Northbay Uprising - Information for the liberated zones of the San Pablo Bay

2012-01-29 "With work to be done, I'll stay on the council" by Stephanie Gomes, Vallejo City Councilwoman
Published by "Vallejo Times Herald"
[http://www.timesheraldonline.com/opinion/ci_19846680]
Over the past few months, I've thought a lot about running for Solano County Supervisor. I'm honored that Supervisor Kondylis had faith in me and asked me to consider running for her seat.
However, my decision isn't just about my skills or qualifications, or even my personal desires for my career. In the end, the choice was about re-writing a story, and about my sense of responsibility.
In the dark of the night when sleep can be so elusive when faced with important decisions, I asked myself what was best for Vallejo. As a senior member of the Vallejo City Council, with six years of intense learning and experience, would my leaving the council before my term is up hurt the forward momentum we as a community have so painstakingly made?
We are on the brink of a hard-earned recovery, we have a council that is working well together, and we have a strong new city manager coming on board soon -- there is a bright light at the end of what has been a long and difficult tunnel. But our recovery is sill tenuous and will require experienced leadership and guidance. I worked too hard to help get us to this point to leave right before we turn that corner. Our story is still unfinished, and I want to stay and help finish re-writing it.
And during those sleepless nights, I also felt a nagging sense of guilt about leaving my term early. Two years ago, I asked the voters of Vallejo to re-elect me. I made a commitment, promised to work hard and focus on addressing Vallejo's serious challenges. The voters put their faith and trust in me for a second time -- even in the middle of bankruptcy turmoil -- and I want to respect that trust and honor my commitment by completing my full term.
So once I made my decision not to run, this all became very clear. It was the right choice. In my heart, I want to stay and keep working. I didn't run for public office to start a new career, I ran because I believe in citizen representation and I thought I could help our city. And the best place for the city and me right now is right where I am.