Too often today, people support a candidate simply because of the letter next to their name. Real conversations disappear. Policy discussions disappear. Character, qualifications, leadership, and integrity become secondary to party loyalty.
I have never believed that is the right way to choose leaders.
Long before running for public office, I spent years in the pharmaceutical reverse distribution industry managing complex operations where trust, accountability, and good judgment were absolutely critical. In that environment, one serious mistake could jeopardize DEA compliance, put hundreds of jobs at risk, and threaten the livelihoods of families who depended on the company’s success.
Because of that responsibility, I personally interviewed every employee who joined our operation. I learned quickly that resumes only tell part of the story. What mattered most was the person sitting in front of you — their integrity, their attitude, their ability to work with others, and whether they could be trusted as part of a team.
That experience shaped how I view leadership and public service today.
I believe communities are strongest when we stop viewing each other as political enemies and start focusing on shared goals. In education, especially, there are many stakeholders — students, parents, teachers, administrators, taxpayers, and community organizations. No one agrees on every issue, and that is okay. Progress comes from respectful dialogue, collaboration, and finding common ground where we can move forward together.
In the corporate world, constant division and infighting would destroy an organization. Success required teamwork, communication, and the ability to work through disagreements professionally in pursuit of the best outcome. I believe public service should operate the same way.
That is why I choose person over party.
I am not running to represent a political machine or ideological camp. I am running because I care about students, families, and the future of our community. I believe leadership starts with listening, treating people with respect, and making decisions based on what is best for children and families — not what is best for partisan politics.
When we focus on the things that unite us instead of the things that divide us, we become stronger as a community. We become neighbors again. We become partners in solving problems together.
That is the kind of leadership I hope to bring to Alameda County.
Mark Harvey
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