Heather McPhail Sridharan for Marin County Supervisor 2024

Heather is running for Marin County Supervisor of District 2. She is a 4th generation Marin native who is passionate about making our community better. Please join hundred of volunteers supporting Heather today!

Heather McPhail Sridharan for Marin County Supervisor

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<h4>I was born in Marin General Hospital, grew up in San Rafael, and currently live in Kentfield with my husband and 4 children.</h4>As a 4th generation Marin native, I have a long family history of business and civic leadership in the county.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/d90f1658-3aae-45af-a8dc-806763f985b1/048e81e0-2213-400b-8ada-ab18976af7c8/c893ffed-5067-481b-8038-8a221916bda9.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4096%2C2874&amp;w=1500" alt="McPhail Truck" title="" caption="McPhail's businesses operating successfully in Marin since 1884" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">McPhail's businesses operating successfully in Marin since 1884For the past 35+ years, I have dedicated myself to public service leadership in Marin and our broader community, from being elected Student Body President at Marin Catholic High School, to serving in the student government at UC Berkeley, and to being elected President to represent graduate students at Oxford University.For the past 20+ years, I have held executive positions in both the corporate and public sectors in business development and strategy.&nbsp; I am also a local business owner and serve on the Board of Directors of McPhail Fuel, an independent business that has been family-owned since inception and rigorously committed to strengthening the communities in Marin and the North Bay since 1884.&nbsp; Most recently, I was elected to serve nine years on the Kentfield School District (KSD) Board while raising my four kids.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/d90f1658-3aae-45af-a8dc-806763f985b1/f4244cd6-c70e-49cd-9302-9d0d5a17907d/af046c85-673f-4d83-84b3-eed1347ac830.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3160%2C4096&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="February 2021 Feature in Kentfield &amp; Ross Living" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">February 2021 Feature in Kentfield &amp; Ross LivingAs President of the Kentfield School Board during the pandemic, I led the engagement with parents, teachers, administrators, and our greater community; the KSD became a model for how schools could reopen safely and quickly during the pandemic while consistently maintaining a balanced budget.During my tenure, Bacich and Kent consistently scored among the top schools in the state as California Distinguished Schools.&nbsp;The KSD budget was always recognized by the county and state as exemplary given that it was continually balanced with strong reserves and responsible fiscal oversight.&nbsp; In 2017, I was awarded “Marin Young Woman of the Year” by the Marin Women’s Political Action Committee.Apart from the KSD Board, I currently serve as Chair of the Kentfield Safe Routes to School Program; President of the Kentfield-Greenbrae Historical Society; Representative to the Citizens Oversight Committee of the Transportation Authority of Marin; and Member of the Community Advisory Group for the Project Homekey initiative at 1251 So Eliseo in Larkspur.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/d90f1658-3aae-45af-a8dc-806763f985b1/07161ad3-1c58-4b80-a123-43efff27a980/07161ad3-1c58-4b80-a123-43efff27a980.avif?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C2048%2C1776&amp;w=1500" alt="Safe Routes to School" title="" caption="Safe Routes to School Neighborhood CaptainTeam" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Safe Routes to School Neighborhood CaptainTeamI graduated from Marin Catholic High School and was awarded “Marin County Teenager of the Year”;&nbsp; received a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science and Government, Magna Cum Laude from U.C. Berkeley; and a Masters of Philosophy (M.Phil) in Latin American Political Economy from Oxford University.Read more about where I stand on the <a href="https://www.heatherformarin.com/priorities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">issues</a> that impact our community. I appreciate your support and look forward to meeting you soon in our community.

<h3>Fighting for Our Community</h3>These are some of the top issues our campaign is focused on. Learn more about our issues <a href="/issues" target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>.

Heather's Top Priorities

Pursue a spectrum of housing strategies focusing on affordability particularly for our workforce and older adults, while also supporting Marin’s character with a focus on protection, preservation, and production.&nbsp;I grew up at a time in Marin when teachers, plumbers, firefighters and law enforcement all lived and worked in our community. This is no longer the case. Two thirds of Marin’s workforce commute in because they simply can’t afford to live here. We can and must do more to provide a spectrum of housing options to take care of our workforce.&nbsp; These are the community members who look out for all of us (our teachers, caregivers, police officers, nurses, gardeners, firefighters, and grocery store clerks among others).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We also have an increasing housing demand for Marin’s older adults and people with disabilities. We need adequate options for accommodating residents throughout their lives at all stages and ages.

