The people of San Mateo, and its District 2, have an excellent opportunity to elect a representative on the council who will be a leader for all. Someone who will listen and learn, and act in the best interests of everyone in the district, the city and the region.
There are times a candidate is made for a particular office and has the background, the knowledge, the intellect, the know-how, the determination and the sheer ability that marking that ballot for them just makes all the sense in the world. These are once-in-a-generation type leaders.
And today, in District 2, San Mateo is fortunate to have this leader before us. With public service at her heart and a deep understanding of San Mateo and its challenges and opportunities, Nicole Fernandez is the crystal clear choice for this seat.
Fernandez was practically made for this position. Supported by both progressives and moderates, she knows the issues, the people and the background, and can make the connections on the fly to ensure that every decision is best for all.
San Mateo has been through a rough period with divergent points of view on how best to proceed. Fernandez is a known collaborator who listens and learns. Her political experience is long and varied, working hand in hand with state legislators like Ira Ruskin, Jerry Hill and Josh Becker while also being deeply involved in her community and as a city commissioner.
She has a focus on real-life issues like public safety, traffic safety and congestion in a way that makes sense for all. She wants to attract and retain public safety workers through common-sense initiatives like down payment assistance. She wants to stop divisive conversations about historic preservation while meeting the city’s housing mandates. She wants to increase the city’s attention on North Central and North Shoreview to improve the quality of life for its residents, many of whom are Latino.
Also running for the seat is Charles Hansen, who is a welcome addition to San Mateo. A relative newcomer to the city, he too has a focus on these important issues and would be able to learn on the fly. Sometimes a newcomer can bring a fresh set of eyes to a variety of issues, and there is an appeal to that. If it weren’t for Fernandez, he would be an excellent choice for this seat.
But Fernandez is here, ready to serve and able to make San Mateo a better place beyond recent divisiveness. Joining her on the council in District 4 will be Danielle Cwirko-Godycki, who rose to prominence after her work to address flooding in her neighborhood after the 2022-23 storms. She is running unopposed and has significant neighborhood and city support. It is refreshing to see two bright, engaging and prepared women answering the call to service on the San Mateo City Council.
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