announced today that she no longer seeks to replace County Supervisor Liz Kniss, who terms out this year, but that instead supports State Senator .
"As I said , this job is about making local government work for everyone in the county so no one falls through the cracks," Abe-Koga said in a letter to supporters. "I know Joe is dedicated to that proposition, and I look forward to supporting him in that work."
The two-term Mountain View councilwoman and former mayor, Abe-Koga threw her hat in the race for supervisor to represent Santa Clara County's District 5 on Sept. 21, 2011, two months before Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) did so.
But after "a great deal of thought and consultation with my supporters and family," she bowed out.
During an interview with Patch a few weeks ago, Simitian said that the 12 years he's spent in the Senate, from which he terms out of this year, distinguish him from the other candidates. He added that he looked forward to "rolling up his sleeves" if elected as supervisor because ensuring the delivery of daily services like healthcare, welfare, criminal justice "is real work" compared to the theoretical duties of a policymaker.
He served as a county supervisor from 1997 to 2000.
"I’ve done this job," he had said. "The county can benefit from having someone with experience."
Now that Abe-Koga has withdrawn, only Saratoga’s Kathleen King–a former councilwoman, businesswoman and now executive director of a non-profit–remains as an option against Simitian.
Patch successfully a few hours later..
Below is the email she sent to her supporters this morning:
Dear Friend:
Happy New Year and Best Wishes for 2012!
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 Senator Joe Simitian 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 in the race for Santa Clara County Supervisor and join his campaign as a volunteer and contributor. You can sign up as a supporter on his website at http://www.joesimitian.com/welcome.
Best wishes to you and yours in 2012, and again, thank you so much for all of your support.
Sincerely,
Margaret Abe-Koga
