Who Can Possibly Replace Hal Brown as Our Supervisor?

Upon , the local press rightly focused on the amazing legacy Supervisor Hal Brown will leave as he heads into what is hoped to be a long-lasting and healthy retirement. Hal, as he’s known to everyone, has been a perfect fit for this eclectic district, which combines the ultra-green/”hippie-ish” Fairfax, the sleepy and somewhat more “yuppie” communities of San Anselmo and Larkspur, and the wealthier and more conservative communities of Ross, Sleepy Hollow, and Kentfield.

Hal maintained his popularity over the decades by being very responsive to his constituents. If there was a local need, whether it be for school crossing guards, or for a new billboard for a ballfield, or for support for a vitally important election measure, or for assistance with a library or downtown renovation, Hal was always there as a very receptive audience willing to go to battle to raise or direct funds for the local community.

Hal also built his popularity within his diverse district by his unique brand of economic conservatism mixed with social liberalism. Hal had a well-deserved reputation with being tight-fisted with public funds, a stance that resonated with his constituents, while always remaining a rock solid Democrat.

Hal also exhibited an understated form of leadership. He is not self-aggrandizing, and he was the rare politician who did not demand or expect fealty from those he served. You’d often find Hal sitting at his dining room table in sweats, with files strewn about, offering his guests a glass of white wine as he worked to build consensus and collaboration on matters of importance to his district. Hal built consensus with humor, intelligence, and a vast knowledge of the local and county political machinery. An endorsement from Hal Brown was the most prized by wannabe local politicians, and an invitation to a private gathering of politicos at his house to discuss policy matters was always a big honor.

I will also always remember how he stuck to his guns when being challenged by political opponents over a mini-skirmish involving the narrow victory over the flood fee. In the decades ahead, after our , we will have Hal’s courage in waging and winning the ensuing legal battle to thank.

Now it’s in the lap of Hal’s cousin, the governor, to decide who will replace Hal as our supervisor. Several local politicians have thrown their hat in the ring, hoping they can convince our independent-minded governor they should replace Hal. However, in evaluating what made Hal Brown effective as our supervisor—his dedication to constituent services, his economic conservatism combined with social liberalism, his understated, non-ego-driven style of leadership—I think there is only one clear choice: Katie Rice, a long-time community leader and Hal’s aide for the past decade. 

Why Katie? There is no one who knows this district better than Katie, having worked alongside Hal for the past decade, and from her prior experience growing up in the area and being deeply involved in our local community. Katie knows where all the bodies are buried both within our district and at the county. She also has a well-deserved reputation for being fair, collaborative, and even-keeled. If Katie has an ego, she’s kept it well-concealed and she has a proven ability to work with political leaders of all stripes throughout the district. As far as I can tell she has no designs on higher political office, and does not see an appointment to supervisor as some sort of stepping stone to the state Assembly, Senate, or other position. Instead, she is interested in being supervisor to work for the residents of this district.

Katie was also deeply involved in Hal’s effort to bring flood control to the Ross Valley, which will likely be THE political issue in the district over the coming decade, and we need her continued leadership in this area.

While most of the names mentioned as possible replacements for Hal would be able public servants, I think there is one candidate who stands head and shoulders above the rest—Katie Rice. Let’s hope the governor listens to his cousin's recommendation.