Candidate Forum: State Assembly, 21st District

Wednesday, May 4, 2:00 - 3:30 pm

Thrive, in partnership with other nonprofits, is hosting a series of candidate forums to elevate the most pressing issues of nonprofits and their communities in San Mateo County.

California State Assembly passes bills on public policy matters, sets levels for state spending, raises and lowers taxes, and votes to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes. Along with the State Senate, it is the legislative branch of the California State Government.

Featuring: James Coleman, Mark Gilham, Maurice Goodman, Giselle Hale, Alison Madden , Diane Papan, and Tania Solé.

Co-hosts: San Francisco People Power, Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities, Belle Haven Action, Peninsula Family Service, Youth Leadership Institute, and RISE South City.

All districts have changed since the 2020 census report and the redistricting process that followed. State Assembly District 21 includes South San Francisco, San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Baywood Park Highlands, Belmont, San Carlos, Foster City, Redwood City, Emerald Lake Hills, and North Fair Oaks, Menlo Park, and East Palo Alto.

*Zoom information will be sent to registered attendees. A live transcript will also be made available during the event.

Register Here

PARTICIPANTS

James Coleman, James Coleman for State Assembly

James Coleman was born and raised in San Mateo County. Growing up working-class profoundly shaped his values. So, he is running to represent you in Sacramento because the government can’t just work for the wealthy and well connected, it has to work for everyone. That means a wealth tax on

billionaires and corporations, universal childcare and preschool, and reproductive freedom for all. He believes we need truly affordable housing, Medicare for All, and aggressive action to beat back climate change. Coleman is currently the only candidate in the race who was raised working-class and is LGBTQ+.

Mark Gilham, Mark Gilham for State Assembly

Mark Gilman was born in San Francisco and moved to Redwood City when he was eight. After high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he learned how the real world works, politics, and the geo-political policies of other nations. He graduated from San Jose State University with a

degree in International Business and traveled the world to learn and see more about other cultures and people. Over the years, he has come to understand what a role as a State Assembly means and how it works. As part of the State Assembly, he will protect the freedoms and liberties of all the people within the district.

Maurice Goodman, Maurice Goodman for State Assembly

Maurice Goodman serves as the Executive Director of a San Francisco based nonprofit start-up that provides educational, career, and life coaching support to criminal justice-involved and at-risk youth. As a member of the Board of Trustees for the San Mateo County Community College District, Maurice served as president in 2019 and

introduced a voting equity policy, championed food insecurity solutions within our community, and secured funds for free Community College for all. His legacy in San Mateo County will be his approach to addressing progressive policies and the many challenges our communities face but more importantly those that affect people of color, LGBTQ, the disabled, and those from low social-economic backgrounds with a nuanced approach that builds consensus and community.

Giselle Hale, Giselle Hale for State Assembly

Giselle Hale is a mom, advocate, business professional, and technology leader, who is currently the Mayor of Redwood City. She is running for Assembly because we face big challenges, and we need results-oriented, forward-looking leaders to solve them. She is not afraid to roll up her sleeves to find

common-sense solutions that ensure California is a place everyone can succeed. Before being elected to City Council, Giselle served on the Redwood City Planning Commission and on the Board of the Redwood City Education Foundation. She was also a leader with a national organization, helping secure sick days and parental leave for workers across the country.

Alison M. Madden, Alison M. Madden for State Assembly

Alison M. Madden is a single mom working full-time for over two decades. She is postured to provide real solutions to work for single parents and families. Safe childcare, guaranteed health care, funding education for success, and reducing gun violence are essential for our children. She is a knowledgeable and persistent

advocate for those denied a voice at the policy level. This includes targeted justice reform, while ensuring public safety by moving toward restorative justice and sustainable alternatives to jail and prison for non-violent offenders, focusing on incarceration conditions, especially for women in San Mateo County.

Diane Papan, Diane Papan for State Assembly

Diane Papan offers the visionary, effective leadership we all rely on in extraordinarily challenging and dynamic times. A recognized regional leader, she advocates for regional disaster preparedness, traffic relief to maintain our clean air, and maintaining safe communities and neighborhoods for residents from all walks of

life. Diane Papan is running for Assembly as a leader who will invest in game-changing strategies to address climate change, neighborhood safety and wildfire prevention, accessible, quality healthcare services, affordable homeownership, and access to amazing public schools and college programs for every Californian.

Tania Solé, Tania Solé for State Assembly

Tania Solé is a 30-year district resident, who understands the issues directly impacting District 21 residents. She’s a passionate community leader, driven by both empathy and expertise to speak up and influence community decision-making for decades. Fast forward, she

worked with several environmental startups, became an industry representative to the Bureau of Automotive Repair, chaired a task force for Governor Schwarzenegger’s Conference on Entrepreneurship and was the industry delegate to the Western Regional White House Conference. Tania has championed district residents for decades. A true community leader, she hopes with your help to bring her global perspective and environmental experience to the State Assembly.

STAY IN TOUCH WITH THRIVE

Become a member and gain access to exclusive member benefits.