Interim councilwoman running for regular seat

However, she said her time on the council so far and the encouragement of a variety of community members to run made her think the best way to continue fulfilling that original commitment was as an elected councilmember.

“The more I thought about it, I felt that I really brought some solid experience and skills and that the community deserved to have me as an option,” she said.

Although Clapper said she hasn’t felt her gender makes a difference, she was the first woman to join the council since 2007.

Clapper’s formal announcement comes as the candidate filing period begins and joins several others already confirmed to be running for

three seats on the City Council. Mayor Bob Grassilli, former planning commissioner Michael Corral and Cameron Johnson, Economic Development Advisory Commission chair, have already launched their campaigns publicly. Councilman Matt Grocott has not confirmed if he is running for re-election. Another confirmed contender is former mayor Inge Tiegel-Doherty who also applied for the appointed seat but withdrew from consideration because she planned a run this November. The pledge not to run if appointed is not legally enforceable but one often

employed by cities when filling mid-term vacancies. San Carlos used it not only when filling Klein’s term but also the previous year after

the unexpected death of former mayor Omar Ahmad.

Providing some consistency after that quick succession of new faces on the council in such a short period is another reason Clapper said she

wants to remain.

Clapper, a Bay Area native and 18-year resident, said she brings to the City Council the same attributes that made her effective on the

Planning Commission — leaving personal points of view at the door, not making decisions just to satisfy outspoken factions of the community

and looking at the long-term implications to the entire city instead of simply short-term solutions with a narrow focus.

The budget and economic recovery remain important city priorities, she said.

“I continue to be cautious about budget creep and fiscal stability.

It’s very critical that we don’t let any core maintenance slip,” she said.

Clapper also wants to continue building a strong relationship with the school districts.

Recently, the City Council has wrestled with some tough decisions like passing on creating a new zoning district for landmark properties and working with the community to fine-tune the renovation of Crestview Park.

The pending Transit Village development is a project at the forefront of city issues right now but Clapper said it is only one piece of a bigger housing puzzle of how to encourage private housing that accommodates a variety of ages, economics and desires.

“It’s really a shame when people can't move or stay here as they make life changes. The Transit Village is a piece of that but there is also Wheeler Plaza and other land use policies to make sure we are going to do the right mix of land use for the future,” she said.

Clapper said she will eventually have a website to share information about her campaign but expects to rely heavily on shoe leather while

going door to door and meeting residents at events.

“I’ve always found face to face is best,” she said.

And of the already crowded race for council?

Clapper said she finds the company great.

“I’m hoping the community responds to that by thinking about how they can get involved in the community,” she said. “It conveys a whole message about excitement in the community. We all have different points of view but collectively we want what’s best for San Carlos.”

michelle@smdailyjournal.com

(650) 344-5200 ext. 102