Why I'm Running for the Board of Supervisors

By Warren Slocum

It's important to know why a candidate seeks a public office. Here are my reasons for running.

I had the distinct honor of serving San Mateo County residents for 24 years as Chief Elections Officer & Assessor County Clerk-Recorder. During that time I challenged myself and my staff everyday to streamline operations and reduce costs. I also balanced budgets, dealt with labor issues, pushed for legislative reforms, implemented new laws and programs, and delivered over a million vital service encounters to residents annually. That innovative leadership gained me a national reputation as an highly effective public executive.

Now I would like to apply those experiences to the challenges of county government and the challenges that the board of supervisors faces.

The November 6 election for Supervisor is about new ideas and experience. My background in health care, criminal justice and my countywide service has prepared me to meet the challenges that confront us. We need to bring the spirit that made Silicon Valley the world's innovation leader to county government.

San Mateo County stands at a crossroads.

Now is not the time for inexperience or guesswork. It's a time for tested, proven leadership.

Effectively dealing with issues like building a new jail, heath care reform, pension reform and budget deficits require courage and wisdom. Those issues, all of which have longterm fiscal implications, also require creative thinking and political collaboration and bold leadership. We can't afford to move slowly; we need to pursue common sense solutions and act in the public interest.

My specific priorities are to:

1) balance the budget in a responsible manner

2) ensure public safety in all neighborhoods

3) protect the environment and keep our parks open and well maintained

4) bring jobs to San Mateo County

5) improve the climate for existing businesses - large and small

6) make progress on the North Fair Oaks Community plan

I have some simple, yet creative ideas on how to bring more transparency to county government. We could start by putting the county's checkbook online. That way people can see where the money comes from and where it goes. And let's make sure the public can make comments and offer up their budget suggestions. This is just one step that will help us create a more open and collaborative budget process.

San Mateo County needs to put people before politics to solve the pressing challenges of our day, like putting our county on the path to fiscal stability, creating good-paying middle class jobs and keeping our neighborhoods safe. I want to streamline and modernize government so it works more efficiently. I will be accessible and accountable and always represent the people's interest.

Like any parent, I want our kids to live in a county that is prosperous, well managed and a place where everyone enjoys a high quality of life.

I have an ambitious agenda for our county and the leadership, experience and problem solving ability to make it happen.

Please visit my website http://www.slocum4supervisor.com to learn more about my ideas for our future.

I would appreciate your vote on November 6th.