Candidates' Forum Opening Statement

By Madison Davis

As a lifelong resident, I am fortunate to call Brisbane my hometown. I attended Brisbane Elementary School and Lipman Middle School and am a graduate of San Francisco State University with a degree in Business Administration. I work as an Account Executive for a software company and also serve San Mateo County as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster-care youth, mentoring and advocating for them in court. I serve on the board of directors for Brisbane Dance Workshop and on Brisbane's Parks and Recreation Commission.

As a commissioner I work to improve recreation while striving to make our Brisbane traditions relevant for future generations. One of these traditions I was able to bring back was our beloved fire hydrant restoration day.

I'm sure many of you are wondering why I am running for city council so I thought I would give you the background story. I spoke at my first city council meeting at 4 years old. My mom had taken me to the meeting because the council had invited the community to come and give suggestions regarding the design of the new park.

I remember sitting in the audience and listening to all of the speakers and providing my mom with my constant feedback. In what I am sure was an effort to silence me, she exclaimed "Madison, don't tell me, tell them" pointing to the city council. The green light from my mom was all I needed and I marched straight to the podium, was lifted onto a chair, given a microphone, and began explaining exactly what I thought our new park needed...Grass, flowers, puppet shows, the works. When I finished I remember there was a silence. Many looked as if they were in disbelief, and then a round of applause came. I left that meeting feeling proud and when our new park was complete, that feeling turned into appreciation. Somehow at that age I felt like what I had said had made a difference, here I was enjoying a park that indeed did have grass and flowers and once a year even had a puppet show during the Day in the Park!

While this is not only one of my first memories, this experience had a profound impact on the importance I placed on serving my community. Today I am standing before you, asking for your vote not because I have my sights set on a political career or want some sort of prestige, but because I have deeply cared about Brisbane for as long as I can remember and I have the experience to serve Brisbane well.

Again, I want to thank all of you for being here. I am committed to being as honest and transparent as I can in my answers in order for you to gain a sense of the councilperson I will be.