Matthew Quevdo is someone who has served the community for years, who has the will to FIGHT for what is right and who has the savvy, experience and connections to actually accomplish change. I’m proud to endorse Matthew to represent District 3 for a better San Jose.
For a brief moment, I had consider a career in politics. It wouldn’t be without precedent, as my sensei Ralph Gracie spent a good portion of last year running for office in hometown of Rio de Janeiro. For myself I have come to the realization that although I have some level of influence, that a certain frustration with how things operate might cause me to wind up strangling someone during the course of performing the duties of office.
There is a certain way, for better or worse, that things work in San Jose from a political viewpoint that would warrant a longer article at some point. That knowledge, and an ability to navigate using that, would be the first key to getting anything done around here. From there you need a will and fortitude to carry out what needs to be done.
I first really met Matthew Quevdo as he was working for now Matt Mahan’s campaign. He was always quick with a “Hello”, and while those encounters were brief, they always felt genuine and I appreciate that.
I had actually endorsed one of Matt Mahan’s opponents in the primary, and although I made no endorsements in the actual election afterwards I deeply preferred him to the alternative. Since then however I have been deeply impressed with Mayor Mahan’s character, pragmatism and his desire and ability to create meaningful change. You can now consider me a big fan of the Mayor.
Matthew Quevdo has been endorsed by Matt Mahn already, so if you’re a fan of the mayor, that might be reason enough to vote for Matt Quevdo. But it is my belief that Matt Quevdo has the merit on his own to do the job.
When the initial debacle with previous D3 councilperson began he was among the first to speak up and organize, and from there I didn’t think it was a great leap for him to actually run for the office. When he contacted me for a conversation to seek my input and potential endorsement he came across to me as a rather reluctant politician. Someone who was genuinely angry about the situation and who knew he the ability to make a change.
I got to know Matthew a bit better as we alternated talk between our backgrounds and his stances on particular policies, which I largely agreed with takeaways on some major issues. While he’s made mention of his positions and solutions (which you will find on his campaign materials as he very much want this to be a candidacy based on the issues), I came away more impressed and liking the man that much more. In particular I am impressed with his stance on making San Jose a livable city coming from the perspective of a lifelong resident who is trying to raise a family here.
Afterwards I told Matthew I would need to reflect and consider, but would be contacting him soon one way or the other. Word is bond, I don’t take my endorsements lightly at all.
Alan “Gumby” Marques is a resident of San Jose and has operated Heroes Martial Arts in downtown since 2009. He was President of the San Jose Downtown Association from 2022-2023
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