OP-ED: Minorities need fair representation in county

Lack of diversity seems to be a common theme in San Mateo County. The county manager, the county counsel, the sheriff, the district attorney, the tax assessor, the controller and the assistant county manager are also Caucasian. The top minority leader is the head of Human Services Agency.

No other county in Northern California has this kind of leadership. San Francisco, Santa Clara and Alameda counties all have leaders who closely resemble the ethnic backgrounds of their citizens. I was raised in Louisiana and we saw nearly all-white leadership in that state in the 1950s. I never thought I would witness that kind of insensitivity again. People of different ethnic backgrounds have the right to expect leaders who understand their plights.

Some people are quick to say that just because most of the top county leaders are white does not mean they’re racist. This is true. However, there are inherent problems when most of the top leaders are one race in a multi-ethnic society. Most of these leaders do not live in the county’s minority communities and may be insensitive to the problems that effect Asians, Hispanics and African-Americans. This insensitivity may lead to a lack of aggression when it comes to solving problems that affect minorities.

African-Americans and Hispanics in San Mateo County endure higher unemployment rates, greater instances of foreclosure and a higher rate of incarceration. African-American and Hispanic students in this county average lower test scores on state-wide tests. This long-term inequality has a severe negative impact on these people’s lives and we lack the intuitive leadership to solve these problems. Certainly, minorities need fair representation in leadership positions.

What kind of example is San Mateo County setting? Local governments and local corporations may say it’s OK to exclude minorities because, after all, doesn’t San Mateo County exclude minorities? Many Silicon Valley corporations underemploy African-Americans and Hispanics. How can San Mateo County leaders advocate fair hiring practices on the Peninsula when the county doesn’t practice equal opportunity employment? Why is this acceptable in a society as diverse as Northern California?

Change is needed. Unfortunately, incumbents are difficult to defeat in elections. However, several of the top leadership positions are appointed. It is time to take the fair and aggressive step by replacing them with minorities. Diversity should not be considered optional.

Ora Johnson is a community activist and has been a resident of San Mateo County for 39 years.