Arroyo Grande mayor will not seek reelection: ‘It’s been a blast’ | Opinion
I began my public life at age 37, when the husband of a friend asked me to be his Arroyo Grande planning commissioner.
My first response was, “What’s a Planning Commission?”
That turned into over two decades of service and the adventure of a lifetime. There is no way I can describe what a wonderful ride it’s been, even as I announce I am choosing not to run for reelection this fall.
There is no real “why.” We have the best city manager AG has ever had at the helm of a dedicated staff. We have an amazing Police Chief running the best PD anywhere. We’ve taken the Five Cities Fire Authority into its next chapter. The Sanitation District’s $30 million redundancy project is complete.
Three downtown bridges have been replaced. The General Plan is wrapping up. It’s just good timing for me to step back and enjoy the view.
Many have asked me how I can stand politics. The answers lie in all the great things I’ve been a part of. I’ve even been able to personally bring things to the community through my own efforts, like the 2020 graduation banners, the snow and tree lighting holiday tradition, the Rotary Lighted Tree in the village, and so many more. I recently drove around the city and noticed all the things I had a hand in bringing to you. It surprised me to see something on just about every block.
The most positive thing by far, without question, are the things you can’t see: the times when I help individual people with individual issues. That’s the very best part. I get to make people’s lives and experiences better. I’ve got a 3-inch binder full of printed emails and cards called “nice notes from nice people” that reminds me of all the little things I’ve done that matter so much to people.
My service has not been without negatives: exhausting elections, personal attacks, staff turnover, the death of a beloved police chief and the grand pooh-bah of them all: leading through COVID. If I wasn’t a natural blonde, I’d be entirely gray.
Yet the positives have far outweighed the negatives, by an order of magnitude! I’ve had more adventures and experiences than I could possibly tell you about. I’ve met countless amazing people who do such great work without fanfare: volunteers, business leaders, community leaders and elected officials. My life has been immeasurably enriched.
Here are some lessons learned:
I’ve learned that personal attacks only hurt if I let them. I’ve grown rhinoceros skin.
I’ve learned that raising a young family in the public eye makes parenting easier, not harder (and my now-adult sons have the best people skills around from all the events they got dragged to.)
I’ve learned that being a true leader comes through compromise, collaboration and kindness.
I’ve learned that public life is one of the highest blessings I can receive externally.
I’ve learned that Trader Joes is the best place to hear people’s real concerns.
I’ve learned that being authentically myself, with all my shortcomings, makes me a better leader and more accessible to others. (Brene Brown is 100% right.) Perfection is not a requirement.
Part of me never wants to stop serving. It’s been a blast. Maybe it’s your turn to step forward?
Take it from me, just a normal lady with a full-time job and a family: If I can do this, you can too.
It’s hard work, but nothing worthwhile isn’t, right? It takes a team to lead, and people of all personalities and points of view are needed. Volunteer for a committee. Run for office. I promise you won’t regret it.
It’s all been a privilege, and being your mayor has been the highest honor of my life. Thank you.
Caren Ray Russom has served on the Arroyo Grande Planning Commission, the county Board of Supervisors and the Arroyo Grande City Council, first as a council member and later as mayor.