Mike with his daughter ,
Nicole , son , Sean , and
wife , Kim and their two
French bulldogs , Coco
and Max .
Photo by Tina Case
Erin O ’ Brien said she is “ a big fan ” of Wasserman . As CEO of Community Solutions , a Morgan Hill-based human services agency , O ’ Brien has served alongside Wasserman as co-chair of South County : United for Health , a federally-funded project aimed at improving community health and wellness . O ’ Brien described Wasserman as “ an effective problem-solver ” who seems to be “ omni-present ” in South County .
This included a recent visit by Wasserman to the Morgan Hill Library where he read a book to preschoolers during their story time activity . Librarian Tamara Palmer said he also led the children through an exercise to help them understand how reading allows people to travel anywhere through the power of imagination .
“ The kids were enthusiastically engaged and had lots of thoughts to share with him ,” said Palmer .
Encouraging business development and entrepreneurship is also important to the county . Over the past several years , Wasserman said the County has hosted Economic Summits , with positive results .
“ When the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Silicon Valley approached us for help to expand its operations , I made
a motion to fund it on the condition that it be involved with and in the South County . Mayor Tate got behind it and a Small Business Development Center was launched .”
Mastering the Work-Life Balance
How does Supervisor Wasserman maintain a worklife balance ? Without missing a beat , he said : “ I love working , and I enjoy doing what I ’ m doing . At the same time , if there ’ s a special function like Taste of Morgan Hill , Kim goes with me and we call it a date night .”
“ We love our home and community and are fortunate that we get to see our kids regularly . Sean is now a financial analyst in San Francisco . We try to get in an occasional round of golf . It gives us time to unwind and talk . Nicole is a cosmetologist . In fact , she cuts Kim ’ s hair and mine , too . I go in the early morning , before the salon opens , and it ’ s a great time to catch up on what ’ s going on in her life .”
Wasserman ’ s office is filled with sports memorabilia including the bat Ted Williams used in his last game and a painting autographed by the U . S . ice hockey team after winning the 1980 Olympics . He loves it all , but more like a coach would than a collector . Displayed here in his office at County headquarters , these items represent something bigger .
“ It ’ s all about focusing on the tough challenges , and encouraging talented people to tackle those challenges effectively , together .”
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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