HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/5/2021 Item 6a, HarrisI am writing to you today to request that, should there becorne a vacant council seat available on October
5, You appoint Michelle Shoresman to the vacant position.
I know YOU will have all seen her Outstanding professional resume, so I won't belabor the point as to how
eminently qualified she is for this position. I want, instead, to try to give you an idea of what it's like to
work with Michelle on projects --sometimes difficult ones.
I first met Michelle when she was a Student at Cal Poly and I was the Director of the Women's Center,
Our paths crossed again in 2012 when she approached me, in my position as the County Chair of the
Party, about running for Assembly District delegate. I encouraged her to do so, in a large part because in
Our County AD Ms are made part of the Central Committee, I thought that Michelle would be a great
addition to the Central Committee and I was correct,
As soon as Michelle became a member of the Central Committee she stepped into a position of
responsibility and significance. She did her homework, contributed to discussions-- even the contentious
ones --in a respectful manner, and she becarne an integral part of our fundraising team. The Central
Committee's fundraising efforts were extremely successful, allowing us to support our endorsed
candidates and to have great success in getting local Democrats elected.
Michelle really carne into tier own after the 2016 election. She had worked hard, locally, for Hillary Clinton
and for local candidates. When Clinton lost the election and local Progressives rode Bernie Sanders'
coattails to control of the Party, Michelle didn't walk away from the Party as many others did. She stayed
on and worked to bring the two divided and divisive factors together, As Chair, I established an ad-hoc
group to work with an outside facilitator to do Strategic Planning that would enable the two factions to
work together going forward. I asked Michelle to co-chair this group, along with the leader of the
Progressive group, and she stepped up and did a great job.
As illustrated by her work in the group, Michelle is very willing to work with those who hold views that are
divergent from hers. She is willing to compromise, but also holds fast to her own values as well as the
values of the larger group.
Michelle has consistently been dependable, enthusiastic, and diligent in her work with me. She has
brought great value to every group she aligns with. You would be very fortunate to have her join your
team. She shares your values and will work with determination and grace to make them part of the ethos
of our city going forward.
I hope you will appoint Michelle to this position --the city needs her!