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Paul Tacci (Santa Clara City Clerk, California, candidate 2024)
From Ballotpedia
Paul Tacci ran for election to the Santa Clara City Clerk in California. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.[source]
Tacci completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Paul Tacci provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 27, 2024:
- Birth date: May 18, 1984
- Birth place: Paramus, New Jersey
- High school: Mountain View High School
- Bachelor's: University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2006
- Gender: Male
- Religion: Roman Catholic
- Profession: Businessman
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign slogan: I’m putting in the work for City Clerk!
- Campaign website
- Campaign Instagram
Elections
General election
General election for Santa Clara City Clerk
Poornima Gopi, Steve Kelly, Bob O'Keefe, and Paul Tacci ran in the general election for Santa Clara City Clerk on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | ||
| Poornima Gopi (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Steve Kelly (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Bob O'Keefe (Nonpartisan) | ||
 | Paul Tacci (Nonpartisan)  | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Election results
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Tacci in this election.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Paul Tacci completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Tacci's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I’m Paul Tacci, husband to Erin, father of four, and a firm believer that government should serve the people, just like any good business serves its customers. The ups and downs of raising a family have shaped my leadership, teaching me the importance of listening, empathy, and action.
In every role I’ve held—whether in my career or in the community—I’ve always put people first. I’m running for City Clerk to ensure that Santa Clara remains a place where everyone feels heard, valued, and connected. For over 10 years, I’ve led businesses built on delivering great customer experiences, but what I’m most proud of is creating spaces where people feel listened to and understood. Now, I’m bringing that customer-first mindset to Santa Clara City Hall.
Why I’m running:
Over the years, I’ve been blessed to raise a family in Santa Clara and to serve this community through my work and volunteer efforts. But I’ve also seen areas where our government can do better. From making it easier to access public records to ensuring every election is fair and transparent, I’m here to bring a customer-first approach to Santa Clara City.
From volunteering at our local schools to leading fundraising efforts for Friends of Wilson Preschool, I’ve always been driven by a simple belief: that our community is stronger when we work together and listen to one another. That’s why I’m running for City Clerk—to bring that same spirit of service and understanding to our local government.- I’m putting in the work for City Clerk to make Santa Clara more open, accessible, and connected I have a vision for a more connected Santa Clara: when I look at our city, I see a place with deep roots and incredible potential. But to realize that potential, we need a local government that’s truly open, accessible, and responsive. I’m committed to making sure that every resident feels informed, included, and valued in the decisions shaping our community. By modernizing systems, enhancing transparency, and making information accessible to all, we can build trust and engage everyone in our city’s future. Together, let’s create a Santa Clara where government works efficiently, inclusively, and for the benefit of all.
- Transparency, ethics and integrity are values that are incredibly important to me. I plan on contributing to a government that puts people first. As a business leader, I’ve always believed that a good customer experience starts with understanding people’s needs and taking care of your team so they can be the best ambassador of your organization. As your City Clerk, I’ll bring that same approach to serving Santa Clara. Whether it’s helping you access public records or ensuring your vote counts, I’ll be there to make sure the city serves you, not the other way around.
- Making technology work for us is something I prioritize. In my business, I’ve used technology to streamline processes and make people’s lives easier. I’ll bring that same approach to the City Clerk’s office, leveraging technology to improve efficiency, reduce wait times, and ensure easy access to essential services and public records. My goal is to make the Clerk’s office more accessible and user-friendly, so every resident can access information quickly and easily. With a tech-driven approach, we can build a more transparent and responsive City Clerk’s office for all.
I’m passionate about public policies that support early childhood education and provide resources to help every child develop academically and emotionally. Through my years of volunteering in local schools and serving as board president for Friends of Washington Preschool, I’ve seen firsthand how vital early education and support systems are for creating a strong foundation. I believe in policies that equip children with the tools they need to become well-rounded individuals. By investing in their growth from a young age, we not only shape their future but also strengthen the fabric of our entire community, empowering the next generation to succeed.
The City Clerk’s office serves as a foundation for transparency, access, and public trust within local government. It manages the official records, from meeting minutes to ordinances, ensuring the public has a clear view of government actions. Additionally, by overseeing elections, the Clerk’s office safeguards our democratic process, making it fair and accessible for every voter. This role uniquely combines legal responsibilities, like compliance with the Brown Act and public records laws, with a commitment to community service. As the link between residents and their government, the City Clerk’s office is essential for ensuring an open, accountable, and engaged local democracy.
I admire Anthony Bourdain for his openness and respect for different cultures. His willingness to connect with people from all walks of life, leaving his personal assumptions behind, is something I deeply value. Through food, he found a way to bridge gaps and build understanding across diverse communities, which inspires me in my own work. Just as Bourdain used food as a way to connect, I believe in approaching public service with a mindset of openness, empathy, and curiosity, fostering genuine connections within our community.
I also have a passion for food and traveling.
I also have a passion for food and traveling.
I appreciate Hamilton the musical thanks to its way of bridging education and history in an entertaining way. I also admire individuals with what seems like an impossible dream to help make change for the better despite all odds being stacked against them.
For an elected official, integrity, transparency, and dedication to public service are paramount. Integrity ensures that actions align with promises, building trust between officials and the community. Transparency allows residents to see and understand the decisions that impact them, fostering a government that feels open and accessible to all. Finally, a dedication to public service, especially through volunteer work and community engagement, keeps an official grounded in the needs and values of the people they serve. As someone deeply involved in supporting early childhood education and community programs, I’m committed to these principles to guide my work as City Clerk.
