Difficulties with current councilmember

Incoherent word salad from a supporter of a competing politician.

This is an obvious campaign hit piece in support of Seema Patel and a first glimpse about who she is and how dirty she and her supporters will get and act in the coming months.

No surprise really given Patel was mentored by the disgraced "Envelope Gate" Amourence Lee, who sources say is now actively helping Patel's campaign from the shadows. We fully expect the usual candidate's style dry dirt slinging - laughably, dry dirt that just doesn't stick.

Twisting a simple comment about family roots in California into a supposed offense to First Nations residents is manufactured outrage that intelligent readers will see through.

Instead of personal attacks, voters deserve an honest discussion about the issues facing our city.

That’s why I support Rob Newsom — HONESTY ABOVE ALL for practical leadership and common-sense governance.

Ad hominem attacks and semantic debates weaken the merits of your argument. You conflate the legal concept of statehood with ancestral indigeneity, which are distinct categories. Newsom’s claim to be a 'native Californian' is a literal statement of fact regarding his birthplace within the State of California, a political entity founded in 1850. Being native to a state is defined by the location of one's birth, not by a claim to indigenous status, which Newsom did not make.

Furthermore, I found the lack of specific evidence regarding Rob Newsom's

actual record as a Councilmember to be a missed opportunity. Without facts detailing his voting history or policy outcomes, it is impossible to assess his professional capabilities or leadership fairly. Shifting the focus from linguistic grievances to substantive performance would provide voters with a more useful evaluation of his fitness for reelection.

Woooo-weee! This will be a fun election year! John Ebneter is a former planning commissioner who was employed by a builder, and who regularly ignored and insulted residents he didn’t agree with. He is now coming back to support Seema Patel, who has an even longer track record of supporting builders over residents and stays loyal to the YIMBY playbook by attacking residents who call her out on her lies and insults. We are seeing in real time that Seema is trying to change her image, but she nothing more than a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Both Seema and John are two key players we have to thank for ugly architecture, as well as numerous empty lots and buildings all throughout San Mateo. I will knock on every door of District 3 to ensure voters know the truth and reelect Rob Newsom who has remained uncorrupted by YIMBY rhetoric and builders money.

What kind of person tries to takes away bike lanes from children in a low-income neighborhood and the city's only "Equity Focus Area"?

That's right ... someone who is privileged, unwilling to educate themselves, and probably 'sponsored' by 'Corporate Interest'.

Rob Newsom didn't like Amo Lee, but taking bike lanes from poor kids - for this they could collude.

I want to thank John Ebneter for raising important concerns about the responsibilities and awareness expected of those seeking public office.

Words matter, particularly when they reflect how a candidate understands history, identity, and the diverse communities that make up our city. Referring to oneself as “as Native Californian as it gets” because one’s family arrived in 1850 overlooks the lived history and identity of California’s Indigenous people. Such language can be hurtful and dismissive of those whose heritage on this land extends far beyond statehood.

Public officials must demonstrate not only leadership but also cultural awareness, humility, and a willingness to listen. San Mateo is a diverse and vibrant community, and our elected leaders should reflect an understanding of the experiences and concerns of all residents.

I appreciate Mr. Ebneter’s willingness to raise these issues and encourage thoughtful dialogue about the kind of leadership our community deserves.

Alexis Lewis

San Mateo