Giselle Hale, who until yesterday served as mayor of Redwood City, left her position after completing her term of governance amid applause and emotional words from councilors who at the time broke their voices to refer to her work and her quality of person.
Hale, who also decided to abandon her career to seek a seat in the California Assembly, was widely celebrated for her tenure as mayor after the pandemic, but not before serving as deputy mayor as COVID-19 ravaged the country.
Council members Elmer Martínez, Lissette Espinoza-Garnica, Diane Howard and Alicia Aguirre gave emotional words to Hale, who has previously indicated that she will seek to dedicate herself to her family, her two little girls and her husband, who have accompanied her throughout her career. politics in the city where he also lives.
“It has been an honor to serve you and our community as mayor,” Hale said during her last session as Redwood City mayor. "Fortunately, I had great examples from colleagues past and present, and from our staff who bring their experience along with their endless patience to the Council on a daily basis in explaining to the Council so many different complex issues in our community."
Hale recalled that she ran for City Council because she wanted her daughters to experience the lifelong friendships so many have enjoyed, and because Redwood City has become a regional leader in creating affordable housing, a task she said will be it goes unfinished.
“Now, more than ever, I believe we have to work to keep Redwood City a diverse and inclusive city and a multi-generational community, and I have faith that our strategic plan will guide that path. And I know you are in good hands with our next Council."
«I leave the Council, is it true? I know that each of you will represent the needs of everyone in our community and I would like to ask that you regularly consider the greeting of the Maasai. They don't say how are you? They say how are the children? This is how they greet, because how the children are doing is really an indicator of how well we are caring for the most vulnerable in our community,” he stressed.
The former mayor explained that "the responsibility to restore civility falls on all of us" and not just on elected leaders. "So this year challenge yourself to listen to someone with different opinions than you to open your mind and mend a rift. By doing this work, we build our personal resilience and that of our community.”
Hale stressed that despite leaving her position, she will continue her work “as a committed citizen, as a dedicated mother and as a passionate advocate. And I will be cheering on our next Council for our wonderful staff, for our beautiful city, and for peace and healing in the world in the coming year."
With a broken voice and obviously moved, Jeff Gee, who minutes later was sworn in as the city's new mayor, dedicated some emotional words to the former official's work and delivered a proclamation, a bouquet of flowers and other details.
“You were always one of those people who was happy to say yes and then didn't just get the job done, but wanted to do more. Ok, what comes next? How else can I help? So I'm thankful that we've had a leader here in this city," said Council Member Elmer Martinez.
For her part, councilor Lissette Espinoza-Garnica, who became vice mayor last night, said that "it has been very nice to be able to count on people like you for the votes that matter, like those for those who don't have a roof and for housing and critical infrastructure. It's very unlikely to see a woman take the reins, so thank you."
Diane Howard, who was re-elected as councillor, said, “I am sure we have not seen the end of Giselle's political career and I look forward to seeing her represent our great city on a bigger stage. Thank you, Giselle, for your years of service to our Council."
For councilwoman Alicia Aguirre, Hale was “able to continue and work for things, even when they are not popular? even when it could become controversial. Your passion has shown in all the work you've done for Redwood City."
Diana Reddy, who worked as deputy mayor with Hale, and who was unable to attend the session due to being ill, thanked the former mayor for her work on culture, support for children and adolescents, housing and mental health. “I very much appreciate the leadership you have shown in that regard and also the work you do on our regional bodies and the easy relationships you have with other members of the legislature and governing bodies. He is very valuable to Redwood City and very valuable to us, I appreciate it."
Now former Vice Mayor Diana Reddy also stepped down to make way for Councilwoman Espinoza-Garnica to take the position, noting during her departure message that she learned during her tenure that Redwood City has the most enthusiastic and committed staff.
Thanking various people for their support during his term, he explained that “it takes all of us to make Redwood City the great city that it is. Was it an honor for me to serve on a City Council that stepped up to extend the eviction moratorium, to greater equity and inclusion? Thank you all for all you do."
Reddy also received a proclamation and gifts, which will be sent to his home.
Moments later, Councilman Jeff Gee was sworn in as Redwood City's new mayor, who will work alongside Lissette Espinoza-Garnica as vice mayor for two-year terms each.
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