Politics & Government

Mayoral Candidate Q&A: Carol Rowley

Patch has compiled background information on all candidates running for local office in November, when two mayoral candidates will vie for the spot vacated by about-to-term-out Mayor H. Abram Wilson.

San Ramon Patch has asked each candidate to fill out a questionnaire to give residents information about his or her background. Click here for more election news.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?  

As a 42-year resident, I have taken great pride in being an active parent and citizen. Over the years people have asked me why I put so much time into volunteering and serving our community. The answer is simple – I enjoy bringing people together. Whether it was working as a teacher and principal at Country Club Elementary, serving on the San Ramon Parks Commission, or serving as your City Councilmember, I have always made good on my commitment to make San Ramon a better place to live, work, and play. It has been my greatest honor to serve and I look forward to serving our city in a new leadership role as its Mayor.    

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What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?  

As Mayor, my single most important priority will be preserving the special quality of life we enjoy here in San Ramon. I will do that by maintaining fiscal responsibility, promoting economic development, improving communication with our residents, and honoring our commitment to keeping our community safe. In my eight years on the City Council, we doubled the number of fire stations in the city, streamlined services for residents, and helped keep our libraries open. I am proud we also doubled the number of parks, and working with the school district opened a new Performing Arts Center.    

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What sets you apart from the other candidate?  

I have been serving our city and its citizens for nearly 40 years, working with you on all of the things that make this City great. I have earned your trust and have a record of accomplishment. This election is about my experience, a proven and demonstrated leadership style that is inclusive and collaborative, and a vision for a strong and vibrant San Ramon. I believe that government works best when its leaders listen, and you can count on me to be accessible, hardworking and committed to the future of our great city!    

Where do you work and what is your job title?  

I am presently a part-time Special Needs Coordinator at St. Raymond’s School in Dublin serving students from the Tri-Valley in order to improve their language arts and math skills. I am retired from the San Ramon Valley Unified School District where I served as a teacher and principal for over 30 years.    

Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when.  

  • BA in Environmental Design and Education, University of California, Berkeley
  • Elementary Credential, University of California, Berkeley
  • MA in Educational Leadership, California State University, Hayward
  • Reading Specialist Credential, California State University, Hayward    

Have you ever held an elected or appointed public office?  

  • San Ramon Vice Mayor
  • San Ramon City Council
  • San Ramon Redevelopment Agency
  • San Ramon Parks Commission
  • San Ramon Housing Commission
  • San Ramon City Charter Commission
  • San Ramon Library Task Force
  • San Ramon Visual and Performing Arts Task Force
  • San Ramon Senior Advisory Committee
  • San Ramon Alcosta Mall/Kodak Redevelopment Committee    

Have you run before for an elected public office?  

I was elected in 2003 to the San Ramon City Council and was re-elected in 2007.    

Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign, both total spending and personal?  

I have accepted the voluntary campaign expenditure limit and will be putting limited personal money into the campaign.    

Have you ever served in the military?  

No.    

Have you ever been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation?  

No.    

Have you or a business you owned or had principal interest in ever filed bankruptcy?  

No.    

How long have you lived in San Ramon?  

I have lived in the same house in San Ramon for 42 years. My late husband and I were proud to choose San Ramon as the place to raise our family.    

What's your favorite thing about San Ramon?  

My favorite thing about San Ramon is the people who live here and the promise of our youth. I have had the privilege to work alongside the best and brightest here in our community. We have such wonderful people who have stepped up to serve our community on many City task forces, commissions, and committees. I have enjoyed speaking to so many residents at our community events and at my community office hours. Working together, we have and will continue to accomplish great things for our City.    

What is the biggest problem in San Ramon?  

The biggest problem is the continued uncertainty of the economy as we slowly recover from the recession and as state mandates continue. We have done everything we can locally to ensure that our parks, services, and facilities are well maintained. With careful planning, we were able to maintain balanced budgets, a strong fiscal reserve, and a Triple A investment rating. As your Mayor, I will continue to bring strong fiscal responsibility and integrity to our city.    

Contact information: Phone number is 925-570-1053 and email is carol@rowleyformayor.org.


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