A Lack of democracy in San Mateo County

December 19, 7:41 PMSan Mateo Public Policy ExaminerBruce Balshone

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It appears San Mateo County has so many appointments that there is no time for elections.

The County’s venerable Board of Supervisors appointed a new colleague last Tuesday over the objections of many local leaders and even the county’s League of Women Voters.

The Supervisors appointed Carole Groom, who until Tuesday was a member of the San Mateo City Council.

Now that Groom has been promoted, according to the Daily Journal, the San Mateo City Council will undertake a process to appoint Groom’s replacement.
 

Two individuals have stepped forward to throw their hats into the ring including newcomer David Lim and San Mateo gadfly Rich Hedges. The Vegas odds favor Hedges which in San Mateo County is as good an indicator as any. Look for Hedges to get nod with no election required.

Last week, the Millbrae School District Board of Trustees lost a longtime member with the death of four-term member John Lynch who was 87 at the time. Again, it's good odds that Lynch is replaced by appointment rather than an election.

And in the necropolis of Colma, there is now a vacancy in the town’s elected treasurer position. The former treasurer Rae Gonzalez was just elected in November to a seat on the Town Council leaving her seat vacant in the middle of her term. On Dec. 10, the Town Council erred on the side of caution and has decided make an appointment to fill this vacancy.

So many appointments, so little democracy.