To read full letters, go to the Marin IJ and search Brian Colbert.
Sept. 28, 2024: Lisa Hillstrom, Fairfax
“As a longtime resident of Fairfax and a Parks and Recreation commissioner, I’ve watched San Anselmo Councilmember Brian Colbert bring a strong sense of community, vitality and practical solutions to his town.
His dedication to addressing the core issues that matter most — whether it’s housing, safety or public parks and spaces — has had a powerful impact. I know Colbert will bring that same thoughtful, results-oriented leadership to the Marin County Board of Supervisors District 2 seat.”
Sept. 27, 2024: Ranjiv Khush, San Anselmo
“As a San Anselmo resident who has directly benefited from Colbert’s leadership and dedication, I have witnessed his profound commitment to our community. His tenure as our mayor and his service as a two-term town council member resulted in significant contributions and steadfast dedication to the well-being of our community.
Colbert’s participation in multiple regional programs underscores his unique ability to bridge diverse communities, fostering an environment of cooperation and mutual respect. This skill is indispensable in today’s interconnected world, where the ability to collaborate across various sectors is crucial for effective governance.
Moreover, as one of the few Black politicians in our county, Colbert does not merely symbolize diversity in leadership; he actively inspires individuals from underrepresented communities to engage in public service. Personally, Colbert has been a source of inspiration for me. His example motivated me to run for and win a seat on the Marin Municipal Water District Board of Directors, where I now serve as president.
This experience has given me a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in managing and negotiating stakeholder interests, further elevating my appreciation for Colbert’s skills.”
Sept. 26, 2024: Eva Hellmold, Novato
“As a student at Marin Catholic High School, I have been inspired by Marin County Board of Supervisors District 2 candidate Brian Colbert to get involved in local politics and explore making a difference in our community.
Colbert represents everything a leader must be: deeply compassionate, incredibly dedicated and truly authentic. I have been blown away by his genuine care for our community here in Marin. Over the summer, I walked many miles with Colbert as we campaigned door-to-door. He isn’t just a politician, he is a member of the community, just like you.
His vision for Marin gives me hope for the future of our country. Being part of a local campaign has opened my eyes to the issues that we face. Colbert has always answered my countless questions and patiently proposed solutions and changes. He represents the best of us and he will continue to lead with integrity; inspiring students like me with his leadership, vision and dedication to public service.”
Sept. 14,. 2024: John Wright, Novato, Former Mayor and Councilmember San Anselmo
“I had the pleasure of working with Colbert for three years on the San Anselmo Town Council and, before that, on the town’s Economic Development Committee, which he chaired. While on the EDC and the Town Council, Colbert advocated for and led initiatives that helped San Anselmo’s downtown survive the pandemic and become the vibrant place that it is today — especially on summer weekend evenings.
Public safety remains one of the most critical challenges we face, especially as wildfires and other natural disasters threaten our communities. Having served on a neighborhood FireWise committee in San Anselmo, I know how essential it is to have leaders who prioritize emergency preparedness. Colbert has consistently proven himself as that leader.
As a member of Town Council and as mayor, Colbert built an impressive track record of collaboration and leadership. As chairman of the Transportation Authority of Marin and president of the Marin Transit Board of Directors, he’s been instrumental in the advancement of transportation solutions that improve public safety and access for Marin County residents. He also serves as a director for the Ross Valley Fire Department, underscoring his deep commitment to fire safety, a critical issue in the county.
With over 24 years of experience on public boards myself, I can confidently say that Colbert is one of the very best public representatives in Marin County that I have worked with. His dedication, vision and ability to get things done are exactly what is needed to ensure a safer, more resilient future for District 2.”
Aug. 30, 2024: Jennie Jackson, Fairfax
“After watching “hope making a comeback” at the Democratic National Convention earlier this month, I was inspired to publicly express my support for our DNC delegate, San Anselmo Councilmember Brian Colbert, for the Marin County Board of Supervisors District 2 seat. Even now, the excitement of that big week in Chicago continues to build momentum. It’s a reminder that every vote and every election (at every level) matters. […]
Colbert is the most qualified candidate for this position and possesses an incredible work ethic. His passion for bringing people together is inspiring, and he shares my deep-rooted values surrounding good stewardship of our beautiful land here in Marin County, access, sustainability and focus on the crucial issue of wildfire prevention.
Colbert’s impressive resume speaks for itself. He has a proven track record of accomplishment in the public and private spheres. He’s a strategic thinker and a collaborative problem-solver, demonstrated by his ability to build consensus and forge meaningful partnerships across diverse groups, which we need on the Marin Board of Supervisors.
Colbert’s existing relationships at the county level and in Sacramento are invaluable assets that will enable him to hit the ground running.
The DNC message, “everyone belongs,” still reverberates. It perfectly aligns with Colbert’s values and mission of fostering opportunity and access for everyone in Marin County. I urge my fellow residents to join me in joyfully supporting Brian Colbert. We can all do something to create a thriving community where everyone belongs and has the chance to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.”
