for the County
By Robin Shepherd
Wasserman grew up in the Bay Area, and attended the University of Southern California. It was there that he met his future wife, Kim, who was also a Psychology major. In 1980 they graduated together, got married two days later, and returned to Northern California to begin their married life.
Not long after college, Wasserman went to work with his father, who owned data processing, commercial property management and tax preparation service businesses. During that time, he became a certified financial planner and a registered tax preparer while his wife became a real estate broker and also worked in the family’ s businesses.
In the 1990s, Wasserman also owned a retail sports memorabilia business, operating it on a not-for-profit basis and donating proceeds to organizations providing services to children. While his son Sean and daughter Nicole were in elementary and middle school, he carved out time to serve as a volunteer coach for local youth sports teams.
“ Coaching made me realize how much I enjoy helping people to identify opportunities, grow in their skills, and meet their goals,” said Wasserman.
Building Strong Community
While a member of the Los Gatos Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, Wasserman was inspired to take his public service to the next level. In 2002 he won a seat on the Los Gatos City Council, where his eight years of service included two terms as Mayor. During that time he created Community Unity, a grass-roots effort that rallied local educators, law enforcement, government officials, business leaders and community members to embrace community values and collaborative partnerships.
Wasserman was elected to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors in 2010. The county spans 1300 square miles and serves close to 2 million people in 24 service areas. Once in office, Wasserman earned a reputation for doing things“ at tennis shoe speed” and being as comfortable reviewing financial spreadsheets as he is collaborating with large committees of diverse stakeholders. As District 1 Supervisor, he keeps a close eye on the South County.
“ Everyone has been welcoming, including leaders in government, business, education and the non-profit sector,” said Wasserman.“ The level of energy and volunteerism there are awesome. Leadership Morgan Hill and Leadership Gilroy have been connecting people with community arts, youth development, senior services and other programs in a way that inspires them to get involved. And businesses like Mama Mia’ s and Book Smart are wonderful community partners.”
“ I’ ve enjoyed attending Celebrate Morgan Hill, the Cops & Robbers Ball, Taste of Morgan Hill, the 4th of July parade, and I look forward to this year’ s Mushroom Mardi Gras,” said Wasserman.
Collaborating for Positive Change
Under Wasserman’ s leadership, the County worked with the Cities of Morgan Hill and Gilroy to provide approval and funding for way-finding signage that will direct visitors to what has been named the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail. The move will bring visibility to local wineries as the South County promotes itself as a destination for Bay Area, regional and out-of-state visitors.
Wasserman is passionate about working with South County leaders to bring about positive change.
“ When Santa Clara County qualified for a half-million dollar grant to tackle County public health and safety issues, the cities of Morgan Hill and Gilroy applied together for a community transformation grant. Mayors Tate and Gage, Chief Swing and Chief Turner from the Police Departments, school principals, faith leaders, and non-profits all came to the table to work together. Now we have a program in place to improve park safety, we have a youth task force including reformed gang members to work on gang and bullying issues, and we are tackling obesity and substance abuse issues.”
According to Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate,“ Mike Wasserman is doing a marvelous job representing the South County on the County Board of Supervisors. He spends time in Morgan Hill and has grown fond of our fair city and become close to our residents. He is very accessible and works hard to make sure our needs at the county level are met.”
Mayor Tate describes Wasserman as“ gregarious and engaging” and enjoys having him join in periodically for Coffee with the Mayor sessions with local residents.
Along with his new role as President of the Board of Supervisors, Wasserman is also Chair of the Public Safety and Justice Committee, Vice-Chair of the Housing, Land Use, Environment and Transportation Committee, Co-Chair of Destination: Home, and he serves on 20 other committees. Currently he’ s working with Police Chief Swing and others to create a South County Family Justice Center.
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