Pursue a spectrum of housing strategies focusing on affordability particularly for our workforce and older adults, while also supporting Marin’s character with a focus on protection, preservation, and production.&nbsp;

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Housing

Demand fiscal transparency and accountability; fix government waste especially around important projects concerning Flood Control, homelessness, etc. Last June, The Marin County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $784 million budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Our community is incredibly generous, and we have a responsibility to spend this money wisely, looking after the long term future of Marin.As I've spoken with District 2 constituents over the past year, it is clear our community does not feel like we are spending our taxpayer dollars responsibly. We have spent $53M on Flood Control without meaningful results and millions more on homelessness without creating effective change.

Demand fiscal transparency and accountability; fix government waste especially around important projects concerning Flood Control, homelessness, etc.

Fiscal Transparency

Be responsive and listen to our community with ongoing community engagement, outreach, and communication; ensure ALL constituents feel like their voices are heard. Meeting with Marin families, I’ve heard one thing over and over: “We need better communication and want greater engagement and responsiveness from our elected leaders.” Time and again, people do not feel listened to: important examples of this are our implementation of Project Homekey in Larkspur and the cost overruns and design issues that resulted from the installation of new street lights on Sir Francis Drake in Greenbrae. My track record shows that I am highly responsive and a community consensus-builder.&nbsp; I always seek input and participation from all stakeholders and as Supervisor, I will ensure that all of our constituents have their voices heard on important decisions that impact our community. I am not afraid to ask hard, bold questions to learn about what’s working and not working, and shift course as needed.

Be responsive and listen to our community with ongoing community engagement, outreach, and communication; ensure ALL constituents feel like their voices are heard.

Community Engagement

Prepare for the consequences of climate change in Marin with Flood Control, Wildfire Preparedness &amp; Prevention; Sea Level Rise Mitigation and Adaptation strategies; and Sustainable Transportation initiatives.Growing up in Marin, I know our community has always felt great pride by how deeply we care about and protect the environment. Now we face a crisis. Climate change continues to impact us more than at any time in history.I support balanced investment and transparent, fiscal oversight for current flood, sea level rise, and wildfire prevention and preparedness initiatives that are responsive to the priorities and needs of our community. I also strongly advocate for initiatives that help to get more cars off of the road, alleviate traffic congestion, and improve community safety, such as the Safe Routes to School program.

Prepare for the consequences of climate change in Marin with Flood Control, Wildfire Preparedness &amp; Prevention; Sea Level Rise Mitigation and Adaptation strategies; and Sustainable Transportation initiatives.

Climate Change

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Before the March primary, we have had over 25 candidate events with Heather throughout our community .Please come back and check for further events for the fall since we are busy planning many events throughout District 2!

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Meet &amp; Greet - San Anselmo

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<h2>Marin Voice: Today’s more complicated community can still flourish</h2>I grew up in San Rafael in the 1970s. The kids I played with at school were the children of teachers, firefighters, small business owners and plumbers who also lived in our neighborhoods.

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Endorse Heather Today.

I am running for Marin County Supervisor because I care deeply about Marin and believe County Leadership can be doing more for our community. As I have knocked on thousands of doors over the past year, I have heard the same refrain, people want: better community engagement around the implementation of Project Homekey in Larkspur, better fiscal transparency and management with Flood Control, a more holistic approach to affordable housing, and a County that is more engaged and responsive with its constituents. We deserve better.Our County government should work for our Ross Valley and San Rafael communities, not the other way around. I have unique experience in this race: as a 4th generation Marin native, a successful corporate career spanning 20+ years, 35+ years of public service leadership, 50+ endorsements from local elected leaders in District 2 - and a family with 4 teenagers who were raised in Marin. I believe I can represent our collective voice as a Marin County Supervisor and would be honored by your vote this November 5th.Read more about me <a href="http://www.heatherformarin.com/about" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>.Warmly,

In the News &amp; Press Releases

"McPhail Sridharan has championed students within our community by serving as a trustee on the Kentfield School District board as well as serving as chair of the Safe Routes to School program. Most recently, I had the privilege of working with her on the community advisory group for the Project Homekey site at 1251 S. Eliseo Drive, where we both also served on the public safety committee.McPhail Sridharan understands the role of government, how it operates and the needs of our county. Not only is she an advocate for our community, but she is someone who is not afraid to speak her mind and does so collaboratively, empathetically and intellectually."By Alicia Esterkamp Allbin, Kentfield

