Every Pothole Tells A Story. It’s Time We Finished The Job.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

When residents stop me at the grocery store, send me an email, or wave me down at a neighborhood event, they don’t start by talking about politics.

They talk about potholes.

They point to the rough patch they hit every morning on the way to work. They ask why one street was resurfaced while another still needs attention. They tell me about the cost of replacing a tire or repairing a suspension after hitting deteriorating pavement.

And they are right to ask.

Good roads aren’t a luxury. They’re one of the most basic services local government provides.

As Councilmember, I don’t ignore these concerns— I address them. During my time on the City Council, we’ve made meaningful progress improving our neighborhood’s streets and quality of life. We’ve filled nearly 3,500 potholes and fixed over 20 miles of roads; expanded traffic calming techniques with new speed humps and quick-build safety projects; opened a new Police Traffic Substation to improve enforcement in neighborhoods; launched citywide speed surveys to identify dangerous corridors; invested in stormwater improvements that helped prevent

major flooding during the past two winters; and are working toward quieter neighborhoods through a new railroad Quiet Zone. 

These investments matter because streets are about more than asphalt. They’re about safety.

Every parent walking a child to school, every senior crossing the street, every cyclist riding to work and every first responder racing to an emergency depends on roads that are safe and well maintained.

But here’s the reality many people don’t see: 

Roads become exponentially more expensive to repair when maintenance is delayed. Filling a pothole today costs far less than rebuilding an entire roadway tomorrow. Every year we postpone major maintenance, the bill grows.

I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the past several years. We’ve revitalized Downtown San Mateo; rebuilt Central Park Playground into what will become a regional destination; modernized how residents can report problems through a new mobile customer service system; reduced City expenses by millions of dollars; strengthened protections over small-cell infrastructure; banned gass leaf blowers; and continued investing in neighborhood traffic safety. 

But I also know our work isn’t finished.

Residents shouldn’t have to wonder whether their street is next. They should know their City is committed to planning ahead, investing wisely, and protecting the infrastructure that keeps San Mateo moving.

Every smooth road reflects responsible budgeting. Every repaired pothole shows respect for taxpayers. Every infrastructure investment protects our community for years to come.

That’s the kind of practical, neighborhood-focused leadership I believe in—and it’s the work I’ll continue fighting for every day.

Because in San Mateo, fixing potholes isn’t just about filling holes in the pavement. It’s about keeping our promises to the people who call this city home.

Thank you for your trust and belief in me,