Gilroy Today 2014 03 Spring | Page 42

Mike with his daughter ,
Nicole , son , Sean , and
wife , Kim and their two
French bulldogs , Max
and Cocoa .
Photo by Tina Case
county public health issues , the cities of Morgan Hill and Gilroy applied together for a community transformation grant .
“ Mayors Tate and Gage , Chiefs Swing and Turner from the Police Departments , school principals , faith leaders , and non-profits all came to the table to collaborate ,” said Wasserman . “ Now , we have a program in place to tackle health , obesity , and substance abuse issues and improve park safety . We also have a youth task force , including reformed gang members , working together to address gang and bullying issues . These are talented , dedicated people achieving great things .”
Along with his new role as President of the Board of Supervisors , Wasserman is also Chair of the Public Safety and Justice Committee ; Vice-Chair of the Housing , Land Use , Environment and Transportation Committee ; and he serves on 20 other boards and committees .
How does Supervisor Wasserman maintain a work-life balance ? Without missing a beat , he said : “ I love working , and I enjoy doing what I ’ m doing . But if there ’ s a function like Taste of Morgan Hill , or Spice of Life Awards Dinner in Gilroy , Kim goes with me and we make it a date night . I have a wonderful wife . We love our home and community and are fortunate that we get to see our kids regularly .”
Wasserman tries to get in a round of golf now and then with his son Sean , who is building his career in a fast-paced , competitive field as a financial analyst in San Francisco .
According to Sean , “ Dad used to say , ‘ listen to people who have been there before you and heed their advice .’ This has helped guide me in the right direction in making decisions that have affected my life in the best of ways .”
Daughter Nicole is a hair stylist . In fact , she cuts Kim ’ s hair and Mike ’ s too . He goes in the early morning , before the salon opens , which is a great time to catch up on what ’ s going on in his daughter ’ s life .
As Nicole remembers it , “ Dad always used to say that actions speak louder than words . Funny , it used to annoy me , but now I catch myself saying it all the time .”
Wasserman ’ s office is filled with sports memorabilia including a painting autographed by ice hockey ’ s U . S . dream team , who were victorious at the 1980 Olympics . He loves it all , but more like a coach would than a collector . It ’ s what the items represent to him — the rewards that come with a good strategy , the teamwork of great players , and a lofty goal achieved .
Robin Shepherd is a journalist and marketing executive . She also advocates for non-profits dedicated to social justice and environmental conservation . She is a resident of Morgan Hill and mother of two children .
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