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Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Oct 7, 2024

"The Ross Valley flood-fee process lacks effective leadership and transparency. . .As a former member of the Marin County Flood Control District Zone 9 advisory board, I watched local control of recent flood protection projects being abdicated to the Marin County Board of Supervisors for projects in Fairfax and San Anselmo. Doing so created distrust and opposition to consultant-conceived projects, including plans to dig out some popular parks and playfields.Millions were spent on projects upstream from Kentfield, Greenbrae and Larkspur, leaving us “holding the bag” after the dredging of lower Corte Madera Creek was defunded. . .It begs for an audit and a financial reset. It should fund projects in lower Corte Madera Creek. . .Heather McPhail Sridharan, a candidate for the District 2 supervisor seat on the Nov. 5 ballot, will demand this review and reset. She will demand that the county record audio flood control advisory board meetings to ensure transparency, which current Supervisor Katie Rice never agreed to do (despite my requests).The public deserves better."By Dan Hillmer, Larkspur

Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Oct 1, 2024

"I feel like I’m part of the pink wave sweeping our country right now.&nbsp;With the announcement of Kamala Harris on the presidential ticket, women are very motivated to turn out and vote for women up and down the ballot.&nbsp;When I go door knocking, I feel this new energy and momentum among women that wasn’t in play before Harris entered the race.&nbsp;&nbsp;I feel proud to have the endorsement from the <a href="https://mwpac.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marin Women’s Political Action Committee,</a> Planned Parenthood, and am a Mom’s Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate.&nbsp; I am predicting that women will turn out in record numbers to vote in November, not just nationally, but in Marin as well.&nbsp;So much is at stake right now.&nbsp;Not just fundamental reproductive rights, but also our democracy."By Heather McPhail Sridharan

Marin Magazine: Stepping Up For Community: Women in Marin Running for Office in 2024

"I support and will vote for Heather McPhail Sridharan in the race for the Marin County Board of Supervisors District 2 seat because she will always make informed decisions.She wants to always listen to and learn all opinions about issues. She will consider the benefits, costs, desired consequences and unintended consequences. As community members, we need informed, rational decision-making by our supervisors, and Heather McPhail Sridharan will fulfill this requirement."By Bill Nelson, Ross

Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Sept 29, 2024

"At the county level, we need someone new to take a hard look at how the $800 million annual budget is spent. McPhail Sridharan is a lifelong Marin resident, family person and business owner with a fresh perspective. She is responsive and dedicated to transparency and accountability. She is on the record in favor of a fiscal audit of the millions spent by the Ross Valley Flood Control District.”By Bob Mittelstaedt, San Rafael

Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Sept 26, 2024

"As former mayor of Larkspur, I strongly support Heather McPhail Sridharan for the Marin County Board of Supervisors District 2 seat representing the Ross Valley from Fairfax to Larkspur/Greenbrae.People who really follow the issues endorse her, including the current mayors of San Anselmo, Fairfax and Larkspur. She is also endorsed by organizations ranging from the Marin Association of Realtors, the Building Trades Council, Planned Parenthood and the Marin Women’s Political Action Committee.She will provide a much-needed fresh look at flood control issues that have become so bogged down under current leadership, which includes her opponent."By Joan Lubamersky, Larkspur

"I first met Heather McPhail Sridharan when we were undergraduates at the University of California, Berkeley. At Cal, she was an effective advocate for the Associated Students of the University of California.Since then, in my time as a general surgeon in Marin County, I have been most impressed by her dedication and accomplishments on the Kentfield School Board. I appreciate her support of greater regulation of electric-assist bikes to protect Marin kids.Her experience and skills are reflected in endorsements from both California’s First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and by the Moms Demand Action group. I urge District 2 voters to choose McPhail Sridharan for the open seat on the Marin County Board of Supervisors this November.”By Dr. John Maa, Chief Surgeon, Marin Health

Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Sept 25, 2024

"McPhail Sridharan is smart and independent. She listens. As supervisor, she says she will prioritize housing strategies that work for all of District 2. She will prioritize the fight against climate change and support fiscal transparency, as well as ongoing community engagement, outreach and communication. I believe it because I have seen it.The November election will be the first time that District 2 voters will elect a new supervisor to an open seat since Barbara Boxer’s election in 1976. Among the candidates this time, Heather McPhail Sridharan is the clear best choice."By Chuck Finnie, Greenbrae

Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Sept 14, 2024

"Heather McPhail Sridharan said, 'I support sensible renter protections as a critical tool in a toolbox for an overall housing strategy that includes short term rental subsidies and building affordable housing.''Overly aggressive rent control policies disincentivize landlords from maintaining property and discourage housing development,' she said."By Richard Halstead

Marin IJ: Marin rent control faces pivotal test in November election

“I am proud to be the No. 1 most endorsed candidate and have earned 600 plus local endorsements,” McPhail Sridharan said. “My endorsements include the current Ross Valley mayors, San Anselmo Mayor Eileen Burke, Fairfax Mayor Barbara Coler and Larkspur Mayor Scot Candell.”She said organizations endorsing her include Planned Parenthood, the Marin Women’s Political Action Committee, the North Bay Labor Council, the Marin Association of Public Employees, SEIU 2015, Nor Cal Carpenters Union, Local 1575, the North Bay Building Trades, the Skylark Tenants Association, the Bon Air Tenants Association and the Marin Association of Realtors."By Richard Halstead

Marin IJ: Marin supervisorial candidates outline differences on Ross Valley issues

I suggest voting for the Ross Valley candidate from Kentfield, Heather McPhail Sridharan. She has strong support from her local community, which includes Greenbrae and Larkspur. I think support like that is a powerful sign of a popular, effective and capable leader.It appears the same is not true for Colbert. Some current and former members of the San Anselmo Town Council actually support McPhail Sridharan. From my perspective, it appears that Colbert’s community has not been energized to support needed infrastructure projects. Absent effective leadership, it has instead organized to oppose important projects.By Dan Hillmer, Larkspur

"I suggest voting for the Ross Valley candidate from Kentfield, Heather McPhail Sridharan. She has strong support from her local community, which includes Greenbrae and Larkspur. I think support like that is a powerful sign of a popular, effective and capable leader.It appears the same is not true for Colbert. Some current and former members of the San Anselmo Town Council actually support McPhail Sridharan. From my perspective, it appears that Colbert’s community has not been energized to support needed infrastructure projects. Absent effective leadership, it has instead organized to oppose important projects."By Dan Hillmer, Former Six-Term Mayor, Larkspur City Council

Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Aug 24, 2024

"Heather McPhail Sridharan, a former Kentfield school board member, has a slight fundraising edge over her rival Brian Colbert, a San Anselmo council member, in the District 2 race for supervisor. Over the last 18 months, McPhail Sridharan has reported more than $167,000 in campaign contributions. Colbert raised more than $147,000 during the same time span."By Richard Halstead

Marin IJ: Marin campaign contributions mount for Nov. 5 elections

"I do not see our aging population as a “problem” to be solved. Rather, I am excited and hopeful by the opportunity to create a comprehensive “Countywide Master Plan of Aging” to improve the healthspan and quality of life for our entire community through all of our stages and ages."By Heather McPhail Sridharan

"I do not see our aging population as a “problem” to be solved. Rather, I am excited and hopeful by the opportunity to create a comprehensive “Countywide Master Plan of Aging” to improve the healthspan and quality of life for our entire community through all of our stages and ages."By Heather McPhail Sridharan

Marin IJ Voice: Our decisions must improve the community’s ‘healthspan’

”The crossing-guard program is more than just about keeping students safe as they walk and bike to school; the program also plays a key role in reducing traffic throughout Marin and lowering our county’s greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Marin Congestion Management Agency, up to 27% of the morning commute consists of parents and caregivers driving children to school.”By Heather McPhail Sridharan

Marin IJ Voice: Crossing guards benefit our entire community

"I support Heather McPhail Sridharan in next week’s primary election for a seat on the Marin County Board of Supervisors. She would be an outstanding supervisor representing District 2 because she’s a respectful listener, a long-term thinker and has experience on many issues that touch local government — including budgeting, finance, labor, transportation, public safety and land use.”By Patricia Medina, Vice President, Latino Marin Lawyers and Former President, Kentfield Schools PTA

Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Mar 1, 2024

"McPhail Sridharan and I have been part of the same Spanish conversation group for more than five years. I know her to be well-informed, personable and with an impeccable command of the Spanish language. I consider that to be a strong asset as she represents Latino constituents."By Potter Wickware, Member, Marin Flood Control Zone 3

Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Feb 24, 2024

"As a trustee, McPhail Sridharan immersed herself in countywide issues impacting schools, including in the areas of state and federal legislation, shared services, housing and Safe Routes to Schools. She focused on transportation through her service on the citizens oversight committee of the Transportation Authority of Marin. McPhail Sridharan will hit the ground running with established contacts among key Marin partners and every other level of government.”By Mary Jane Burke, Marin County Superintendent of School Emerita

Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Feb. 21, 2024

"I support Heather McPhail Sridharan for the District 2 seat on the Marin County Board of Supervisors for several reasons. She is an experienced leader. She is analytical, logical and researches issues thoroughly. She listens to her constituents, then reaches careful decisions. She is aware of environmental issues.”By Sandra Guldman, President, Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed

Marin IJ Readers' Forum for Feb 17, 2024

"She is a doer who takes action and gets things done in a timely manner. She is a leader who looks ahead and has visions of ways to improve the community. Her priority of housing for those who make Marin special — teachers, public service employees and the service providers — is so important. As a retired teacher, I know that I would not be able to live in this community under today’s prices.”By Marilee Rogers, Co-President, Kentfield-Greenbrae Historical Society; Co-President, Redwood Alumni Association; and Former Teacher, Redwood High

Marin IJ Readers Forum for Feb 14, 2024

"If elected to the District 2 seat on the Marin Board of Supervisors, her legacy will be one of creating community understanding in how our government works, while ensuring it is efficient and effective for all. Please join me in supporting the only female candidate in the race.”By Jill Sellers, Former President, Larkspur- Corte Madera School District Board

Marin IJ Readers' Forum for Feb. 10, 2024

"Heather McPhail Sridharan is the clear choice for the District 2 seat on the Marin County Board of Supervisors. As a fourth-generation Marin native, she is a committed advocate for county residents and a tireless worker for the well-being of Marin."

"As a resident with kids in the Kentfield School District, I have seen McPhail Sridharan steadfastly guide through adversity for nearly 10 years. We worked together on Larkspur’s community advisory group for the permanent supportive housing at 1251 South Eliseo Dr. She skillfully represented the diverse views of her constituents while keeping an eye on what is best for Marin. "By Christy Chandler, Larkspur

Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Feb. 7, 2024

"When reflecting on Heather McPhail Sridharan, candidate for the District 2 seat on the Marin County Board of Supervisors, four concepts resonate profoundly with me: consensus-building, honesty, compassion and integrity."

"When reflecting on Heather McPhail Sridharan, candidate for the District 2 seat on the Marin County Board of Supervisors, four concepts resonate profoundly with me: consensus-building, honesty, compassion and integrity."By Annie Su, Trustee, Kentfield School District

Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Feb. 3, 2024

"Heather McPhail Sridharan is the best choice for the District 2 seat on the Marin Board of Supervisors in the March 5 election.I had the pleasure of serving on the Kentfield School District Board of Trustees while she was board president. I met McPhail Sridharan before I decided to run for office and I was inspired by her dedication, energy and focus on educational equity. I was motivated and eager to join her and support the work she was spearheading."

"I had the pleasure of serving on the Kentfield School District Board of Trustees while she was board president. I met McPhail Sridharan before I decided to run for office and I was inspired by her dedication, energy and focus on educational equity. I was motivated and eager to join her and support the work she was spearheading."By Davina Katz Goldwasser, Former Trustee, Kentfield School District

Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Feb. 2, 2024

"The COVID-19 pandemic tested the ability of leaders at every level of government. As the president of the Kentfield School Board during the shutdown, Heather McPhail Sridharan passed the test with flying colors."

"The COVID-19 pandemic tested the ability of leaders at every level of government. As the president of the Kentfield School Board during the shutdown, Heather McPhail Sridharan passed the test with flying colors."By Ken Lippi, Senior Deputy Superintendent, Marin County Office of Education &amp; Former Mayor, Fairfax Town Council

Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Feb. 1, 2024

"I am writing to support Heather McPhail Sridharan for District 2 supervisor in the upcoming election. Ross Valley needs a change from the current mindset held by retiring Supervisor Katie Rice."By Dan Hillmer, Former Six-Term Mayor, Larkspur City Council

Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Jan. 31, 2024

"McPhail Sridharan has an impressive background, having worked in executive positions in the private and public sector, including serving as president of the Kentfield School Board. She is fluent in Spanish and received a Master of Philosophy in Latin American political economy from Oxford University.It’s important to me that she is endorsed by Planned Parenthood, the Marin Women’s Political Action Committee and the union representing county employees."By Joan Lubamersky, Former Four-Term Mayor, Larkspur City Council

Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Jan. 30, 2024

“People want greater transparency, more engagement, more responsiveness and more communication,” McPhail Sridharan said.She said that if more attention had been paid to these elements of governance, San Anselmo voters might not be considering a proposition on the March ballot to pull out of Flood Zone 9.

