Supervisor Uilkema Announces Her Retirement
The long-time elected official says she will retire when her current term ends as Contra Costa County supervisor
Bay City News Service
After two decades of public service in Contra Costa County, Supervisor Gayle Uilkema announced Tuesday that she plans to retire at the end of her term in January 2013.
The supervisor, who also served for 19 years as a Lafayette City Council member with four terms as mayor, said she simply felt it was time to leave office.
"I've been very privileged to have public support for over 30 years, and I'm grateful to the public for their faith in me," Uilkema said, stressing she plans to provide the same level of representation for constituents during her last 14 months in office.
"I felt that it was important to let people know so that we can have a spirited election," she added.
Over the next year, the supervisor said she plans to focus on pet public safety projects including a mobile identification system that will allow police to identify suspects in the field and an enhanced inter-agency communication system for local police and fire departments.
Uilkema has represented the Lamorinda area for most of her supervisoral career. In political redistricting this fall, parts of Walnut Creek and the San Ramon Valley were added to her district.
J.D. O'Connor
6:52 am on Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Ron -
Your comment exceeded the bounds of political commentary and was deleted. It sounded as if you had a position, however, so I would encourage you to restate it with some consideration of the words you use to do so.
Editor
bryan
10:15 am on Wednesday, November 16, 2011
I thought she *was* retired.
David Smith
3:29 pm on Friday, November 18, 2011
Me too! Haven't seen or heard from her in years. Guess she's been representing the other parts of her district. Glad to know we'll be getting new representation.
Mark Roberts
8:35 am on Thursday, November 17, 2011
I had the pleasure and privilege of working for Gayle as her Lamorinda community liaison several years ago. I can tell you that she kept a schedule that would have challenged many people half her age. She was one of the best informed people I have ever known and made sure her staff appreciated the value of learning all they could about the communities she represented and sharing that info with her. Sure, she was politically savvy but more important she genuinely cared about the people she served. For me, working for Gayle was a terrific learning experience about Lamorinda communities, the workings of the county and local legislative and political processes. I'm grateful for the opportunity and wish Gayle all the best as she completes her term on the Board of Supervisors and then looks for new ways to serve others.
Mike Metcalf
2:15 pm on Thursday, November 17, 2011
Well said, Mark. Can vouch that Gayle is one of a kind. A devoted public servant who has always kept a good and balanced perspective. An inspiring lady..