Posted by Peter Carpenter, a resident of the Atherton: Lindenwood neighborhood, on Apr 22, 2012 at 11:56 am
Peter Carpenter is a member (registered user) of Almanac Online

In my opinion local elections should NOT involve either partisan political or union endorsements. Neither political parties or unions have anything to contribute to our election of our local leaders. Voters should select the candidate who best represent their individual interests not someone who proposes to serve a political party or a union.

Posted by Anne, a resident of the Atherton: West Atherton neighborhood, on Apr 22, 2012 at 2:23 pm

I agree with Peter. And, I would never vote for someone the unions were backing.

Posted by Michael G. Stogner, a resident of another community, on Apr 22, 2012 at 3:07 pm

Peter, as you know I agree with you, however they are involved and influence the results of San Mateo County's At-Large elections.

Shelly is endorsed by almost all the unions in San Mateo County. Bill Nack and Shelly Kessler of 1153 Chess Drive, Foster City have 70,000 to 75,000 members plus spouses to influence.

I'm not sure what the numbers are for this group in the article but it's fair to say if we have a turnout of 100,000 voters Shelly is our next Supervisor.

This is why District Elections are important for San Mateo County.

Good Luck to all the candidates most people don't know but it cost between $5,000-$8,000

just to get on the ballot with 200 words about yourself.

Posted by Anne, a resident of the Atherton: West Atherton neighborhood, on Apr 22, 2012 at 9:57 pm

Union endorsements aren't a good thing. They are a powerful Special Interest Group.

Posted by update, a resident of another community, on Apr 23, 2012 at 12:20 am

Masur issued her own press release. Web Link Mr. Burruto's friend Virginia Chang Kiraly has now joined Masur's list of supporters from Menlo Park, namely Katie Ferrick and Heyward Robinson. Web Link Ms. Kiraly has also endorsed Carlos Romero. Web Link

Posted by progress, a resident of another community, on Apr 23, 2012 at 12:30 am

Masur's endorsement page no longer lists Andy Kline... now a former mayor, but his name still appears on her printed literature. Burruto, Masur and Kline all looked very friendly in the hotel lobby at the Progress Seminar.

Posted by Joanna, a resident of the Menlo Park: Downtown neighborhood, on Apr 23, 2012 at 8:32 am

Union endorsed? No vote from me.

Posted by Michael G. Stogner, a resident of another community, on Apr 23, 2012 at 9:45 am

Last year, Community for Shelly Masur donated $450 to the Democratic Central Committee. I wonder if that had anything to do with her endorsement. I didn't see any other candidates donation. Here is the link

Web Link

Posted by Anne, a resident of the Atherton: West Atherton neighborhood, on Apr 23, 2012 at 12:13 pm

Why wouldn't a person of color win this seat? Right now the board is full on middle class, white people. I am disappointed in this homogeneous board. Why not favor the person Rose wants to sit in her chair? The San Mateo Board of Supervisors is such a boring group of people who are largely supported by the Unions-- A large Special Interest Group. I plan to vote for Rose's choice.

Posted by Martin L, a resident of the Menlo Park: Belle Haven neighborhood, on Apr 24, 2012 at 2:07 pm

I believe Unions have the right to endorse candidates. Just like wealthy individuals do. As we are seeing all over the country, the economic power of wealthy individuals have way more influence on who gets elected than the combined power of millions of people through their unions. Look at the "corporations are people" ruling by our biased Supreme Court.

Having said that, I think Carlos Romero is the most articulate and creative of the candidates.

And by the way, Unions didn't endorse him because his imparcial position on the pension issue.

Posted by anne, a resident of the Atherton: West Atherton neighborhood, on Apr 24, 2012 at 3:36 pm

Union dues should not be used to feather candidates nests