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Grace Schmidt, 68, has worked as staff for many years for public officials, including as field representative in the 10th Congressional District and for supervisors in Marin and Santa Clara counties.

"I have a knowledge of government," she said. "My career has been working in government."

Schmidt, a fifth-generation Californian who grew up in El Cerrito, has lived in Alamo with her husband Smitty for 23 years except for a three-year sojourn in Europe. In her retirement, she became active in Alamo, through joining the Alamo Improvement Association three years ago and the Alamo Community Foundation. After studying the issues and writing about them for Alamo Today and writing press releases and Web site information for ACF, she feels ready to work on the new Town Council.

Schmidt wants Alamo to incorporate so its residents can make their own decisions. "Alamo needs a seat at the table of jurisdictional bodies," she said, "and I know a lot about it." She believes in doing outreach and getting everybody to the table. "I like to hear different opinions."

She is optimistic about Alamo's financial situation, noting that it would benefit from increased property taxes as homes are sold to new owners. Of the last 50 homes sold in Alamo, she said, 34 increased in valuation by half a million dollars. "I believe there are enough resources," she said.

More about the candidate
BA in biological science, UC Berkeley; master's in community organization and social planning, UC Berkeley; staff to local and national public officials; board member, AIA; writer and researcher, AIA monthly page in Alamo Today and for Alamo Community Foundation; member AIM Election Committee; researched and got word out on county's proposed "Ultimate Configuration" for the Stone Valley Road/Danville Boulevard intersection.

Web site: graceforalamo.org

— Dolores Fox Ciardelli and Geoff Gillette

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