Andy Klein Becomes Mayor of San Carlos

An emotional Andy Klein was unanimously appointed the new mayor of San Carlos Monday night, succeeding the late Omar Ahmad and fulfilling a lifelong dream in the process.

“I’ve been very conflicted all day,” Klein said as he fought to choke back tears moments after City Clerk Christine Boland officially swore him into office. “Today I achieved a childhood dream but the way I got it was losing my best friend.”

Klein’s close friend Omar Ahamd died suddenly last month of a heart attack, leaving the position of mayor open. As Vice-Mayor, Klein was poised to be voted into the position but an arrest the day of Omar Ahamd’s funeral on suspicion of drunk driving caused Klein to initially take himself out of the running.

The day after Klein removed himself from mayoral contention, the district attorney announced his blood tests revealed he was below the legal blood alcohol limit. Klein told San Carlos Patch that same afternoon he would be re-entering the race.

“This is a very difficult thing,” said councilmember Grassilli before Klein was appointed. “It shouldn’t be difficult but certain events have happened in the city; the tragic loss of Omar Ahmad. In a different time, the Vice-Mayor would be considered but events that have come up that have clouded it.” Grassilli went on to vote for Klein’s appointment to mayor.

The unanimous appointment to mayor was the fulfillment of a dream, Klein said, for as long as he can remember.

“I went to school with Don Eaton’s children and used to think how cool it would be to have a dad who was the mayor of San Carlos,” Klein said. “San Carlos means the world to me. I don’t feel the need to ever leave. I don’t think you find towns like this that often.“

A San Carlos native, Klein attended high school in the city and has served on the council since 2009. He is the member of several boards and committees including the fire board, Rotary club and is the Vice-President of the San Carlos Villagers.

“No one who knows San Carlos any better,” said councilman Randy Royce. “I’m really excited to have a great leader.”