My Mom, Joan Hartmann

You should vote for my mom, Joan Hartmann, for 3rd District County Supervisor.

I could write at length about why she’s an extraordinary mother — the boundless love, support, and inspiration she’s provided me. But, of course, Joan’s not running to be your mom; she’s running to be your Supervisor.

She’ll be extraordinary at that, too.

I know because I spent the past several days on her campaign trail. Here’s what I learned.

My mom’s work ethic is astounding. Her days begin before seven o’clock and end after nine, and in between she leads meetings, speaks on panels, talks with residents, and more. Serving as supervisor won’t be her job; it will be her way of life.

The scope of her county knowledge — from I.V.’s animal shelters, to Guadalupe’s history, to the structure of local government — is striking. This makes sense, given the time she’s spent talking with county residents and her three years as planning commissioner.

Her leadership also blew me away. I heard her give impassioned speeches to large crowds that moved me to tears, and inspire smaller groups with her creative, yet pragmatic, solutions to their problems.

Finally, though this came as no surprise, I was impressed by my mom’s respect for others. Every student we met, my mom asked their major. Every dog we encountered, my mom gave a pet. Every volunteer, my mom knew, hugged, and thanked. In every context, Joan is compassionate and selfless.

That’s not politics. That’s just my mom, Joan.