Candidate Profile: Brian Colbert For San Anselmo Town Council

Municipal office

San Anselmo Town Council / Currently Vice-Mayor of San Anselmo

Brian Colbert

Age (as of Election Day)

53

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. I am currently Vice-Mayor of San Anselmo

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

Democrat

Family

Married to Nihal Elrayess, a Technology Planning and Strategy Director for Sephora My daughter Leila is a fifth-grader at Wade Thomas Elementary School in San Anselmo

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Oberlin College, B.A. Political Science, B.A. Theater, University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, M.A., University of Chicago Law School, J.D.

Occupation

Entrepreneur in health and technology for the past 13 years.

Campaign website

colbertforcouncil.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Currently Vice-Mayor of San Anselmo. Councilmember of San Anselmo since 2017. Chair of San Anselmo Economic Development Committee for three years.

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

The single most pressing issue facing San Anselmo is addressing the short and long-term public health and economic effects of COVID19. Since the advent of COVID19, I have been part of the leadership of two county-wide committees, ensuring that San Anselmo has a strong voice during the pandemic. I am partnering with Marin County Supervisors and other business and community leaders to craft and execute an effective response that addresses the challenging public health issues and the economic recovery of our local businesses.

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

The critical difference between me and the other candidates is my tangible track record of leadership and community-driven results in San Anselmo. I spearheaded the new downtown park. It wouldn’t have become a reality without the overwhelming support and efforts of our community. The new downtown Creek Park is the catalyst for an economically vibrant and community-centered downtown. We have three new businesses, including a long-desired deli preparing to open.

I am also the only candidate responding to COVID19 on a with county-level committees for the Town of San Anselmo.

I have also been active and effective with a wide variety of stakeholder groups in San Anselmo, ranging from the Arts Commission, the Sustainability Commission, Open Space to the Financial Advisory Committee, to name just a few.

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

As an incumbent with a track record of success, the response of San Anselmo to COVID has been a model for the other cities and towns in Marin. Our response has been nimble and innovative. I question what the challengers would have done differently. Moreover, the vision, strategy, and executable tactics to encourage economic vitality is producing real-world results. I also remain deeply involved and in touch with all stakeholders. I am approachable and my 60+ endorsements are a result of my constant engagement with San Anselmo residents

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I have an inclusive vision that builds upon the values and assets that make San Anselmo a unique place. I am laser-focused on bending the climate curve, sustainability, protecting open space, and economic recovery. I will also continue to focus on a sustainable and transparent town budget. We need to continually improve our disaster preparedness with a special emphasis on wildfire prevention. And my focus is multi-generational.

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

I have served on the San Anselmo Town Council since 2017. In addition, to spearheading the new downtown park and helping create a business climate that is encouraging business to San Anselmo, I have worked hard on San Anselmo’s sustainability efforts, fiscal sustainability, and support for open space. My experience in the private sector provides me a strong background to understand the finances of San Anselmo

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

Continuing to pull together all the stakeholders in our community to build a bright future together. I want to finish the new Creek Park which is revitalizing San Anselmo’s historic downtown. We have three new businesses coming to town during the pandemic!! COVID19 is an opportunity to embed sustainability into our economic recovery.

Why should voters trust you?

My leadership, experience, and integrity are without question.

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

The finances of every institution have been placed under pressure because due to COVID19. I will continue to focus on addressing the short-term fiscal challenges of COVID19 will balancing long-term fiscal sustainability and transparency.

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

No.

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

San Anselmo, like all communities, is facing challenges and has opportunities during COVID-19. My track record suggests I can bring together all the stakeholders in our community to shape a bright future.