March 1, 2024: Eli Hill, San Rafael City Councilmember
“In addition to serving the town of San Anselmo as a council member for several years, Colbert has also served the broader county of Marin on transportation and public safety issues and has worked to improve how cities and towns collaborate together and with the county. Above all, he has the head and heart needed to navigate the complex issues of our time.
Just as the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce recently endorsed him, alongside hundreds more individuals and organizations, I give my full support to Colbert.”
Feb. 25, 2024: Lisa Hillstrom, Fairfax
“Colbert is the most qualified candidate. He is the right person at the right time for this job. I admire his work ethic, vision and ability to process (and lead) on tough issues, especially those that involve more than one community or town. […]
Colbert has extensive experience working collaboratively at a regional level (serving as president of Marin County Council of Mayors and Councilmembers; chair of the Transportation Authority of Marin; and president of the Marin Transit Board of Directors, to name a few). He cares about the future of Marin, our parks and our kids.”
Feb. 24, 2024: Dan Dunnigan, San Anselmo
“As a longtime first responder for the San Francisco Fire Department and current inspector for the Marin County Fire Department, I can tell you from firsthand experience that Brian Colbert is the kind of leader we need to help us prevent and prepare for wildfires in our communities. […]
We’ll miss Colbert as a valuable member of the San Anselmo Town Council, but I believe he’s needed even more on the Marin County Board of Supervisors to help our broader Marin communities prepare for natural disasters like wildfires and to work effectively as one region on issues that affect all of us.”
Feb. 23, 2024: Tom McInerney, San Anselmo (Former Mayor and Councilmember)
“Colbert has been a leader on the issues we care about most. As a council member and mayor, he invested in our parks and helped revitalize downtown, which today is a magnet for young and “not so young” families. But the thing that has impressed me the most about Colbert is the thoughtful, pragmatic and creative leadership he exhibits on a range of issues, which has commanded him respect from leaders throughout Marin County.
[…] There is no one with a comparable track record in the race to succeed Katie Rice for District 2 supervisor.”
Feb. 21, 2024: Grace Hughes, Larkspur
“His past successes as mayor and City Council member for San Anselmo, as well as his multiple turns of service on regional boards and agencies, have given him the experience to both lead and participate in developing solutions to the myriad challenging issues facing Marin County now and into the future.”
Feb. 20, 2024: John Wright, Novato (Former San Anselmo Mayor and Councilmember)
“The single most pressing issue facing our communities is to ensure public safety in the event of wildfires and other natural disasters. As a former member of a neighborhood FireWise committee in San Anselmo, I believe that Colbert is the best candidate to help our communities prepare for emergencies. He has a proven record as a collaborator with other agencies to get things done. It’s no surprise that the Marin Professional Firefighters Association has endorsed Colbert for supervisor.
[..] With 24 years of experience on public boards, I believe Colbert is one of the very best public representatives we have in our county. He will do an outstanding job as supervisor.”
Feb . 17, 2024: Kerrie McHugh, San Anselmo (Past chair of the San Anselmo Arts Commission)
“I’ve worked closely with Colbert to promote a culture of arts in Ross Valley and to transform Creek Park, one of our major downtown public spaces, into a vibrant community space. Colbert assembled and led a broad cross-section of community members to deliberate on the best use of one of our most cherished community assets.
[…] He was able to move the project forward while ensuring that all voices were heard in the process.”
Feb. 13, 2024: Dr. Tracy Foose, San Anselmo
[…] “I’d seen a rising number of young people in my psychiatry practice develop psychotic symptoms in response to using cannabis, and the council was debating whether to permit several dispensaries to set up shop in town.
I attended a meeting to share that proximity to dispensaries had been linked with increase use of cannabis among youth, and had the potential to increase incidence of psychotic illness in our community.
Emotions were high in the meeting, including on the council, but Colbert was a calming voice of reason. He dedicated his full attention to community members who hoped dispensaries would energize the downtown core. He listened to parents and health care providers pushing against the permits.
Ultimately, with great thoughtfulness, Colbert conveyed his understanding of both views, his love for our community, and his optimism that we could revitalize our downtown without relying on the brick-and-mortar presence of the cannabis industry. He then went on to lead — as council member and, later, as our mayor — a robust business recovery in San Anselmo that held fast. It even accelerated during the subsequent years of the pandemic and beyond.”
Feb. 11, 2024: Richard Berkson, San Anselmo
“I have worked with Colbert on economic development issues for nearly 10 years. I am impressed with his leadership on the San Anselmo Town Council, his commitment to a thorough and honest understanding of local and regional concerns, his experience serving on a number of San Anselmo and Marin County boards and commissions, and his dedication to improving the San Anselmo and Marin community.
[…] Colbert does not hesitate to express his opinion, which is always well thought out and based on his knowledge, experience, input from experts and, most importantly, his constituents. He works hard in the best interest of the community and will make Marin County a better place for all residents.”