The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors now has a majority of women after two new members were sworn in on Tuesday.
The newest supervisors, former East Palo Alto city councilmember Lisa Gauthier and former congresswoman Jackie Speier, took oaths to succeed termed-out members Warren Slocum and Dave Pine.
More than 40 years after beginning her long political career as a county supervisor, Speier is rejoining the board.
Before spending 15 years as a U.S. congresswoman, she represented the county in the state assembly and senate. In 2023, she retired from Congress.
Wearing the same jacket she wore when she was first sworn into office on the board in 1981, she took the oath.
After taking the oath of office, Speier addressed the board, “Let me start by saying how thrilled I am to be home again today.” “I realized that politics is truly local after 40 years of working at all levels of government. Serve locally if you’re looking to accomplish something. Today, being able to do it once more is a privilege.
With 69% of the vote, Speier defeated Ann Schneider, a member of the Millbrae city council, to win the seat in the March 2024 primary election. Speier is now the representative for District 1, which includes the San Mateo Highlands region and South San Francisco.
Then, donning one of her trademark butterfly brooches and a hot pink pantsuit, Gauthier administered the oath of office.
She remarked, “As I sit here today, I think I am my mother’s and my ancestors wildest dreams,” following her daughter and grandson’s swearing-in. “A lot of work needs to be done. Come on, let’s get the job done.
During her twelve years on the East Palo Alto City Council, Gauthier—a Black woman—served as mayor three times. She is the next supervisor for District 4, which includes the unincorporated community of North Fair Oaks, Redwood City, East Palo Alto, and Menlo Park.
While District 2 Supervisor Noelia Corzo was named vice president, District 5 Supervisor David Canepa was also elevated to the position of board president.
The Board of Supervisors now has a majority of women thanks to the inclusion of Speier and Gauthier. Prior to their appointment, Corzo was the sole female member of the board, which had five members.
Corzo greeted the new supervisors by saying, “Now we have a board that is much more reflective of our county than I think it might ever have been before.”
“We do have significant challenges ahead of us this year and I’m confident that together with our collective experience, wisdom, compassion and commitment to work together, not only will we meet those challenges, but we will make this county one of the greatest places to live for our residents,” Corzo stated.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.