Gerstle Park Neighbor Samantha Sargent Enters City Council Race

Last Wednesday was the deadline for candidates to file paperwork for the November election, and one San Rafael resident decided to throw a last minute curve ball: Samantha Sargent filed to run for City Council.

“I began thinking about it seriously only the last couple of weeks,” Sargent said. “I just felt I really have something to offer the city.”

Although this is her first venture into the political arena, Sargent is no stranger to the City Council. The Bay Area native has spent the last year as an active member of the Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association and earned a reputation as a courageous and tenacious individual with high expectations for elected officials.

Sargent first lived in San Rafael in the early ‘90s while she studied economics at Sonoma State University.

“I was here when Mayor Al Boro put all his efforts to reviving downtown,” Sargent said. “I always remembered San Rafael for it’s beauty.”

She came back to the area four years ago after switching careers from sales and marketing for the computer industry to general contracting.

Since moving back, Sargent has been involved in neighborhood issues like the saturation of in San Rafael and most recently Centerfield Partner’s proposal to .

She’s also developed a relationship with the to try to keep Albert Park safe after dark, according to fellow Gerstle Park neighbor Amy Likover.

“She’s really believes in residents’ rights for transparency with their local government,” Likover said, noting that Sargent takes the time to research issues and get the community’s and city officials’ input.

“And she doesn’t wait to see what way the wind will blow on issues,” she said.

Sargent is running against and Council member Damon Connolly is also running for re-election.

Her vision of San Rafael includes providing support for neighbors, safety workers and small business owners in an economic climate where services are dropping.

“My commitment is to be an accessible council member for all San Rafael’s residents and to be a steward for our environment as well as a champion of a thriving economy,” Sargent said.