San Bruno has been stuck for a while. Whether it’s stuck in the past, or thinking small, the city itself needs a new way of looking at things to emerge better than it is now.
Case in point, its downtown has shown promise and character for years but it’s been swallowed by apathy and limited support by the city. In recent years, the city has played small ball in revamping news racks and garbage cans while also planning for a new tiny Centennial Plaza that was mired in a previous design that bordered on absurd. The parking meter launch did accomplish its goal of creating vehicle turnover but the rollout itself did not go well and put the police department in an awkward position of defending a directive from the council. Months later, there is little to show for it but broken and vandalized pay stations and frustrated merchants and residents.
The goals of these efforts are admirable but they did not work, and won’t achieve much in turning the downtown around. Incumbent Tom Hamilton knows this, and has worked methodically to bring focus to the city’s goals. Hamilton has great qualities on the council. He is knowledgeable, prepared and incredibly responsive.
But perhaps it’s time to bring in some fresh perspective. Stephan Marshall has long been connected to the city and can bring a new mindset to how it approaches everyday problems. He wants to think big in renewing downtown and bring a cleaner and more prosperous atmosphere. In addition, he wants the city to be better prepared for the next economic cycle when development is more feasible — whether it be more housing or commercial, the former will help lower costs and the latter will help the city’s bottom line. We’ve heard the lines before about cities needing economic development specialists to draw new business, but San Bruno is now in a very unique situation to appeal to investors of all types. It is a relatively well-run city, its schools are improving and its location can’t be beat. What it needs now is someone who will be its advocate by thinking big and out of the box. Stephan Marshall is that person.
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