Marin IJ: Ross Valley supervisorial candidates outline top goals

I grew up in San Rafael in the 1970s. The kids I played with at school were the children of teachers, firefighters, small business owners and plumbers who also lived in our neighborhoods.

"Today, we are faced with a more complex, diverse community landscape. While challenges like housing affordability, climate change, homelessness and traffic weigh heavily on our minds, I see a vibrant future for Marin. That future can be achieved by creating solutions through the lens of the community we want to be. With the right leadership, our community can flourish beyond what I cherished in my childhood."By Heather McPhail Sridharan

Marin IJ Voice: Today’s more complicated community can still flourish

The filing period for the March 5 election has begun, offering an early look at the potential contests on the ballot.In addition to the presidential primary, the election will include primary races for the U.S. Senate, the House of Representatives and the state Assembly. At the local level, the terms of three Marin County Superior Court judges, three county supervisors and three municipal council members are ending. A fourth council seat will also be available because of a resignation.The nomination period ends at 5 p.m. Dec. 9, with an extension to Dec. 13 for offices in which the incumbent has not filed papers for reelection.Until now, the race for District 2 supervisor has received most of the attention. Longtime incumbent Katie Rice announced in May that she would not seek reelection, and four candidates quickly announced plans to run for the seat.Only two of the announced candidates for Rice’s seat — Ryan O’Neil, a Ross Valley School District trustee, and Heather McPhail Sridharan, a former Kentfield School District trustee — have taken out papers so far.“It’s been an exciting time, a lot of positive momentum over the last couple months,” Sridharan said. “A lot of door knocking.”The other two announced candidates are Larkspur Mayor Gabe Paulson and San Anselmo Councilmember Brian Colbert, who has been endorsed by Rice.A fifth candidate, Samuel Friedlander of Greenbrae, has taken out papers and confirmed Friday that he intends to join the race. Friedlander, a comedian and data manager for the Graton Resort and Casino, said his top priorities include stopping bicycle theft and starting a monthly cutest-puppy-of-Marin contest.The terms of Supervisor Stephanie Moulton-Peters and Supervisor Dennis Rodoni are also ending. Incumbent supervisors are rarely challenged in Marin, but Francis Drouillard of Novato, a member of the Marin County Republican Central Committee, has taken out papers to challenge Rodoni.Drouillard said Friday that he will run “if I can cover the filing fees.”“I want to give Dennis a run for his money,” he said.The county imposes a $1,445 filing fee to compete for supervisor, and candidates must pay an additional $425 to have a statement published in the voter guide.Nevertheless, Drouillard, who also heads the Novato Police Advisory and Review Board and a group calling itself the Marin Election Integrity Committee, has already created a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://frank4supervisororgdomainonly.wordpress.com/">website</a>&nbsp;to promote his candidacy.Drouillard said he disapproves of the way county supervisors have addressed Marin’s homelessness problem. He said people with mental health or substance abuse issues should be required to accept treatment before they’re given financial aid.