Candidate Profile: Rachel Kertz For San Rafael City Council

Municipal office

Rachel Kertz

Age (as of Election Day)

53

Town/City of Residence

SAN RAFAEL

Office Sought

San Rafael City Council

Where appropriate, add specifics about office sought: i.e., State Senate District 1, State Assembly District 2, Temecula City Council District 1, etc.

CA

Party affiliation (not needed in non-partisan races, including county, city and school offices)

Democrat

Family

Husband - Loren 54, Sons - Nathan (21) - 4th yr at Northeastern University and Ryan (18) - Freshman at University of Colorado

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BA in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz and MBA from San Francisco State University

Occupation

Coordinator for Central Marin Neighborhood Response Groups/Neighbor to Neighbor Support for Emergency Planning (March 2020-Current); High Tech Operations Program Manager (2000-2020)

Campaign website

https://www.rachelkertzsanrafa...

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Trustee, San Rafael City Schools Board of Education

The single most pressing issue facing our (state, district, community, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

San Rafael is experiencing unprecedented challenges due to coronavirus; this health crisis is impacting our most vulnerable neighbors. As a San Rafael Board of Education Governing Board Member, I worked with and listened to the concerns of parents, students and teachers to keep our children and community safe during this difficult year. On the City Council I will bring this commitment to making transparent decisions that fairly prioritize competing interests and build collaborative relationships to address the short- and long-term impacts of COVID-19.
Additionally, on the City Council I will work with the business community on safely re-opening businesses that have been closed or significantly impacted by the pandemic by providing clear guidance and best practices based on science and health experts. The next stage is to consider ways the City can help businesses adapt to changing safety measures, for example the permitting process for outdoor dining could be streamlined.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Our City’s policies should reflect San Rafael’s progressive values. On the City Council I will work to implement reforms. Of those running for this office, I believe I most closely reflect the values of the community.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

The work of an elected official expands beyond the work at official meetings, committees and behind closed doors. It is important to be visible and active in the community, to meet and talk to all the residents and be involved.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

As Councilwoman, I will work to address the inequities in our community, the uncertainty of living in the time of a pandemic, and the increasing financial concerns of residents and businesses.
I will also work to protect the natural beauty of the Las Gallinas Watershed and the surrounding Open Space areas. I support the San Rafael 2040 Strategic Plan’s vision of a vibrant North San Rafael with a Town Center that promotes the strength and beauty of our neighborhood.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a current School Board member, I understand the roles and responsibilities of being an elected official. I have strived to carefully analyze and evaluate options, fairly prioritize competing interests, and build collaborative relationships to solve problems. I worked with and listened to the concerns of parents, students and teachers to keep our children and community safe during this difficult year and I will bring the same approach to City Council.
I co-led the effort for the successful passage of Measure A & B for the modernization of our schools and I led the effort to defeat the threat of a charter school on our high school district.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

We don't know when we will begin to recover from the pandemic. It may be 8, 12, 24, 26 months. We just do not know. We need to work with the medical experts to provide the necessary level of guidance on how to proceed. There is no timeline so we need to be proactive in our strategies and plans to support our whole community.

Why should voters trust you?

On the School Board I am forthright in my dealings with key stakeholders and I will take the same straightforward approach to City Hall.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No. I am committed to the future of San Rafael.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Everyone has a name and a story. Take the time to get to know someone.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am running for City Council to create social change through action. I pledge to make transparent decisions, fairly prioritize competing interests and build collaborative relationships.
My husband and I have two sons in college who are Terra Linda High School Alums and attended the Miller Creek School District schools. I am passionately committed to San Rafael and with your vote I will be your voice at San Rafael City Hall.

This article originally appeared on the San Rafael Patch