MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Margaret Abe-Koga, a Mountain View City Council member and former mayor, has withdrawn as a candidate for the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.
In a message to her supporters posted on Jan. 5, Abe-Koga said:
“As you know, I kicked off my campaign for Santa Clara County supervisor, District 5, in September of last year. I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the warm support and encouragement I’ve received over the last few months.
“In November, my good friend State Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) entered the race so he could continue his public service to the county. After a great deal of thought and consultation with my supporters and family, I have decided to withdraw from the race for county supervisor and throw my support behind Joe.
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with Joe for close to 20 years. He is a dedicated public servant who has served Santa Clara County with distinction, hard work, and constancy. His service as a county supervisor, state assemblymember, and state senator has steeped Joe in the issues that matter most to the people of this district.
“As I said when I announced my candidacy, this job is about making local government work for everyone in the county so no one falls through the cracks. I know Joe is dedicated to that proposition, and I look forward to supporting him in that work.
“I am excited to continue my service as a Mountain View City Council member and on the various regional boards on which I sit. In these challenging economic times, we must focus on creating high-quality good-paying jobs, making sure our kids get the best education possible, and ensuring that the neediest among us get the services they need. You have my continued commitment to these goals.
“I hope you will join me in supporting Joe … and join his campaign as a volunteer and contributor.”
Abe-Koga was elected to the City Council in 2006 and re-elected in 2010. She served as vice mayor in 2008 and mayor in 2009. She chairs the Valley Transportation Authority Board of Directors and previously served on the Santa Clara County Board of Education.
Simitian has been in Sacramento a long time, is pretty bright, and is a member of the majority party, so was well positioned to give us legislation dealing with the hard stuff, like the state’s financial pickle. But no. Instead, we get nanny bills and a train to nowhere, and the tough stuff is left undone. Too bad for us, and too bad for Santa Clara county if this career politician gets elected as supervisor.