“Here on Binford Road, I see a lot of grifters,” Drouillard said. “They’re taking advantage of the generosity of Marinites, and that’s coming at the expense of people who really do need the help.”Drouillard said another of his top concerns is election integrity. Speaking about his work with the Marin Election Integrity Committee, Drouillard said, “We’ve learned a lot about how they run elections here, and in Marin County with the new Voter’s Choice Act, we see a lot of problems.”No one so far has filed to challenge Moulton-Peters, whose district is in the southern part of the county.Other local officesOne of the three judges whose terms are ending, Kelly Simmons, has filed to seek reelection. The other judges, Beth Jordan and James Chou, have not yet taken out papers.The terms of three Ross Town Council members — Elizabeth Brekhus, Charles Kircher and Beach Kuhl — are ending. None has taken out papers yet.The Larkspur City Council has an opening to complete the term of longtime member Kevin Haroff, who resigned in June because he moved to Novato. Haroff’s term extends until Dec. 26, 2026.In special districts, the terms of three members of the Almonte Sanitary District board and the terms of two members of the Ross Valley Sanitary District board are ending. In Almonte, the incumbents are Robert Cox, Lew Kious and Anne Lahaderne. In Ross Valley, they are Mary Sylla and Doug Kelly.State LegislatureFor the state Assembly, Novato resident Andrew Podshadley has taken out papers and paid the $1,226 filing fee to challenge Assembly member Damon Connolly in the March primary. Contacted on Friday, Podshadley said he has decided to run.“Absolutely, 100%,” Podshadley said. “I feel that our district is being underrepresented. Being a winemaker and winery owner, the agricultural community is being ignored.”Podshadley ran as a Republican write-in candidate for the same Assembly seat in the June 2022 primary. He garnered about 1% of the vote.Last November, Podshadley, the owner of Trek Winery and a member of the Downtown Novato Business Association board, ran for the District 2 seat on the Novato City Council, losing to Rachel Farac.Federal officesIn California’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes Marin,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tief4congress.com/">Tief Gibbs</a>, president of Novato Republican Women, Federated, has taken out papers to challenge Rep. Jared Huffman, a Democrat who lives in San Rafael.Gibbs’ unsuccessful bid for a seat on the Novato Unified School District board last November garnered attention because of her opposition to coronavirus-related mandates.“My primary reason for entering this race is deeply personal for me,” Gibbs said in a statement announcing her candidacy. “My daughter is a ranked college female wrestler and could face potential serious injury or death in wrestling a man calling himself a woman.”“I support the Women and Girls in Sports Act in Congress requiring schools to protect individuals from sex discrimination based on a persons reproductive biology and genetics at birth,” Gibbs said of H.R. 734, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.For the U.S. Senate,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.fight-the-power.org/">Don Grundmann</a>, a retired chiropractor living in Santa Clara, has taken out papers and says he plans to run for the seat held by Laphonza Butler. Butler, the former president of the political action committee Emily’s List, was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in October following the death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein.Butler has said she will not compete in the primary. Three prominent Democratic lawmakers are running for the seat: Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Katie Porter and Rep. Adam Schiff.Grundmann, who has run three times for the Senate, three times for the House of Representatives and once for president, said, “There are so many things going on in our nation.”Grundmann said he considers the Biden administration to be an “illegitimate regime” that stole the election, and he complained about transgender people “being fully accepted and imposed on our culture, especially on our children.”

