Longtime leader steps aside for newer voice in San Mateo

Hedges worked for the United Food and Commercial Workers union for years upon moving to the Bay Area and had been involved not only in labor organizing but political and community engagement as well, even in Kansas.

Two years ago, after much community involvement, Hedges came on board the council to fill a vacant seat that was causing turmoil among the new council. 

But despite his extensive knowledge of the city and successful bridge-building efforts, he opted not to run for a second term, instead endorsing Danielle Cwirko-Godycki who was sworn in Dec. 9 to represent District 4, which, in part, encompasses Shoreview, Mariners Island and Parkside neighborhoods. 

Hedges said the district has historically been neglected in many ways and is more vulnerable to climate change impacts due to its proximity to the San Francisco Bay. Both Hedges and Cwirko-Godycki were active in efforts to pass last year’s stormwater fee initiative, which was in large part a reaction to devastating floods the year prior.  

“When I started on this journey, I was a frustrated citizen. I didn’t want my house to flood,” she said. “I want to be an advocate for others, and represent the community. … There have been very few electeds from this side of the highway.”

Like Hedges, Cwirko-Godycki knows that infrastructure is a key issue facing not only her district but the city as a whole. For those living close to the water, getting off the Federal Emergency Management Agency flood maps — which requires purchasing expensive insurance policies — has been a costly and challenging battle. Just last month, after more than a decades’ worth of effort and tens of millions of dollars in upgrades, about 1,600 properties were taken off the flood map in the North Central and North Shoreview neighborhoods.

But Hedges said more infrastructure investment and improvements need to be made east of Highway 101 and citywide, not just for flood risk but also quality of life. Over the years he’s seen how the cost of living has pushed out many residents, in part a result of higher-wage knowledge economies and the hollowing out of nearby industrial hubs like South San Francisco. 

“We really have to recognize the people who are working here are suffering,” he said. “We’re no longer a blue-collar city … we have a lot of trades people who work for the government, and they are struggling due to the cost of living. We’re losing medical people. We’re not bringing in new young doctors, and it’s hard to get a home health care worker.”

He said he is optimistic Cwirko-Godycki will be able to propel some of those issues forward, along with the rest of the council. 

The increasing financial strain faced by the working class in San Mateo County is also reflective of a national trend, something Hedges said Democrats need to start taking seriously. Divisive rhetoric from national politics has also trickled down to city residents and elected leaders at times, he said, but added it’s improved more recently. 

Cwirko-Godycki said she hopes to continue much of the work Hedges has fought for in their district. 

“Rich has been advocating for the lagoon for 30 years or longer … he’s been involved, serving the community for 50 years, even as a private citizen,” she said. “I also think, far too often, there are leaders that are unlikely to pass the baton, but Rich has demonstrated that he wants that door opened to everybody.”

The 34-year-old San Mateo native works in recruiting and hopes to represent a demographic that is often too occupied to run for elected office, given the job’s long hours and low pay. While most of the new council works full time, it’s historically been most conducive to those who have sufficient income or time to dedicate to the role. 

“I think it’s important for younger people to see that it’s possible,” Cwirko-Godycki said.

“We have to be role models and show you can do both.”