San Mateo Council Member Robert Ross Resigning, Cites Medical Issues

The following is a news release from the city of San Mateo:

San Mateo Council Member, Robert Ross, has submitted his resignation from the San Mateo City Council effective January 6, 2015.

In a letter to the City Clerk dated December 31, 2014, Ross stated he will step down after participating in the Regular City Council meeting of January 5, 2015. Ross, who just completed a year as Mayor, and has served on the City Council since December 2009, stated in his letter that this was a difficult decision; however, he needs to address some medical challenges. He shared that “serving the people of San Mateo has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding parts of my life. I will forever love the City of San Mateo and its people.” And he ended his statement by expressing his deep appreciation for the San Mateo community saying “thank you for allowing me to serve you for the past 33 years.”

His Council Member colleagues offered their support for Ross’ decision and commented on how much he will be missed. Mayor Freschet said “Robert’s departure from his role on City Council represents a huge loss for the City of San Mateo which he has served with distinction and devotion for many years. His long and exceptional service as a San Mateo Police Officer, civic activist, council member and mayor have established him as one our city’s most beloved and highly respected leaders, and the gap he leaves will be felt deeply.”

Freschet continued “I (we) wish Robert the very best of health and happiness in his future pursuits and extend him our profound gratitude for his immeasurable contributions to the safety, prosperity and vitality of our community.”

At a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. on January 5, 2015 the City Council will consider its options for filling this vacancy, and provide direction to staff on how to proceed. According to a staff report from City Attorney Shawn Mason, the City Charter requires the Council to fill a vacancy by appointing a successor within 30 days -- by Thursday, February 5, 2015. If the Council does not appoint a successor, the Mayor is charged with making an appointment. The appointee will serve until the next general election scheduled in November 2015 at which time the voters elect a successor to fill Ross’ unexpired term (two year term) through December 2017.

The City of San Mateo experienced vacancies on the City Council in 1998, when Jerry Hill (now California State Senator) was elected to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors; in 2000 when Council Member Gary Yates died in office; and in 2008 when Carole Groom was elected to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. A different selection process was used for each one of these appointments.

Speaking for the City organization City Manager Larry Patterson said “Robert kept his finger on the pulse of San Mateo. He made himself available to listen to residents and business owners and was tireless in his efforts to bring their concerns to the attention of the City Council. I will really miss having him as a member of our City Council.”

At the end of the Regular City Council meeting on January 5th, the Council will formally receive Council Member Ross’ resignation, he will have an opportunity to provide parting remarks, say goodbye to his colleagues, and the public will have an opportunity to comment at that time. Regular Council Meetings are held in the City Hall Council chambers at 330 W. 20th Avenue in San Mateo and begin at 7:00 p.m.