HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-15-2022_Open Session_Item 10_Nolen, LaShyra_RedactedFrom:Nolen, LaShyra
To:CityClerkDepartment
Cc:Council
Subject:Re: Support Staff for Mayor Tran
Date:Wednesday, February 15, 2023 3:57:08 PM
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Dear City Councilors of San Bernardino,
My name is LaShyra Nolen and I am a dual degree student at Harvard Medical School and
Harvard Kennedy School of Government. I am also a proud product of San Bernardino
County’s public schools. Last month I had the pleasure of meeting many of you as I supported
Mayor Tran's transition as part of the Taubman Center's for State and Local Government's "T-
Term" program.
During this time, I worked intimately with Mayor Tran with the support of Kenesha Boyd
and 2 of my fellow classmates. During this time, we saw the inner workings of the city's
government and developed a deep understanding of the infrastructure needed to help the city
of San Bernardino meet its fullest potential. For this to happen, I believe it is imperative that
the mayor has a strong team to help her achieve her goals.
During her transition I watched the mayor juggle various responsibilities without support staff
and the resulting challenges that emerged. At the time my classmates, Kenesha, and I made up
her entire staff, and we supported her in activities ranging from preparing speaking points to
organizing interviews for local commission boards. After the termination of our program on
the 18th, many of us were concerned for her ability to maintain these mayoral duties without
the support of a strong team because it is simply not feasible to do this work without support
personnel.
Therefore, I am writing to advocate for the implementation of a primary staff for the mayor
that would include support for executive assistance, policy advisement, constituent services,
event planning, and any other required duties while she is in office.
Mayor Tran is a phenomenal leader and it was an honor to learn from her. I think the best the
city can do now, is provide her with the greatest support network possible to make her first
days in office successful and to help San Bernardino become its very best.
Thank you so much for your consideration and if you would like to follow up with me, I can
be reached at
In community,
LaShyra Nolen
LaShyra “Lash” Nolen
Class President ‘23
MD/MPP Candidate
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Kennedy School of Government
Founding Executive Director
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