Candidate for
City Clerk; City of Oceanside

I am Joe Gallagher and I am running for the office of Oceanside City Clerk. I have been a resident of Oceanside for over 30 years having arrived in Oceanside as a young U.S. Marine returning from duty overseas to Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton. When I first arrived, the Oceanside was much different than it is today and the population was only about half of our current population of almost 200,000 residents. I have been privileged as a community member to have been involved in the community as it has grown.

I have been employed on Camp Pendleton at the Naval Hospital for almost three decades and have the experience that makes me the best qualified candidate for the office of City Clerk. As a government manager, director and administrator, I have the experience and the expertise to manage the functions and the staff of the City Clerk's Office. I am familiar with the challenges that are posed in running and effectively managing a government office. I will optimize available resources as staffing and funding continue to be impacted by economic conditions. I can, and will, ensure that the City Clerk's office will be well run and responsive to our city's needs. My association with members of the City Clerk's office will allow me to effectively interact with veteran staff members of the City Clerk Department to use employees' skills, and my own, to serve Oceanside well.

My interest in this wonderful beach community began, naturally, on the beaches of Oceanside. As a surfer and beach user, I was concerned with the health risks of beach pollution. My sons and I volunteered and participated in some of the earliest beach cleanups over 25 years ago. I was also interested in improving access and conditions at our local beaches in City of Oceanside and was appointed as a member of the Oceanside Beach Task Force where I served as Vice Chair and Chair. This was one of my earliest involvements in Oceanside and I remain proud of the work of the Beach Task Force in contributing to the improvements we now enjoy at our Oceanside beaches and harbor. I am also a long time member of the California Surf Museum in Oceanside and have served as a board member and Treasurer of the CSM.

After the restructuring of city commissions, I was appointed by the Mayor and Council to the newly formed Oceanside Integrated Waste Commission. I remained committed to this commission for over 19 years. I ended my long tenure as the Chair and spokesperson of this highly productive commission. The accomplishments during my service on the Oceanside Integrated Waste Commission are still seen today and include the rate stabilization fund which has allowed Oceanside residents consistently low waste disposal rates that have especially benefited our senior and fixed income residents. The Oceanside recycling programs, construction waste and diversion programs, and the El Corazon green waste facility are just a few of the goals that were achieved during my term. As Chair, I worked closely with City Staff and elected officials.

In all my volunteer activities, professional and community roles, and official city appointments, I gained insight into the workings of civic organizations, non-profit and volunteer groups, and Federal, State, County, and City governments. Working with volunteers, elected officials and city staff, I learned the importance of working together for the betterment of our community. I will continue to effectively do so as your City Clerk.