I bring a blend of leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to service that I believe will make me a successful City Clerk. I’m driven by a passion for transparency and accountability, and I understand the importance of keeping the community informed and engaged. My leadership style focuses on empowering the existing team by delegating effectively and ensuring they have the tools and support they need to excel. I also value strong follow-through and responsiveness, which helps build trust and ensure that government processes run smoothly. These qualities equip me to create an open, efficient, and accessible City Clerk’s office.
The core responsibilities for a City Clerk revolve around transparency, accessibility, and ensuring fair governance. The City Clerk’s office is a bridge between the government and the people, managing public records, administering elections, and providing access to essential information. This role requires a commitment to making government open and responsive, ensuring that residents can easily access records and stay informed about city decisions. In overseeing elections, the Clerk must prioritize fairness and accuracy, safeguarding the integrity of our democratic process. Ultimately, the City Clerk should serve as a trusted resource and advocate for the community.
First and foremost I want to raise strong, powerful kids who have a passion for giving back, wisdom to know right from wrong, and strength to be able to fight for what they believe in.
On a societal level I want to help support young childhood education. Our family has been very fortunate to have a supportive network of family and friends, amazing teachers at our public schools, and education that focuses on the whole child, specifically both academic and emotional development.
I remember being a young kid, 5 years old at the time when the 1989 Earthquake hit. I was hiding under my bed at home and it shook me both literally and figuratively. That even reminds me that nature is more powerful that we can ever be and we need to both respect and take care of our environment.
I used to work at In-N-Out burger store 152 in my last two years of high school. It’s the location at the end of 237 where it connects to El Camino Real.
My current go to order is a double meat, grilled onions, no spread, protein style. Sometimes I’ll add a third patty or a cheese slice.
My current go to order is a double meat, grilled onions, no spread, protein style. Sometimes I’ll add a third patty or a cheese slice.
I really enjoyed the original Jurrassic Park book. It showed me how powerful your imagination is at creating a scene that movies often can’t compete with.
I’d choose Indiana Jones because he embodies an adventurous spirit, a passion for history, and a quick wit that keeps him ready for any challenge. I love his curiosity and respect for different cultures, and his ability to think on his feet. His commitment to uncovering truths and embracing discovery reflects my own love for exploration and learning—qualities I bring into my work and my approach to life
Houdini by Dua Lipa
Finding a work life balance is important to me. When I first started having kids I was working at the Hyatt Santa Clara for 10-12 hours per day, this took a major toll and I realized how important it is to prioritize time with family and create boundaries at work.
One lesser-known responsibility of the City Clerk’s office is its role in certifying election results and swearing in elected officials. After an election, the Clerk ensures that all results are thoroughly verified and formally certified, safeguarding the integrity of our democratic process. Additionally, the Clerk has the honor of swearing in newly elected officials, marking the official start of their terms. These responsibilities make the City Clerk an essential figure in upholding fair elections and orderly transitions of power, reinforcing the office’s vital role in maintaining trust and continuity in local government.
While experience in government or politics can be helpful, it is by no means necessary.
I believe that a commitment to public service, integrity, and transparency are even more essential for this role. Familiarity with government processes can certainly aid in managing the responsibilities of the City Clerk’s office, but qualities like accountability, dedication, and a strong work ethic are key. My experience in community service and managing public resources has prepared me to serve effectively and remain focused on what truly matters: making local government open, accessible, and responsive to the people.
I believe that a commitment to public service, integrity, and transparency are even more essential for this role. Familiarity with government processes can certainly aid in managing the responsibilities of the City Clerk’s office, but qualities like accountability, dedication, and a strong work ethic are key. My experience in community service and managing public resources has prepared me to serve effectively and remain focused on what truly matters: making local government open, accessible, and responsive to the people.
Leadership skills, especially the ability to delegate effectively and follow up, are crucial for the City Clerk. The Clerk’s office already has a strong team, including an exceptional Assistant City Clerk, and it’s important to support them by ensuring they have the resources and tools they need to thrive. A good City Clerk leads by empowering the team, fostering collaboration, and maintaining accountability. By providing guidance and support, the City Clerk can help the entire team achieve the best possible results for our community, making the office as responsive, efficient, and service-oriented as possible to serve our residents.
The City Clerk’s office holds a unique position as the official record-keeper and custodian of public transparency in local government. It provides residents with essential access to city records and ensures meetings and decision-making processes are open and compliant with transparency laws. Beyond record-keeping, the office plays a critical role in safeguarding democratic processes by overseeing and certifying elections, and swearing in officials. This combination of responsibilities—public access, regulatory compliance, and election integrity—makes the City Clerk’s office an invaluable part of building trust and accountability in our local government.
I also loved this one.
What’s a pirate’s favorite letter?
I have many private endorsements but no public ones at this time. I am not a politician but instead a community member looking to help contribute to a valuable service.
Financial transparency and government accountability are essential to building and maintaining public trust. Residents deserve clear insight into how taxpayer funds are allocated and spent, with detailed, accessible reporting on budgets, expenditures, and financial decisions. I believe the City Clerk’s office plays a critical role in ensuring that financial documents and public records are available to everyone, fostering an open and informed community. By making these records accessible and prioritizing accountability in all actions, we can create a government that truly serves the people, empowering them to be engaged and active participants in local decision-making.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
