Damon Connolly, Supervisor
Marin County
October 19, 2020
What motivated you to enter public service?
My passion from age 12 was to become a lawyer. I’ve always enjoyed making the case and saw law as a path to make a difference. It was a natural fit to become interested in public service. I joined the California Attorney General’s Office early in my career. My work included serving on the AG’s Energy Task Force to get relief for our state from the energy crisis of 2000-01. I had the pleasure of serving on our local school board when my daughters were young and then as a City Councilmember, opening my eyes to the satisfaction of local service.
What are you currently reading?
Current book: The Soul of America, by Jon Meacham. Favorite book: A Rage for Justice, by John Jacobs
What’s the most interesting or fulfilling part of your job?
I love people and the ability to solve problems. I enjoy meeting new people and developing relationships. We are lucky to have incredibly smart and engaged residents in Marin County. Marin is home to many people who are leading in their field around the Bay Area, the state, the nation and the world. I enjoy connecting them to Marin government and tapping into them for great ideas.
Working on hyper local issues like easements and stop signs, all the way to world-wide issues like sea level rise and climate change are all important to my constituents and fulfilling.
Is your glass half-full, or half-empty?
I am a glass half-full person, which is why I’m keeping a positive attitude about how we will be able to emerge from the challenges we are facing stronger and even better than before.
Do you have any words of advice for someone interested in becoming a Supervisor?
My advice is to engage in Public Service now. Understand the process, and the staff who make government work. Get to know the community. I can’t underestimate the value of knocking on doors.
It is also my privilege to host interns and job shadows. I enjoy sharing the job with others, from young people exploring the possibilities or seeking school credit, to adults who are thinking about running. Each year we have an intern from the Marin School of Environmental Leadership, who have bright, inquisitive young minds and I enjoy showing them how the Board of Supervisors functions and what effective advocacy looks like.
I encourage people to talk to those currently holding the office if you are interested. Public Service is rewarding and fulfilling, and service as a Supervisor is a great honor.