San Mateo fails another ethics test

Jun 22, 2026
Jun 22, 2026
3

Editor,

The city of San Mateo’s disregard for ethics in the Planning Commissioner appointment process is appalling. Ethics are not optional — they are the foundation of public trust and are required by the city’s own code.

(3) comments

Taso Jun 22, 2026 7:36am

Excellent letter.

Lisa Maley correctly reminds us that ethics are not optional, nor should they be viewed as inconvenient obstacles to be brushed aside..

Public trust depends upon leaders who are willing to uphold standards, not merely recite them.

What struck many residents during the June 15 meeting was not simply the disagreement over one appointment, but the stark contrast in leadership styles.

Councilmember Danielle Cwirko-Godycki demonstrated courage and integrity by addressing concerns that many residents have been raising for years.

Speaking uncomfortable truths is rarely easy, but good governance requires honesty, accountability, and the willingness to confront bad conduct rather than ignore it.

Equally noteworthy is that more and more residents are now coming forward to share their own personal experiences and observations regarding Seema Patel's behavior.

These are not anonymous rumors or political talking points. They are real stories from the community who have decided that remaining silent is no longer an option.

Many residents hope that the Daily Journal will also listen to those voices and give them the attention they deserve.

When independent voices from different walks of life — including former public officials, longtime residents, and community leaders — begin describing similar concerns, reasonable people should pay attention.

Character, temperament, and ethical conduct matter.

For many residents, Seema’s political ally and friend councilmember Adam Loriane’s endorsement for her reappointment sends a troubling message that ethical concerns and repeated patterns of behavior can simply be overlooked.

That is not how public confidence is strengthened. It is how public confidence is weakened.

Councilmember Danielle Cwirko-Godycki showed what principled leadership looks like.

More importantly, she demonstrated that acknowledging uncomfortable truths is often the first step toward restoring trust and getting City Hall back on track.

Ignoring problems rarely makes them disappear. Addressing them openly is how trust is rebuilt.

Doug North Central Jun 22, 2026 10:48pm

Very very well written, "Mr. Taso". I hope that you have concurrently submitted this message to the Editor for broader publication. I've already posted huge congratulations and thank you to Danielle on her Facebook page, for her brave defense of those under attack by Seema Patel, and her "undercover" campaign manager, Amourence Lee. Unfortunately, I have not been accepted by you as a Friend, if you currently use Facebook.

So your impact may be muted, as far as online communicating of your message.

By the way, given Nicole's stubborn vote for retaining Ms. Patel, will you be running against Councilmember Fernandez in 2028? Or perhaps she plans on doing an Amo and stepping aside....

If you live in our North Central and Downtown district, currently represented by Nicole.

LaurieHietter Jun 22, 2026 6:28pm

Thank you, Lisa. I hope all of San Mateo reads this letter. More people need to know.

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