Amy Buckmaster. President and CEO, Chamber San Mateo County. Courtesy Chamber San Mateo County.

by Amy Buckmaster

President and CEO, Chamber San Mateo County

Voting in the 2024 general election ends in less than two weeks. Determining who will lead our nation, represent us in Congress, carry our voices and be our advocates in Sacramento, at the county building and in city halls in San Mateo County is critical to mapping out a healthy and prosperous future for all.

It is not unusual that during presidential election years that national and international issues dominate political conversations and serve as de-facto referenda on candidates, parties and causes. And while these topics are significant and impactful, they are not always the most important to the quality of life in our community and the economic health of our region.

Local elections have greater impact

Locally, it is important to recognize that business and economic development is on the ballot. This is not an exaggeration — I mean this both literally and figuratively.

For example, in Redwood City and Belmont, there are ballot measures relating to business license taxes on the ballot. The outcome of these measures will greatly impact businesses in those cities.

I also mean that we should evaluate the credentials and positions of candidates for the county board of supervisors and city councils, as well as their respective approaches to partnering with the business community in creating and sustaining a vibrant local economy.

When filling out ballots, it is essential that voters take this into consideration when deciding who to vote for.

One candidate can change everything

We are a county working to make our transportation systems and routes safer, more accessible and better connected. We have a city-by-city approach to addressing our ever-growing housing crisis. Knowing the positions of candidates on key questions relating to economic development, business taxes, development fees, streamlining development processes, and height and density restrictions for commercial and residential developments is essential.

Granted, this is not what generally leads in local news coverage or generates clicks online. Yet, whom we elect locally will have a far greater policy impact on our daily lives than whom we decided to send to the White House.

One candidate can shape the trajectory of a governing body. Understanding a candidate’s priorities and approach to governance is important not only to the more than 1,500 members of Chamber San Mateo County, but to the broader community we serve. As we have seen in recent years, it is not just the issues that confront elected officials, but how they interact with each other as well.

Temperament matters

The continued deterioration of civility in public spaces and among elected officials is concerning and detrimental to our ability to solve complex problems and create spaces that allow for a thoughtful and serious discussion of issues. Voters must elect candidates with the temperament and ability to seek common ground, build consensus and focus on the common good, rather than pursue personal crusades or fight ideological wars.

Being part of a political campaign is no easy undertaking. All individuals who offer themselves in service to our community as candidates for public office should be thanked and appreciated. Assuming an elected position is a sacred role with immense responsibility. Chamber San Mateo County is optimistic that this year’s candidates are attentive to this duty as they work to share their visions, values and qualifications with voters.

Carefully consider local candidates

However, it is important that voters remain mindful that not all candidates share the same vision for our future. Elections have consequences. We must all understand the potential impacts of our votes not only for ourselves, our families, our community, state and nation, but also on those businesses and organizations for which we work and that help make our local economy strong, stable and vibrant.

It is vital to recognize that not all candidates want businesses to be healthy and profitable. Not all candidates want developers to have conditions that allow them to build more housing. Not all candidates have the temperament, experience and intellectual curiosity to serve our communities well in public office. Knowing these deficiencies and traits about candidates is necessary in determining who to vote for.

The participation of all voters in choosing our elected leaders who will provide a vision and the leadership for our future and model behaviors of which we can be proud is our key responsibility as voters and citizens.

Choose wisely.

Amy Buckmaster,

President and CEO, Chamber San Mateo County

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