Statement to Marin Coalition

By Kerry L Mazzoni

Bringing Marin residents together to work on issues of common concern.

I truly apologize that I am unable to be here with you today. I was very much looking forward to this event and the opportunity to speak with you. Please forgive me, but my work in Sacramento has kept me from attending. I want to thank all of you for your hard work and dedication in keeping Marin County a beautiful place to live, work and play.

Marin County is my home. I grew up here. I have raised my children here. And I have spent my adult life serving my community through elected office and by serving on the boards of numerous non-profit organizations that benefit Marin County.

As you know, I served Marin County in the Assembly for six years, and then as California's Secretary of Education. Prior to that I served on the Novato Unified School District Board of Trustees for seven years. I am honored to have served you and hope to serve you on the Board of Supervisors.

I am running for Supervisor to provide sensible and strong leadership at a time when the county faces serious fiscal challenges. I want to work for our common goals + a cleaner environment, high quality education for our children, a thriving economy, and a collaborative relationship between the County, the City of San Rafael, the San Rafael City Schools and our neighborhoods. Some of our neighborhoods have been overlooked, particularly those in the unincorporated areas of District 1 and have needs that must be addressed--I pledge to address them--flood control in Santa Venetia, re-development of the Marinwood Plaza and an appropriate location for the public safety building, perhaps the Marin Commons, rather than in the back yard of a Santa Venetia neighborhood.

This year our county has faced a $20 million deficit and next year it will again face a multi-million dollar deficit + vital services for children and seniors are on the chopping block. Meanwhile our current Supervisor has focused on a risky energy bureaucracy and a bag ban, but failed to provide appropriate oversight for the county's technology debacle costing the taxpayers tens of millions of dollars. This is unacceptable.

My leadership skills and experience provide me the know-how to address the challenges facing the county. The median barrier on Highway 37 that saves lives, the purchase of Millerton Point for the expansion of Tomales Bay State Park, restoration of the Bolinas Lagoon, class size reduction and breast cancer research money are just a few of the ways I have served my community in the past.

For too long artificial barriers have divided our community--no longer must we allow the business and environmental community to be at odds. I will work to remove barriers that separate us as a community and I will bring all stake-holders to the table to address the challenges facing our county.

As your Supervisor, I will work hard to move Marin County forward and provide thoughtful, sensible leadership on the Board of Supervisors. I ask for your vote on June 8.

Thank you very much for attending the Marin Coalition lunch today. If you have further questions, or need more information, please visit my website: http://www.mazzoniforsupervisor.com, call the campaign office at 256-9883. I look forward to speaking with you.