Some of you know who Michael is, and most of you don't. He hangs around the courthouse in San Mateo and digs into things he doesn't like. He writes about things that bother him online, and isn't shy about taking bold stands. In particular, he is very concerned about perceived abuses of power and discretion by law enforcement (the San Mateo District Attorney, Sheriff, and various county police agencies). He is a self-professed victim's advocate, and he takes this job seriously.
The conventional view of Mr. Stogner might be "he's weird". Most people haven't run into conflicts with police officers, sheriffs, or district attorneys, and they tend to associate anyone who does as someone who's up to no good. It's difficult to understand a different point of view until something happens to you that changes certain ways of thinking. If and when that happens to you, you would think of Mr. Stogner as a hero.
There are many Americans who tend to switch vote between Democrat and Republican because they think it's in everyone's best interests to have the tension of checks and balances at work at all times. If you've ever thought in that way, Michael Stogner is that check and balance for San Mateo County.
This is also an individual with a heart of gold, whom I have seen recently in a hospital standing guard for hours for an elder in Atherton who was almost murdered until a group of heros including Michael Stogner intervened.
You won't see Don Horsely doing stuff like that.
Michael Stogner is not running for supervisor to continue a tradition on his part of political cronyism. Whether you like him or hate him, you have to admit he's running to sincerely make a difference.
We need Michael Stogner as a Supervisor in San Mateo County. It is extremely rare to find an individual like this, and this is said with the highest respect for him. Do not let newspapers, cops, or anyone else talk him down. If you meet him, you will understand his passion for helping people in this community and become convinced. He has enormous integrity and conviction, and deserves this job. We also deserve having him as our supervisor.
