Second Candidate Officially Enters Atherton Election

The San Mateo County Elections Office gave Diane Sandhu the green-light to run for Atherton City Council, having completed the process of validating her nomination signatures and paperwork.

Sandhu currently serves as Vice Chair of The Atherton Finance Committee, according to the application she completed when she first expressed interest in the seat in July.

When asked to describe why she wants to serve on the Council, she wrote in her application that she wants to continue serving the community.

“The council has been great to work with and communicate with and I feel I can provide insight and knowledge to the town’s goals,” she wrote.

The University of California, Berkeley graduate joins Rick DeGolia on the ballot, who coincidentally also attended the University of California, Berkeley.  He graduated five years before she did, so it is unlikely that their paths crossed on campus.

The two are competing for a seat vacated by Jerry Carlson, who retired earlier this year.  Seven people expressed interest in being appointed to the seat when it originally became available.  When Atherton Councilmembers could not agree upon whom they wanted to join them on the dais, the race rebooted, leaving voters with the decision. 

Atherton residents will be asked to determine who is most qualified for the job in the November 2013 election.

John Ruggeiro, Michal Stogner, and Rick Conlon have begun the process of collecting nomination signatures to qualify for a spot on the ballot.  They have until August 9 to complete their paperwork and officially enter the race.