New Millbrae mayor takes over

Hershman said Monday the city ought to set a responsible budget.

"Then we need to have the courage to save," he said.

Having been through budget crises last spring that forced the creation of an assessment district to keep the fire department rolling, Hershman said he wants a budget that separates needs from wants.

Hershman, 47, graduated from Mills High School in 1974. He played tennis and basketball there, but didn't letter, he said.

He earned undergraduate degrees in economics and political science from the University of California at Santa Barbara and later a law degree from Santa Clara University. He practices civil law at Greene, Chauvel, Descalso and Tully in San Mateo and has a son and a daughter.

A councilman since 1997, he was mayor once before in 2001.

"In my last term as mayor, the Giants reached the World Series. I hope this year they can do the same," he said smiling.

The Giants season is uncertain, but his second term as mayor is likely to be smoother with less of a budget crunch.

"Economic recovery is the number one issue in our cities," Councilwoman Linda Larson said Monday. She said she was confident Hershman would work with new City Administrator Ralph Jaeck to find creative ways to generate income.

"I hold Marc in the absolute highest esteem," she said.

Of course, Hershman does not get along with everyone. Since spring, a hair salon owner has brought a bottle of dirty water into City Council meetings, looked Hershman in the eyes, and blamed him for ignoring the level of chloramine in the water.

As the council's delegate to the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency, he takes most of the blame. He said he is resolving the issue.

Councilman Robert Gottschalk said Monday Hershman is one of the most experienced on the council and is confident he will lead the city well. He, Larson and Hershman recently disagreed about freeway signs.

After the council approved a 70-foot In-n-Out Burger on Highway 101 and Millbrae Avenue in October, Larson asked the council to reconsider it.

Hershman said 70 feet was too big, while Gottschalk said it would not seem so tall next to trees and 95-foot power lines. Gottschalk originally voted for the signs and said he would do it again. Because the sign law applied to all of the land slated for development near BART and the highway, the council is being cautious.

Gottschalk said the city has been too dependent on hotel taxes and that when the fire assessment expires, the city may have to scrimp again.

"The most important thing is to plan for long-term revenue stability." he said.

Hershman will also have to deal with the ongoing negotiations with South San Francisco Scavenger Company, which is trying to renew its garbage collection contract. Closed sessions on the anticipated litigation from Scavenger have clouded the process, but Hershman is hoping for a swift resolution and public approval.

Hershman is expected to be sworn in as mayor at 7 p.m. Tuesday in City Council chambers at 621 Magnolia Ave. Councilman Dan Quigg is expected to become vice mayor. Mayor Nadia Holober will pass the gavel to Hershman but is keeping her seat on the council.

Stephen Baxter can be reached by e-mail at stephen@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 109. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.