It appears there has been confusion with semantics regarding the upcoming election regarding Council Member Matsumoto’s withdrawal from the city council race. Somewhere the erroneous wording has circulated that she has merely ‘suspended her campaign’. That word was not used at all in Matsumoto’s public announcement that she decided not to run for the seat.
To be sure each vote counts it is wise to let your friends know that Matsumoto is NOT running for city council and not to vote for her. The other options continue to be Carlos Martin and Collin Post for the 2 year term seat.
On Wednesday September 25th during the City Council meeting, Matsumoto added this 30 second resignation to her announcements.
‘It’s been after careful consideration and it’s been difficult, but I’ve decided NOT to run for the City Council 2 year term. It’s too late to withdraw my name from the ballot but I will be shutting down my campaign. I want to thank all of my supporters, it’s personal, and I’m sorry.’
Matsumoto was late in pulling and filing for candidacy, qualifying on August 13, the deadline was August 14. Four years ago she said that would be her last time running. She does not want the 2 year term.
Because her name remains on the ballot, and with name recognition and the fact too few people heard her announcement, she may garner the winning number of votes when she has said she is no longer running.
She would then need to decide if she would accept the seat and do what she does not want to do and serve.
Or decline which would put our new council in a position to appoint someone to fill the next 2 years. And that would defeat the purpose of this special 2 year seat election.
In the meanwhile, Martin and Post have expressed sincere enthusiasm to run for this seat and deserve a fair shot at winning. Matsumoto has served our city for nearly two decades and her wish to retire needs to be respected.
Please review the information on Martin and Post and choose either of them for the 2 year seat. Thank you for helping to get the word out.
More on Matsumoto HERE
Matsumoto’s Resignation HERE
More on Candidates HERE
In addition we will have the opportunity to hear the candidates who are running for this year’s election this Monday and Tuesday. Below is information from our City Clerk’s Office:
Together with the South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, the City is Co-sponsoring Candidate Forums. The debates will be moderated by the League of Women Voters. Members of the public are welcomed and encouraged to attend these forums and submit questions to the Moderator for presentation to the Candidates.
3 seat, 4 year term at large race: Monday, September 30, 2013 7:00 p.m. Municipal Services Building 33 Arroyo Drive- Council Chambers.
1 seat, 2 year partial term race: Tuesday, October 1, 2013 7:00 p.m. Municipal Services Building 33 Arroyo Drive- Council Chambers.
These events will be live broadcast on local television channels 26 or 27 depending on your cable provider. The events will also be live-streamed on the City’s website and available through a link on the homepage that will be active next week at www.ssf.net .
UPDATE: Candidate Matsumoto did show up for the candidate forum for the 2 year seat stating she is back in the race. Unconfirmed reports that her personal reason for withdrawing was due to an illness are not valid. Matsumoto did state she may need to take time off to care for her aging mother.
I for one am glad to see her go. I have heard her speak on many occasions and wind up cringing every single time. While she may be a very nice person I dreaded her representing myself and SSF. I wish her luck in the future and thank her for giving someone else a chance.
She says she has stepped down yet she shows up for the debate. What’s up with that? Why did she get a cup of coffee in the middle of the debate? She needs to go and Post or Martin need to be elected in. Come on people, we need new and young blood making differences in our city. Let’s give them our vote. DO NOT VOTE FOR ANY INCUMBENTS. NEW BLOOD NEEDED
She can not relate to the Hispanic community. During a city council meeting she called them Hispanglish. I dont even think that’s a word.
I’m going to miss you. I met you at the citizens academy and you were so sweet.