk.

For more information, please visit http://www.estherforcityclerk.com.

I respectfully ask for your support and your vote.

Sincerely, Esther Beirne