Pursuing strategies to eliminate homelessness, boost equity, and improve community safety will be the priorities of new Supervisor Don Horsley, who was unanimously re-elected Tuesday as chairman of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors.
Calling the past two years "wild and challenging" due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Horsley pledged that equity, fair and equitable inclusion in a society where everyone can participate, thrive and reach their full potential, will guide the county's path to recovery.
"I'm optimistic that in 2022 we'll be able to get back to some semblance of what we used to think of as normal life," he said. "But I know things will continue to be challenging in the coming weeks and months. This is not over."
This Monday, the Board also appointed District One Supervisor Dave Pine as Vice Chair.
Targets for 2022
Homeless peopleHorsley announced plans for a countywide summit to be held in the spring of this year that will include strategies to end homelessness with a focus on people with mental health conditions who refuse services and treatment.
He also plans to organize state and federal funds to provide housing and emergency services for people who are severely disabled due to illness, substance abuse or any other factor.
"The challenge of ending homelessness is ongoing, but this year we have additional resources that will be invaluable, from purchasing hotels to creating a state-of-the-art navigation center that will provide even more secure housing for the homeless," Horsley stressed.
"I look forward to this Board addressing this social dilemma as one of this year's top priorities," he added.
In the area of equity: Building on the hiring of the county's first equity director, Shireen Malekafzali, in 2021, Horsley said the county is committed to ensuring that policies and funding for housing, transportation, job training and other services reach the most vulnerable residents.
Malekafzali will give monthly presentations during Board meetings on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Community safety: Horsley proposes the effective use of red flag laws, which empower law enforcement to remove firearms from individuals who have made credible threats of violence.
Horsley, who served three terms as county sheriff, plans to bring together stakeholders, including the Giffords Law Center, led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, to study whether current laws should be adjusted.
In keeping with tradition, Horsley presented a gift to outgoing Board Chairman David J. Canepa: a personalized globe, symbolizing the latter's interests in world affairs.
Horsley also plans to present young Piero, the son of David and his wife, Ana, with a toy fire truck, "symbolizing another challenge faced by the Board of Supervisors in 2021: a wildfire."
"As I conclude my year as Chairman of the Board during this terrible pandemic, I could not be more proud of our county staff for their consistent effort over nearly two years to provide care and relief whenever and wherever needed," said Canepa.
In his farewell address, Canepa thanked San Mateo County residents for becoming leaders in the nation in the fight against COVID-19, "by following health guidelines, common sense and getting vaccinated."
"Our residents have demonstrated that public health is the top priority and have saved lives. But the omicron virus continues to increase and we must all remain vigilant."
Horsley is in the final year of his third term as a member of the Board of Supervisors. He is not eligible to run again due to term limits. This is the third time he has served as Chairman of the Board.
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