Editor,
Local government thrives on community participation. It’s not often that an individual dedicates and donates years of their time to serve the public. That is why I commend San Mateo resident Charlie Drechsler for his steadfast commitment to his community.
Although he recently resigned from the Planning Commission, I thank him for his years of service to our community. Charlie has been engaged in the community in a variety of forms including volunteer positions with the Elks Lodge, the Shriners Patrol Unit of the nonprofit’s children’s hospital and AYSO, as well as local PTA and Neighborhood Watch groups. He was a founding member of the North Shoreview Neighborhood Association and many more too numerous to mention.
With the city of San Mateo, he served six years on the Community Relations/Community Improvement Commission, five years on the Public Works Commission, over four years on the Planning Commission, and two years on the Civic Arts Committee.
Through all of this his family has supported him in the pursuit of a better San Mateo. My hat is off to Charlie and the Drechsler family. San Mateo is a better place to live, work and play because of their many selfless efforts.
While Charlie has decided to step down, I hope his years of service inspire others to engage in local government.
Rick Bonilla
San Mateo
The letter writer is the mayor of San Mateo.
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(6) comments
Rick Bonilla is a disgrace, and this letter is a direct slap in the face to every resident in San Mateo. The disdain with which he holds the residents is unacceptable, and he should tender his resignation immediately.
Rick Bonilla won the most votes of any Councilmember running for election in 2018, so I would argue his views are much more representative of the median San Mateo resident than yours are.
Charlie Drechler is out because he refused to listen to his constituents while admonishing them for exercising their democratic rights with his arrogant attitude. May be you should move to San Mateo since you care so much about San Mateo :-).
Credit for time served, for sure. And yes, I hope there are those out there inspired to serve the residents. We pay taxes. We live here. We deserve to be heard and counted regarding every aspect of our city and its future.
Well said Lisa!
A recent study commissioned by the Mayor found that homeowners make up 90% of Councilmembers and appointed Commission seats, despite only representing 55% of the population, so I think your voice is pretty well heard, in fact it’s probably over represented.
I’d also point out that long time homeowners pay less than their fair share of taxes, especially compared to newcomers and high-earning renters, thanks to Prop 13. It’s entirely possible to own/rent out a San Mateo home worth $2 million and pay taxes like it’s worth $600,000. Not to mention the mortgage interest deduction, a giant subsidy not available to renters.
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