Why Should You Vote to re-elect me?
Thank you for your support and confidence over the last four years. During this short time, H.A.R.D. has undergone a series of transformative changes. Despite the unprecedented challenges of a worldwide pandemic, H.A.R.D. emerged from the Covid pandemic busier and stronger than ever. We have expanded our programming while also offering more scholarships, free aquatics, and increased our community events as well. We have healthy reserves, and Moody’s rated H.A.R.D. as AAA rated because of our fiscal policies. Our award-winning, budget and new strategic plan tell the story of where we are and where we are going, but it is the relationships and the role we play in the community that sets H.A.R.D. apart.
The heart of what has enabled the transformation of H.A.R.D. is the support that the voters gave H.A.R.D. when they voted to pass $250 million dollar bond 8 years ago. Here is a link to our Capital Projects so that you can see the progress of the current and completed projects throughout the District. This money has allowed us to make many of the changes and investments that we have long wished for, and it has been leveraged and been amplified by partnering and collaborating with multiple organizations and supporters. So far, H.A.R.D. has been supported by more than $60 million in gifts and grants and I believe that this is a direct result of how effective the Board, the Staff, and our partners are all working together to deliver services to our District.
The team at H.A.R.D. has done an amazing job to create connections and collaborations between H.A.R.D. local agencies, and community groups. These partnerships between public and private agencies allow H.A.R.D. to deliver so many essential services to the diverse needs of our area. I want H.A.R.D. to be a success for the next 80 years, and I will work “hard” to keep this promise. Because of all of this and more reasons, I ask for your support in re-electing me, Peter Rosen, to the H.A.R.D. Board of Directors.
Leadership Experience
SOME of the recent leadership organizations and Committees that I have served on:
- H.A.R.D. Board President (Current 2024) – Presides over Board of Director and Committee Meetings. Represents H.A.R.D. at functions and agency meetings. Serves on all of the standing committees as well as several ad hoc committees. Input on agenda setting and meets with General Manger weekly for updates and issues.
- H.A.R.D. Board Secretary (2023) – Along with board President, signs approved proclamations and resolutions. Served on Program and Policy Standing Committee. Served on multiple ad hoc committees.
- H.A.R.D. Board of Directors (2021, 2022) – Served on Personnel Standing Committee. Served on multiple ad hoc committees.
- H.A.R.D Citizens Advisory Committee (2014-2018) – Reviewed and offered feedback on updated signage for all H.A.R.D. Facilities. Participated in the discussion of ongoing and prospective projects for the HARD community including: Mia’s Dream, Mission Hills, The San Lorenzo Community Park, the Cherryland Community Center, and misc. Dog Parks.
- H.A.R.D. Bond Oversight Committee (2019-2020) – Had responsibility to review and examine the budget, expanses, timelines, of various projects that are affected by the Measure F bond funding.
- Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce (Vice-President 2018, 2019, 2020) – Helped draft updated mission statement and draft long term strategy for Chamber of Commerce. Helped with budget and agreements with Alameda County partnerships. Helped to plan, promote, and staff various outreach events.
- Chair of the CV/EA Economic Committee (2019, 2020) – Reviewed prospective projects, and provided information, advocacy, and feedback to improve the business and community.
- Chair of the Castro Valley Fall Festival (2018,2019) – More than 50,000 people attend this wonderful community event each year. Over the last two years, our revenue has increased by more than 250% due to successful partnerships and community engagement.
- Leadership Hayward Class of 2019-2020 – Learning and engaging with government and business leaders in the community. This outstanding program develops leaders knowledgeable about the greater Hayward area and prepared to address complex social and economic issues.
- Eden Area Livability Initiative (2013-2020) – Active leader in the Economic Development, Agriculture/Environment, and Governance Groups. Helped advocate for the creation of the Eden Area and Fairview Municipal Advisory Commissions. Helped to developed a budget advocate for Alameda County to increase transparency and resource allocation for the unincorporated community. Participated in and helped with “Ag Day” where over 1,200 3rd graders come to the HARD Rowell Ranch Rodeo Grounds to learn about agriculture, parks, native plants, and ranching.
- California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) – State Board of Directors (2016-2019) responsible for membership programs, budget review, bylaw adoptions, and many untold leadership tasks.
- CLCA East Bay Chapter President (2014, 2015) – Developed successful membership programs, educational, and business development programs to elevate the landscaping industry. Was a speaker at Bay Area Water Conference, helped to judge Nor-Cal Flower and Garden Show, and represented the CLCA Board at various local events.