Meet James Maes, Your San Leandro Mayoral Candidate

SAN LEANDRO, CA — As the November elections approach, Patch has reached out to candidates to ask about their professional experience and why they're the best fit for the role.

San Leandro could see a new mayor take the helm following the elections.

James Maes is is one of two candidates vying for the top seat. Get to know her below:

What is your educational background?

With a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and certified as a Project Management Professional, I apply an engineer’s analytical precision to public service.

Over a 34-year career managing complex operations, environmental programs, and infrastructure budgets, my technical foundation has guided practical decisions.

I offer voters a unique combination of engineering discipline, fiscal stewardship, and proven executive leadership.

What is your professional background?

I spent over 30 years in public service, ending my federal career as a Chief of Staff and Business Director managing large regional budgets, operations, and diverse teams across multiple agencies.

My work focused on fixing complex operational problems, keeping public programs running smoothly, and ensuring tax dollars were spent wisely.

I bring three decades of hands-on executive leadership, organizational strategy, and public accountability.

Have you ever held public office, whether appointive or elective?

I currently serve as an appointed Commissioner on the City of San Leandro Recreation and Parks Commission.

This, combined with over a decade of volunteer service to our city, provides me with the perspectives of residents from across town, in all walks of life, and in multiple cultures.

What are the top three issues facing Fremont's District 4 right now?

San Leandro is at a critical turning point. To secure our future, we must tackle three defining issues head-on:

1. Fiscal Discipline. Our structural budget deficit threatens the essential public services residents rely on. We need rigorous oversight, smarter spending prioritization, and a clear path to long-term fiscal stability.

2. Restoring Trust & Accountability. Multiple external investigations involving city council members have eroded public trust and distracted City Hall from serving our community. We need transparent governance, strict ethics enforcement, and leaders who answer directly to residents.

3. Delivering on Promises & Housing. Funds sit unspent while vital infrastructure projects drag on for years and new housing remains stalled. We must cut red tape, hold contractors accountable, and turn voter-approved dollars into actual construction, affordable homes, and visible community improvements.

What is one specific action you would prioritize during your first year as a council member?

On day one, I will set a new Standard of Excellence for the City Council—demonstrating professional standards, transparency, and accountability in every decision we make. Setting this bar on day one gives us the foundation to tackle our budget crisis head-on through a Community-Driven Budget & Operations Audit.

This involves: Line-by-Line Fiscal Review: Scrutinize every department budget, eliminate administrative waste, and realign funding to protect core services like public safety, parks, and road maintenance.

Direct Public Involvement: Host interactive budget workshops where residents review actual city numbers, weigh trade-offs side-by-side, and directly shape spending priorities.

Unlocking Stalled Funds: Audit existing housing and infrastructure accounts to free up tied-up capital and get delayed civic projects into construction.
By leading with excellence from day one and fixing our budget in plain view, we restore San Leandro’s bottom line and public trust.

Why do you feel you're a better candidate than your opponent?

Choosing the right mayor comes down to leadership ability and proven outcomes. While Juan Gonzalez offers a career in theoretical economics, I bring a 34-year background defined by project delivery, budget discipline, and strong leadership.

Why my experience serves San Leandro best:
Community Focus: I'm committed to San Leandro through serving as a Recreation and Parks Commissioner, coaching youth sports, serving and leading local non-profit boards, and working directly alongside neighbors to improve our community.

Solving Tough Problems: I apply discipline to untangle messy budgets, ease building approvals, and get stalled public projects moving.

Lead without Lawsuits: Real leadership builds consensus without dysfunction. I have led large public organizations with full transparency, avoiding the harassment, ethical, and legal issues that are plaguing City Hall.

San Leandro deserves experienced leadership that puts results and integrity first. I will make that happen.