Redwood City Mayor Giselle Hale will not seek re-election to the Redwood City Council, she announced on social media, saying that while it has been an honor to serve residents, she hopes for more "mommy nights" for her family.
"Dear Redwood City. With mixed feelings and after deliberation, I am announcing that I will not be running for re-election to the Redwood City Council," Hale said in a letter posted on his social media.
He noted that his family chose Redwood City to put down roots because of its diversity, inclusiveness and multigenerationality, and in that regard, he said his family is a priority.
"I accepted this job with sincerity, throwing myself into the task with intense rigor. Of course, this has meant time away from my family. At a very young age, the girls were inclined to ask, "Is tonight mommy's night or a reunion night?" Over time, too many nights were "reunion nights." I hope to have more "mommy nights" with them and fix that balance at this time in their lives."
She said that "it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve our residents for the past 8.5 years, first as a Planning Commissioner, then as a Councilmember and now as Mayor".
He noted that, during that time, Redwood City has led the region in housing production and combating displacement.
"Where other cities have run away from their housing obligations, Redwood City has embraced the idea of welcoming and keeping people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds here. We've created the vision of a transit district to alleviate traffic and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, just as we see the signs of climate change here at home. And we have led the way in creating childcare with innovative new programs that will keep our children safe and our families working," he said.
He added that, in that time, mental health needs have also been addressed in a unique way. "I am immensely proud of our work together and am grateful to my current and past colleagues and staff."
Hale pointed out that all this has been achieved "because our Council has put aside our different opinions to unite around the shared needs of the community.
While she made it clear that she ran for office without a long history in Redwood City, the community embraced her and her family "has grown along with our love for her."
"I look forward to continuing to be involved in the many issues that challenge our community. We have a lot of work to do to ensure that this incredible place we call home remains home for future generations," he stressed.
Finally, she thanked her two daughters and her husband, Brian, for supporting her desire to serve. "They have been more than a 50/50 partner in this adventure."
"I hope my journey inspires others to come forward. Leadership should not be held tightly, it should flow, be shared and pull others along. Leadership leaves open seats at the table and invites others to fill them," he said.
It should be noted that at the end of June, Hale abandoned his campaign for the California Assembly due to political attacks against him, which he said had affected his family's mental health and happiness.
Through her Twitter account, the mayor detailed that the "difficult" decision was made during a "much needed" vacation, and that during that time off, she saw how profoundly such a career impacted the mental health and happiness of her husband and two daughters.
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