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San Mateo Police Union Endorses Judge Candidate, Resident Questions Tax Hike
The police union backs a local judge candidate, while a Menlo Park resident criticizes rising taxes and government spending in San Mateo County.
Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:19pm
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The San Mateo Police Officers Association has endorsed Brian Donnellan for San Mateo County Superior Court judge, citing his fairness, community ties, and judicial temperament. Meanwhile, a Menlo Park resident has expressed concerns about the high sales tax rate in the county and questioned the need for a proposed 0.5% sales tax increase to fund childcare and education, arguing that the county's population has declined even as the number of government employees has increased.
Why it matters
The police union's endorsement of a judge candidate highlights the importance of law enforcement's perspective in the judicial selection process, while the resident's concerns about taxes and government spending reflect broader debates around the role and size of local government.
The details
The police union praised Donnellan's methodical approach, fairness, and empathy, as well as his background as an immigrant and Iraq War veteran. The Menlo Park resident pointed to the county's 9.65% sales tax rate and the growth in the number of government employees, even as the population has declined, as evidence of a "spending problem" rather than a revenue issue.
- The San Mateo Police Officers Association endorsed Brian Donnellan for San Mateo County Superior Court judge.
- A Menlo Park resident recently encountered a petition to increase the San Mateo County sales tax by 0.5% to support childcare and education.
The players
Brian Donnellan
A candidate for San Mateo County Superior Court judge who has earned the endorsement of the San Mateo Police Officers Association.
Kayla Quinlan
The president of the San Mateo Police Officers Association.
Thomas Carroux
A Menlo Park resident who has expressed concerns about high taxes and government spending in San Mateo County.
What they’re saying
“Through years of professional collaboration, our members have seen firsthand that Brian is methodical, fair and tireless in his pursuit of justice for crime victims.”
— Kayla Quinlan, President, SMPOA
“Affordability is a real issue. At 9.65%, tax revenue is not the problem. We have a spending problem. If someone has a petition to put a measure on the November ballot to decrease San Mateo County taxes, I'll be the first to sign it.”
— Thomas Carroux
What’s next
The San Mateo County Superior Court judge election will be held in June 2026, and the proposed 0.5% sales tax increase measure may appear on the November 2026 ballot.
The takeaway
This story highlights the ongoing debate around the role of law enforcement in the judicial system and the concerns of local residents about the size and spending of their county government, reflecting broader discussions around taxation, public services, and government accountability.
