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From: Bob and Linda Li <br />To: GRP -City Council <br />Subject: Public Comment for 7A of the meeting tonight on Sept 21 <br />Date: Monday, September 21, 2020 4:47:22 PM <br />Dear Council Members, <br />I am writing with regards to item 7A of the meeting tonight, specifically with the appointment <br />of 2 new planning commission members. After listening to the virtual interviews, I was <br />thrilled with all the residents and neighbors stepping up to be civically engaged in Redwood <br />City. <br />I am particularly enthused by the candidates who spoke about issues around affordable <br />housing, with an understanding of what it means to be a renter in Redwood City today's <br />climate. This diverse perspective is very important as they can help our planning commission <br />reshape and become stronger in proposing equitable solutions for the future. <br />I do not have ties to any candidates interviewing for the two planning commission roles, and I <br />strongly urge council members to appoint a candidate that will add a new perspective to the <br />commission. <br />I wanted to extend my support for the following candidates: <br />Jeremy Smith, who has a unique experience in civil engineering and urban planning with <br />considerations for our environment. We cannot deny that climate change is affecting us, and I <br />would appreciate his background knowledge. His eagerness and interest in development plans <br />is evident and shows that he will in the work needed for this role. <br />Jessica Meunier is another candidate that I support because she emphasized the need to <br />support families in multi -generational households. Her experience as a recent renter and <br />homeowner in Redwood City is important, as she would understand the urgent need to create <br />an affordable housing solution for this city's residents. Additionally, her enthusiasm for the <br />technical requirements of this position is important as she can become more informed about <br />issues before proposing it to the city. <br />Finally, Jen Shen interviewed as a strong candidate who cares to dig into research and public <br />policy. I greatly appreciate her statement of first analyzing all the information before bringing <br />an unbiased proposal to the council. Also, as a new homeowner, who has previously rented <br />and lived in many differing cities all over the country and world, I think she would bring a <br />fresh new perspective to the council as well. <br />Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing the outcome at the City Council <br />meeting tonight. <br />Best, <br />Bob and Linda Li <br />