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Sometimes political change is highly visible and relatively straightforward. An example in this election cycle is at the federal level where a new administration is about to assume the presidency and executive functions, altering much of the country’s direction of the last four years. Even though millions of federal employees – management and line workers – will remain, when an entirely new team of top leadership is installed, the difference is often direct and obvious.

In our local communities, many elected city councils are not going through such drastic changes. By design, institutional memory and continuity is retained as elections rotate through members rather than rely on wholesale change during a single election cycle.

However, a significant departure from continuation of the status quo can come through one or a combination of factors: electorate dissatisfaction, councilmember aspiration to a different role or term limits. In Fremont, a noteworthy change has occurred at the city council as Vinnie Bacon reached a term limit and attempted to move up the political ladder to become an Alameda County supervisor. What makes this change unique is the role he played as councilmember and spouse of a fellow councilmember of the same city council.

As a staunch environmentalist, Vinnie’s input was valuable in city policies, but typically echoed by his wife, Vice Mayor Jenny Kassan. The effect was a two-person voting bloc that, although not definitive in outcome, was not a healthy situation. Using different last names does not change the dynamic of married family life. In any event, since Fremont has fully transformed to a district representation model, two people living in the same district would be unable to serve simultaneously unless one was elected to a city-wide position as mayor and the other served a district. This could also lead to an uncomfortable situation if that district was involved in a competition or dispute with another district. If resolution depended on council action, it would be difficult to avoid inference of favoritism by the mayor.

In place of this unusual husband-wife situation, a new member of the council, Teresa Cox, offers a completely different perspective and offers additional breadth to the council. Representing District 6 (Irvington District), Teresa has an interesting resume that will expand council deliberations. As an African-American woman with impressive credentials including a degree in nuclear engineering and MBA in Business Administration, Teresa adds expertise and experience in national and global affairs, service on the Ohlone Community College Board of Trustees and extensive corporate management to the Fremont City Council.

Each member of a city council holds a critical position in the daily lives of their electorate. It is at the local level that the most numerous, visible and substantive changes can occur. Those serving as elected employees, do so for friends and neighbors. There is little opportunity to duck responsibility or hide behind a staff, instead spending their time attending “important” meetings while masking impotence with flowery oratory. Councilmembers are acutely aware that when confronted by contentious debates and decisions, there is nowhere to hide. They must make difficult choices and, along with their constituents, face the consequences. As difficult as this may be, there are civic-minded individuals motivated to serve in this role. It is a wonder that they persevere and their efforts should be applauded. In order to achieve the best outcome, it serves a city well to elect a diverse council with a variety of perspectives. This will augment the transformation that inarguably accompanies the passage of time.

Vinnie, thank you for your time and efforts. Welcome to Teresa and all new and returning councilmembers throughout the greater Tri-City area!