There will be two meetings regarding the proposed PAMF development. Be sure to attend, hear the opinions and express your thoughts.

WHEN: Tuesday, July 31 7 p.m.
WHAT: San Carlos Transportation and Circulation Commission meeting
WHERE: Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Road
WHY: To discuss the traffic impacts of the proposed Palo Alto Medical Foundation project at 301 Industrial Road. Click here for Agenda.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 1 7 p.m.
WHAT: San Carlos Economic Development Advisory Commission meeting
WHERE: Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Road
WHY: To discuss the economic impact of the proposed Palo Alto Medical Foundation center and its development agreement Click here for Agenda

To my San Carlos Neighbors,

On July 4, 1976, my parents became citizens of the United States. I recall how proud they were when, immediately after taking their citizenship oath, they registered to vote. On my 18th birthday I was taken to the elections office so that I, too, could register to vote. In our family, voting, service and bringing your best to bear for your community is seen as a critical part of being a citizen. My folks taught me that these are duties we embrace, because embrace them we must if our democracy is to succeed. So with those lessons in mind, it is fitting on this anniversary of my parents swearing their allegiance to the United States, and registering to vote, that I announce my candidacy for the San Carlos City Council.

San Carlos has been my home since moving here in 1998. We have a terrific city, one I am proud to call home and intend to call home for years to come. It is because I am deeply committed to our city that I served on the San Carlos Economic Development Advisory Commission, an experience that allowed me to closely examine the economic engine of our city. Later, as a member of the San Carlos/Redwood City/Belmont Leadership class, I dove into a year-long exploration of many of our city’s and county’s most pressing issues, including those surrounding transportation, healthcare, law enforcement and housing. These experiences verified for me what all of us know: our city faces challenges requiring bold thinking and strong leadership.

Our city faces the harsh reality of shrinking revenue to support critical services like fire and police protection. While cutting and streamlining our budget is critical, looking for new revenue sources must also be a mandatory part of the equation. With these challenges come strategic opportunities and the occasion to clearly articulate a vision for our city.

• I believe San Carlos will need to attract, build and retain economic development which respects the values and capacities of our city.
• I believe San Carlos will need to build growth management strategies for infrastructure and services as our city grows.
• I believe San Carlos will need to build leadership in applying green technologies – so our city may simultaneously save money and help preserve our environment.

Moving our city forward will require entrepreneurial thinking, a mindset of consensus-building, and the ability to envision and create a city that is in control of its financial destiny.

I have built my career as a cutting-edge technologist and entrepreneur upon a foundation of skills that will serve San Carlos well as it moves toward its future: the ability to achieve results with limited resources, build teams, forge alliances, and reach consensus among many stakeholders.

• I am running because San Carlos is my home.
• I am running because the challenges facing our city are not going away and are becoming more complex.
• I am running because I have skills and career experience to address the issues at hand.

But those things are only important to a point. You live here too, and it is by listening to concerned citizens like yourself that makes our democracy work. Over the course of this campaign, I’d like to hear your thoughts, concerns and ideas. During our dialogue, I hope you’ll allow me the opportunity to earn your vote.

Thank you, and I’ll see you on the campaign trail!

– Omar Ahmad