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Thank You Hayward!

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I love my job representing Hayward on the City Council. I love being a part of a great team that is delivering results for our community.

In my 8 years on Council, we have lowered crime, added new businesses, lowered unemployment and raised average wages. We have built a new downtown library, new parks, new neighborhoods and new commercial centers. We have reduced graffiti, reduced litter, reduced illegal dumping, reduced blight and added lots of new public art. We have won dozens of awards for our environmental policies and been named one of the world's 42 greenest cities.

Throughout those 8 years, I have juggled 2 full time jobs and two young children. It has been a challenge, but well worth it. Unfortunately, it got a lot harder 2 summers ago when my other employer moved from Hayward to the peninsula and greatly increased my commute.

So it is with some sadness that I announced on Tuesday that I plan to retire from Council at the end of my current term. I will not be running for re-election this November. I do not come to this decision lightly. So while I am disappointed that in 10 months I will be stepping down from the Council, I do so with confidence that it is the right decision for me and my family.

Serving our community has been the honor of my lifetime. And I thank you all for being a part of our shared successes. I will remain involved in our community and look forward to continuing to work with all of you.

Sincerely,
Al Mendall
Hayward City Council Member