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Name: Alayna Van Dervort Wagner
Age: 48
Occupation: Climate tech solutions consultant
Years residing in the district or city: Seven years
Key endorsements: Tom Mattusch, San Mateo County Harbor District Commissioner; Elizabeth Kerr, President of Woodside PTA; Steve Lubin, Former ASRB & Planning Committee Member, Don Pugh, Trails Committee; Donna Howe, Environmental and Open Space Committee; Moira Zbella, Sustainability Manager, Stanford University & Climate and Sustainability Committee; Thalia Lubin, History Committee and Volunteer Committee
Campaign website: wagner4woodside.com
Questions:
1.What makes you the best candidate and what relevant experience do you bring?
We deserve a council member with proven dedication, experience, and leadership. I am the clear choice for District 5 because of my tenure serving as chair of the Environment and Open Space Committee and vice chair of the Climate and Sustainability Committee. With a degree in Natural Resource Management from Harvard and a career focused on climate technology, I bring a depth of knowledge uniquely suited to address District 5’s key issues, including road safety, fire preparedness, and flood water mitigation. My experience leading complex initiatives equips me to deliver real solutions, ensuring our community is represented by someone who listens, understands its needs and can drive meaningful progress.
2. What would be your top three priorities as a council member?
- Advocating for housing that balance growth & good governance while maintaining our town’s unique character, and ensuring that developments align with the needs & voice of our community.
- Championing the Town Center plan to create a vibrant, community-focused space that brings people together and reflects our shared values.
- Strengthening community safety and resilience by prioritizing strategic policies for fire prevention, flood mitigation, and disaster preparedness. From years of working with CalTrans on measures to protect our roads and reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, I know that effective safety strategies require foresight, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. My focus will always be on creating a safer, more resilient Woodside for all.
3. Where do you stand on the divided views of keeping Woodside rural versus adapting to change?
I believe Woodside can achieve the right balance between preserving its rural character and responsibly adapting to necessary changes. Our town’s uniqueness lies in its ability to embrace both tradition and progress. As a council member, I would work to ensure that any change is thoughtfully managed, keeping the community’s values and rural charm intact while meeting the evolving needs of our residents.
4. The housing element has been a point of contention among those in town. Do you believe the proposed housing element projects are the best options?
I applaud the Town Council for dedicating countless hours to addressing the complex housing element. While it’s important to respect the decisions that have been made, I believe there is always room for continued dialogue and refinement to ensure the best possible outcome for all Woodside residents. My focus would be on maintaining transparency and community involvement as these projects move forward.
5. How will you ensure that the town is prepared for wildfires, landslides and other natural disasters?
Ensuring the safety of our community is my top priority. I will advocate for the continued adoption of innovative technologies and methodologies, like the 50 new AI-powered wildfire detection monitors recently implemented in San Mateo County. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, enhancing emergency preparedness plans, and collaborating with regional agencies, we can proactively address the risks of wildfires, and other natural disasters. Protecting Woodside’s future means creating a resilient community that remains prepared and protected. As your representative, I will ensure Woodside’s future is protected with smart strategies and strong leadership.
6. In May, the town considered paying council members. Do you think paying council members will increase accountability and responsibility?
I have immense respect for our Town Council’s long-standing tradition of volunteer service. This unique model demonstrates the commitment and dedication of our members to the well-being of Woodside, without the need for financial compensation. I believe this voluntary structure fosters a strong sense of community and shared responsibility, and I support maintaining this exceptional tradition that encourages individuals to serve out of genuine passion for our town.
7. What are the biggest challenges the town is facing that you’d like to address?
One of the biggest challenges our town is facing is maintaining our infrastructure to keep up with the evolving needs of the community. Ensuring our roads, drainage systems, and emergency preparedness plans are well-maintained and efficient is critical. Additionally, I would like to focus on fostering greater communication between the Town Council and residents, ensuring that all voices are heard and concerns are addressed in a timely manner. By strengthening our town’s infrastructure and community engagement, we can create a more cohesive and resilient Woodside.
8. How will you make sure that the thoughts and concerns of town residents are heard and considered?
I am committed to maintaining open lines of communication by actively participating in public meetings, listening to residents’ concerns, and responding promptly to emails and inquiries. In addition to traditional methods, I will explore new ways to connect with our community, such as virtual town halls, neighborhood listening sessions, and online feedback platforms. I want to ensure that every resident has multiple avenues to share their thoughts, making it easier for everyone to engage and be part of the decision-making process.
9. What actions can the town take to control speeding on windy roads? This is a serious safety issue and the council needs to consider viable actions.
Speeding on our town’s narrow, winding roads is a serious safety concern for residents, cyclists, and a leading cause of wildlife-vehicle collisions. As a council member, I will work to allocate dedicated time towards conducting comprehensive road safety studies to identify high-risk areas and consider implementing necessary safety measures, such as strategically placed speed bumps, to improve safety and protect our community.
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