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San Mateo County, CA June 8, 2010 Election
Smart Voter

OPEN Government

By Matt Grocott

Candidate for Supervisor; County of San Mateo; District 3

This information is provided by the candidate
I believe strongly that government needs to be open to all people and its access must not be limited to a select few of influence, power or means. In San Mateo County, this is an area where we can make improvement. Below are two related examples:

In 2008, the Board of Supervisors had an open seat when Jerry Hill was elected to the State Assembly. Rather than hold a special election, the board appointed a replacement.

The Civil Grand Jury chastised the Supervisors for not letting the people vote for a replacement. They further stated that if more than a year is left in a vacated seat, a special election should be held.

  • Selection of our leaders needs to be kept open to the people via the ballot box; not closed via an appointment

For the Grand Jury's recommendation to be acted upon, it needs to be considered by the county's Charter Review Committee. 10 of the 17 committee seats are appointed by the supervisors. Other seats are reserved for various organizations, such as the San Mateo Central Labor Council.

  • Selection to the Charter Review Committee needs to be open to the people of San Mateo County, to the average voting citizen

Abraham Lincoln first penned the words, "government of the people, by the people, for the people," when he wrote the Gettysburg Address. We should be committed to preserving this form of government. It is by its nature, open government; we must strive to keep it that way, and where it is not, to make it that way. As your county supervisor---it will be my pledge.

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