Qualities of a good city councilmember

His daughters are about to enter their teen years and time flies so, if he wants to be there for them, now is the time. Lim also tested the waters of a different political office when he ran for Alameda County judge in June. He was unsuccessful and, at times during the campaign, was a little distracted. Then there was this summer and the brutal rent control measure and debate that led up to it that could take the wind out of anyone’s sails. Lim ventured over to the pro side on the rent control measure and was the only member of the City Council to do so, which would have put a bull’s-eye on his back during any future campaign from those on the anti side.

But that wasn’t the reason for him backing away from political office. He would have likely won with ease. Lim has been the straw that stirs the council’s drink since he entered office and has been one of the most responsible and responsive councilmembers in my experience in this town. He listens, collects evidence and is not beholden to the status quo. He also has a tremendous sense of justice, and a willingness to fight for the little guy. He appreciates the power brokers and the traditional centers of influence but is not a ring kisser. If you ever needed something righted, he was the go-to. For that, he has been a positive force on the council. And though he is a Dodgers fan, his dry sense of humor and energy make up for that.

But this isn’t an elegy — though I am prone to them in circumstances like this — as I am sure we will see Lim again in a political capacity. So I will cut this portion short.

What does make for a good member of the City Council? In my opinion, it is the ability to listen and to learn. Many who run or win do so on the merits of their ideas or because of the backing of the powers that be. But the office is often not defined by a previous vision, but by accommodating the people you serve. Too often, those in political office seek to convince others of the value of their ideas or to corral them into their vision or even marginalize them and leave them behind. But an adept and successful elected official understands that the job is mainly about service — serving the people in the city that elected you in whatever capacity they see fit. It may not always jibe perfectly with your philosophy, but it’s your job to listen — then lead.

And put simply, citizens are smart enough to know when they are being talked at rather than talked with. If your vision is good, bring people along for the benefits to them right now — not in some magical future. If someone is rough in how they convey their thoughts, listen for the origin of their beliefs and try to address that. Then bring them along if you can. Local political office is about communicating, getting people involved and finding a win for all — or rather most.

Any time there is an incumbent not running for council, there is also a jostling for position. In her recent Daily Journal column, former San Mateo mayor Sue Lempert already outlined the potential candidates from the Planning Commission — Eric Rodriguez, Charlie Drechsler and Pamela O’Leary. There will be time to talk about their attributes if and when they decide to run. There are also two incumbents running — Councilman Joe Goethals and Deputy Mayor Rick Bonilla. And being that this is San Mateo, there might also be others. It’s been a while since someone with a small business background has run for the council, so there might be an opportunity for that point of view among others.

My ask for this particular race is that the candidates read the room when it comes to this elected office. San Mateo has been through a lot recently, and there are likely more changes coming. They could be good, or bad. Anyone who wants to be on the council will have to be adroit when it comes to the job and recognize it is not about prior philosophy but rather public service to all. Lim knows that.

Jon Mays is the editor in chief of the Daily Journal. He can be reached at jon@smdailyjournal.com. Follow Jon on Twitter @jonmays.