Candidate for
Member, City Council; City of San Leandro; Council District 3

Let me start with why I decided to run for City Council. There are many people who ask me why, though I found myself asking WHY NOT? Why not be engaged and a part of change, for change is happening every day, all around us.

Recently there was an action before the Council which I opposed. The action presented was to eliminte representation, and a communication channel, of both school districts on the Recreation and Parks Commission. I believe that all communication channels are valuable. I reached out to the community and was a driving force in rallying support for the opposition, resulting in the action being withdrawn prior to the final vote. Regardless of the outcome, I was inspired. Inspired to continue my involvement at this level. I received encouragement to run for office from two current city council members, family and friends. I meet with my opponent, Julian Provarosa, and then made my decision to jump into the race. I have also spoken to four of the six current council members about the time and attention required of a council member, and without a doubt, I am ready and able to serve. It was not something I had planned, though I am not too surprised I am here. Serving on the City Council seems to make sense as the next logical step in my passion to be involved.

What my position and biography information might not share is how confident I am in knowing that my leadership experience, involvement and education have provided me the knowledge, skills and ability to be an effective member of the city council. That for two out of the five years I served on the Recreation and Parks Commission I served as Chair, that I was recently asked to return as President of the Washington Manor Swim team, and to serve as Co-Meet Director for the East Bay Swim League. These are testiment of the respect and support I developed with my fellow members. I know the importance of being an active listener, engaging in dialogue and debate, the willingness to challenge assumptions, tapping into everyone as an information source and team building. I am not afraid to raise the difficult questions. As a new face with a fresh prespective, I bring with me an inclusive vision to move San Leandro forward.