Robert Ross Named Mayor of San Mateo

Councilmember Robert Ross has been named the new mayor of San Mateo, one of a number of governmental shifts coming to the city in 2014.

At the San Mateo City Council meeting on Dec. 2, Ross was selected as mayor and Councilmember Maureen Freschet was selected as deputy mayor.

In addition, Joe Goethals joined the City Council following his election in November, and David Lim and Robert Ross began their second terms on the Council along with continuing Councilmember Jack Matthews.

The city bid farewell to Brandt Grotte, who served on the City Council for eight years following prior service on the Planning Commission.

The Dec. 2 ceremonial meeting provided an opportunity for Councilmembers to reflect upon the past year, share their future goals, and speak to the accomplishments they are most proud of.

Grotte was recognized by his fellow Councilmembers, County Board of Supervisors; Carole Groom, representatives from the offices of California State Senators; Jerry Hill and Leland Yee, as well as California Assembly Member Kevin Mullin, and received a Congressional Record from Congress Woman Jackie Speier. 

Councilmember Jack Matthews, who worked with Grotte on the Planning Commission as well as citizen advisory committees, recalled many of Grotte’s achievements, specifically those that will become his legacy to San Mateo.

These accomplishments include taking on FEMA, which resulted in providing flood protection for over 8,000 properties in the Shoreview and North Shoreview  neighborhoods.

Grotte also served as the lead Councilmember on all issues related to high-speed rail, and initiated the City’s efforts in developing an Environmental Sustainability Plan. 

Outgoing Mayor Lim spoke to his experience as mayor this past year recognizing and thanking his family for their patience and inspiration as well as past Councils and City leaders for establishing strong fiscal policies that guided the City through the economic recession.

Incoming Councilmember Goethals spoke to San Mateo’s bright present and future and shared a great sense of duty and optimism as he reflected upon the words of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. 

Additional changes include the retirement of City Manager Susan Loftus in November and the appointment of Interim City Manager Larry Patterson.