Morgan Hill Today 2014 03 Spring | Page 15

for the County

By Robin Shepherd

Wasserman grew up in the Bay Area , and attended the University of Southern California . It was there that he met his future wife , Kim , who was also a Psychology major . In 1980 they graduated together , got married two days later , and returned to Northern California to begin their married life .

Not long after college , Wasserman went to work with his father , who owned data processing , commercial property management and tax preparation service businesses . During that time , he became a certified financial planner and a registered tax preparer while his wife became a real estate broker and also worked in the family ’ s businesses .
In the 1990s , Wasserman also owned a retail sports memorabilia business , operating it on a not-for-profit basis and donating proceeds to organizations providing services to children . While his son Sean and daughter Nicole were in elementary and middle school , he carved out time to serve as a volunteer coach for local youth sports teams .
“ Coaching made me realize how much I enjoy helping people to identify opportunities , grow in their skills , and meet their goals ,” said Wasserman .
Building Strong Community
While a member of the Los Gatos Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs , Wasserman was inspired to take his public service to the next level . In 2002 he won a seat on the Los Gatos City Council , where his eight years of service included two terms as Mayor . During that time he created Community Unity , a grass-roots effort that rallied local educators , law enforcement , government officials , business leaders and community members to embrace community values and collaborative partnerships .
Wasserman was elected to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors in 2010 . The county spans 1300 square miles and serves close to 2 million people in 24 service areas . Once in office , Wasserman earned a reputation for doing things “ at tennis shoe speed ” and being as comfortable reviewing financial spreadsheets as he is collaborating with large committees of diverse stakeholders . As District 1 Supervisor , he keeps a close eye on the South County .
“ Everyone has been welcoming , including leaders in government , business , education and the non-profit sector ,” said Wasserman . “ The level of energy and volunteerism there are awesome . Leadership Morgan Hill and Leadership Gilroy have been connecting people with community arts , youth development , senior services and other programs in a way that inspires them to get involved . And businesses like Mama Mia ’ s and Book Smart are wonderful community partners .”
“ I ’ ve enjoyed attending Celebrate Morgan Hill , the Cops & Robbers Ball , Taste of Morgan Hill , the 4th of July parade , and I look forward to this year ’ s Mushroom Mardi Gras ,” said Wasserman .
Collaborating for Positive Change
Under Wasserman ’ s leadership , the County worked with the Cities of Morgan Hill and Gilroy to provide approval and funding for way-finding signage that will direct visitors to what has been named the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail . The move will bring visibility to local wineries as the South County promotes itself as a destination for Bay Area , regional and out-of-state visitors .
Wasserman is passionate about working with South County leaders to bring about positive change .
“ When Santa Clara County qualified for a half-million dollar grant to tackle County public health and safety issues , the cities of Morgan Hill and Gilroy applied together for a community transformation grant . Mayors Tate and Gage , Chief Swing and Chief Turner from the Police Departments , school principals , faith leaders , and non-profits all came to the table to work together . Now we have a program in place to improve park safety , we have a youth task force including reformed gang members to work on gang and bullying issues , and we are tackling obesity and substance abuse issues .”
According to Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate , “ Mike Wasserman is doing a marvelous job representing the South County on the County Board of Supervisors . He spends time in Morgan Hill and has grown fond of our fair city and become close to our residents . He is very accessible and works hard to make sure our needs at the county level are met . ”
Mayor Tate describes Wasserman as “ gregarious and engaging ” and enjoys having him join in periodically for Coffee with the Mayor sessions with local residents .
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 , Co-Chair of Destination : Home , and he serves on 20 other committees . Currently he ’ s working with Police Chief Swing and others to create a South County Family Justice Center .
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