The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors kicked off the new year with some pivotal changes to its leadership, as David Canepa and Noelia Corzo stepped into the roles of president and vice president, respectively. Former Congress member Jackie Speier and ex-East Palo Alto mayor Lisa Gauthier joined the board, adding to the now female majority, according to the County of San Mateo.
Canepa, serving his second term as president since 2021, brings a vision rooted in practical governance and collaboration. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the new federal administration, Canepa is confident that the County will defend the community, particularly emphasizing support for the most vulnerable sections. He stated, "We will not quietly accept changes and actions that harm our community," inadvertently echoing the challenges the County once tackled during the COVID-19 pandemic, as per the County of San Mateo.
Returning to local governance after more than three decades in state and federal offices, Jackie Speier brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the Board. Speier, who first served as a supervisor in the 1980s, intends to channel her efforts toward battling the high cost of living and childhood poverty. In a humorous moment during the ceremony, she compared a black and white photo of her former swearing-in to the present, saying, "You have to wonder why I still have it," drawing laughter from those in attendance, as noted in her speech cited by the County's press release.
Lisa Gauthier, a fresh face on the Board with 12 years on the East Palo Alto City Council under her belt, also took the oath with intentions firmly set on addressing the county's economic and childcare challenges. With her grandson present, Gauthier stressed his future, stating, "San Mateo County should be a place where he can grow up, survive and thrive," a commitment she made with her grandson sat in the front row, as reported by the County of San Mateo.
Vice President Noelia Corzo focuses her term on upholding equity and fairness throughout the County's systems of support and accountability. Accepting her new position, Corzo emphasized the importance of ethical standards in governance, stating, "It is our duty to do right by every single one of our residents," in a remark from her acceptance speech referenced in the County's announcement.