Only two of the announced candidates for Rice’s seat — Ryan O’Neil, a Ross Valley School District trustee, and Heather McPhail Sridharan, a former Kentfield School District trustee — have taken out papers so far.“It’s been an exciting time, a lot of positive momentum over the last couple months,” Sridharan said. “A lot of door knocking.”

Marin election takes shape as filing period opens

Already with impressive community support and momentum, Heather McPhail Sridharan is excited to officially announce her candidacy for Marin County Supervisor. The only woman and mother in the race, McPhail Sridharan joins a growing field. The Primary Election will be on March 5, 2024.Heather expressed her deep commitment to our community this way: “I am a proud product of Marin. As a fourth-generation Marin native with a long family history of business and civic leadership, I am running for Supervisor because I want to continue to be a responsible steward for the ongoing success of the community I know and deeply cherish. Public service is in my DNA. For the past 35+ years, I have dedicated myself to public service leadership in Marin and our broader community, from being elected Student Body President at Marin Catholic to recently serving nine years on the Kentfield School Board.”Mary Jane Burke, Superintendent of Schools Emerita, noted: “Heather has successfully served our Kentfield and Greenbrae students with passion and heart. She is intelligent, focused, and understands what Marin families need. I strongly support Heather for Marin County Supervisor.”Larkspur City Council Member Catherine Way expressed her support this way: “For over a year, we have served together on the Community Advisory Group for Project Homekey, a permanent supportive housing project located in Larkspur. As a leader, Heather is a collaborative consensus-builder who is responsive to community concerns.”Ken Lippi, former Fairfax Mayor and Senior Deputy Superintendent, Marin County Office of Education, provided his enthusiastic endorsement, noting: “Heather is a selfless, committed, and collaborative community leader with a proven track record. As President, Heather navigated the Kentfield School Board during a very complex and challenging time, and did so with strong, steady, respectful effectiveness.”Ross Mayor Elizabeth Brekhus agreed. “Heather is always one of the smartest, most thoughtful people in the room. She is focused on making things better, and she comes with a plan of action. I support Heather for Marin Supervisor.”<h4>HEATHER’S PRIORITIES ARE:&nbsp;</h4><ol><li>The support of a spectrum of sensible housing options that reflect the core values of Marin</li><li>Community safety and preparedness&nbsp;</li><li>Transportation and climate change initiatives</li><li>Transparency and conservative fiscal oversight&nbsp;</li></ol>Heather’s Campaign Committee represents a wide range of community perspectives, experiences, and generations—see the list below.&nbsp; (For a more complete list, please visit HeatherforMarin.com/Endorsements.)<h4>Over 300 community endorsements and a Campaign Committee with 20 respected community leaders, including:</h4>Laura Anderson, Former President, Tam Union School District Board &amp; Board Member, Larkspur Community FoundationElizabeth Brekhus, Mayor, Ross Town CouncilMary Jane Burke, Superintendent,Marin County Schools EmeritaBitsa Freeman, Past President, Kent Woodlands Property Owners AssociationSandy Guldman, President, Friends of Corte Madera Creek WatershedKenneth Lippi, Senior Deputy Superintendent, Marin County Office of Education &amp; Former Mayor, Fairfax Town CouncilSophie Liu, Member, Marin County Race Equity Planning Committee &amp; Intern, Marin Youth CommissionMatthew Marotto, Member, Marin County Bicycle Coalition’s Off-road Committee &amp; Editor-in-Chief, Redwood BarkSusan Morrow, Former President, Kentfield School District BoardAnne Petersen, Member, Kentfield Planning Advisory BoardAndrea Pierpont, Former President, Larkspur-Corte Madera School District BoardAnna Pletcher, Partner, O’Melveny &amp; Myers and Past President, Association of Latino Marin AttorneysSarani Puri, Intern, Board of Supervisors &amp; Founder, Homework HelpersDavid Riedel, President, Kentfield School District Board&nbsp;Stephanie Robinson, Trustee, Ross School District BoardMarilee Rogers, Co-President, Kentfield-Greenbrae Historical Society; Co-President, Redwood Alumni Association; and Former Teacher, Redwood HighRaquel Rose, Superintendent, Kentfield School DistrictJill Sellers, Former President, Larkspur-Corte Madera School District BoardAshley Vela, Youth Community LeaderCatherine Way, Member, Larkspur City Council

Already with impressive community support and momentum, Heather McPhail Sridharan is excited to officially announce her candidacy for Marin County Supervisor.

Heather McPhail Sridharan—A Nine Year Kentfield School Board Member—Joins the Marin County Supervisor's Race (D2)

"Heather is an incredibly warm and intelligent woman...who comes from a long history of Marinites who contributed in spades to the community and she is no different. For example, she was the Founder of the Laurel Grove Nextdoor website, which was one of the first Nextdoor sites in Marin, and currently serves as its Co-Lead, having grown it to include about 1000 members in Ross and Kentfield. Now that's what I would call one good neighbor!"

"Heather comes from a long history of Marinites who have contributed spades to the community...she was the Founder of the Laurel Grove Nextdoor website...one of the first Nextdoor sites in Marin."

Kentfield &amp; Ross Living: Featured Cover Story - "Committed to our Community"

"Sridharan is well-versed on issues facing the two-school district, from fulfilling the promises of the voter-approved capital bond measure to improve and modernize district campuses to a small, but growing number of English-learners in the district’s student body."

Marin IJ: Editorial Endorsement of Heather McPhail Sridharan for Kentfield School Board.

“According to Heather, “It’s been so gratifying to feel like our neighborhood is really connected,&nbsp; particularly across multi-generational lines. It’s a completely different place and feeling than it was a year ago, and I’m happy that my kids will reap the benefits of having neighbors looking after them!”

Nextdoor: Heather McPhail Sridharan: Growing beyond a Moms' Group

"Tara Sridharan, 10, and Mira Sridharan, 9, of San Francisco, came with their mother, Heather McPhail Sridharan, because, she said, “I wanted them to understand the impact they could have. I didn’t want them to stand on the sidelines. Women on their flight from California gave them their pink hats."

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