Candidate for
Supervisor; County of San Mateo; District 4

Ensuring that San Mateo County is an excellent place to live, work and raise a family is important to all of us. I am a third generation San Mateo County resident. I have worked collaboratively with numerous organizations and groups over the past 20 years to help make our County great. Additionally, I have a long history and proven track record of voting on issues over many years of dedicated service on the Menlo Park City Council and Planning Commission.

Our County is in financial trouble, with a significant structural budget deficit. The County continues to use reserves to balance the budget and spending outpaces revenues as the recession continues. The deficit is 77 million dollars for fiscal year 2013. If no action to cut spending is taken by the Board, the deficit will increase to 149 million dollars in fiscal year 2017.

We must create more jobs and bring economic development to our County, just as we are doing in Menlo Park. Facebook moved their headquarters to Menlo Park last year to become the largest employer in Menlo Park, and will eventually be one of the largest employers in San Mateo County. Facebook's move to Menlo Park is good for the Belle Haven community, Menlo Park and San Mateo County. This will encourage new businesses to develop in the area, creating additional housing and improving the transit corridor.

I have a long track record of making tough decisions. Menlo Park recently lost 1.5 million from their budget due to the loss of the Redevelopment Agency, and the Housing Department was funded by this Agency. We recently made the tough decision to eliminate the Housing Department rather than drain our general fund. The City of Menlo Park is now in the process of contracting out the BMR program so that it will continue to be available. Shared services are critical during this time of economic crisis.

Preserving our environment is of utmost importance to the quality of life of all residents. The County operates many beautiful parks and open spaces, both in the hills and in the middle of urban areas. Keeping the parks open and accessible to all is crucial.

I would be honored to serve you on the Board of Supervisors and continue the long tradition of providing excellent services to residents of the County while making strategic decisions to produce a sustainable budget.