Candidate Profile: Alexis Fineman for San Anselmo Town Council

Municipal office

San Anselmo Town Council

Alexis Fineman

Age (as of Election Day)

26

Town/City of Residence

San Anselmo

Office Sought

Municipal office

Where appropriate, add specifics about office sought: i.e., State Senate District 1, State Assembly District 2, Temecula City Council District 1, etc.

San Anselmo Town Council

Party affiliation (not needed in non-partisan races, including county, city and school offices)

Family

Willie Burke (partner), Ken Fineman (dad), Thana Fineman (mom), Katarina Fineman (sister)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

B.A. in Cultural Anthropology, Wesleyan University

Occupation

Teacher, GATE Academy, 2 years (4 years in Education)

Campaign website

alexisforsananselmo.org

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

San Anselmo Town Council (July 2019--current)

The single most pressing issue facing our (state, district, community, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Mitigating and adapting to our changing climate. This includes the need to have stronger wildfire preparedness. I support fully staffing our fire stations, and I am proudly endorsed by the Ross Valley Firefighters Association as well as the Marin Professional Firefighters. I also support stronger prevention efforts, which the town can support through policy, as well as enhanced neighborhood preparedness. As a representative of younger generations, one of my primary motivations for serving on the council is to ensure that we don't address today's problems in ways that will ultimately exacerbate tomorrow's.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

As the youngest councilmember in Marin County, I balance a fresh, forward-thinking approach with a track of thoughtful, thorough, and inclusive leadership. I am the only candidate in this race endorsed by the Sierra Club and the only candidate endorsed by the Marin Women's PAC, reflecting my dedication to environmental values and social equity. To walk my talk, I am running a landfill-free campaign with handmade signs!

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I support maintaining and enhancing quality of life for all in San Anselmo, now and in the future!
Please visit https://alexisforsananselmo.org/values-%26-vision to learn more about my vision with respect to the issues our community faces as well as my guiding values!

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In July 2019, I was selected out of nine applicants to fill Kay Coleman's vacancy on the council. In the past 12 months, I've taken a hands-on role as a councilmember. I helped write our Climate Emergency Resolution, which passed unanimously, and introduced specific metrics for accountability and implementation of our Climate Action Plan. I've advocated for enhanced bicycle and pedestrian safety, participated in county-wide working groups and committees on a variety of topics, and worked hard to bring everyone to the table in decision-making.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

Further implementing our Climate Action Plan; Fully staffing our fire stations; Forming a standing committee dedication towards Racial Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; San Anselmo's first fully protected bike lane!

Why should voters trust you?

When I don't know the answer to something, I admit it. I don't simplify or generalize even when it would be convenient or popular to do so.
But actually, this is a hard question, because trust is earned through actions and not words. Before you make your decision, please take some time to read my website, watch the debates, watch old council meetings, talk to neighbors and friends, and reach out!

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

To me, the highest and best use of taxpayer money is to mitigate risks and problems that are best addressed at the collective scale. Currently, our town operates on a lean and mostly balanced budget with healthy reserves, which is good! In general, I advocate for a common-sense approach to fees and taxes. I do have concerns that we are not appropriately allocating resources to mitigate the collective risks of, for example, fire and other symptoms of a changing climate. Our fire stations are understaffed; addressing this is a top priority for me.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

Not that I can think of

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Avoid superlatives. (and that life is better with a little humor along the way!)

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Please watch the candidate debates here to learn more about where I stand on issues important to our community.