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Council Watch
City Council members use their August recess wisely
Watson recovers from stroke; Dean keeps busy; Dougherty goes to sea
By Genevieve Roja
City Council members are taking their annual August recess to catch up with their full-time jobs, relax and enjoy the dwindling summer days before duty calls again on Sept. 7.
Councilwoman Jeanette Watson has been taking it easy after suffering a stroke on July 3. Watson was shopping at Fry's Electronics when she had the stroke. She credits the responding paramedics as instrumental in saving her life by getting her to the hospital swiftly and efficiently.
"It's a very busy place on Saturday," Watson said. "But I was okay, I got help right away. I'm doing fine now; I'm a very lucky person."
Like every other member of the City Council, Watson takes part in several committees, including the Campbell Historical Museum & Ainsley House, the Heritage Campaign Committee, the Downtown Committee and Community Center Committee. A Campbell native who has also served as the city's mayor, Watson says her stroke is a clear sign to stop grinding her wheels.
"I'm using the time to really enjoy myself and not be under any pressure," Watson said. "I'm really taking care of myself. The timing for me is good; it gives me an opportunity to heal."
Although Watson has no signs of paralysis, she says, she has some trouble with her right hand, and is undergoing therapy to strengthen it. Thankfully, friends from her church and around the city are bringing her food and attending to other needs.
"I've been very fortunate," Watson said. "I know I get carried away [with projects]; I probably do too much. It's hard to slow down for me. I can't stop now; I have to keep going."
Councilman Matthew Dean is keeping himself busy at his other job at XACCT Technologies Inc. this month. He went on vacation with his family in July, but his job will be taking him to Virginia; Austin, Texas; and Washington, D.C. After that, he'll be working on his Campbell home and keeping an eye on his children.
Councilman Bob Dougherty has been spending his dog days of summer on land and at sea. He is monitoring the progress of his daughter's soccer team and the business of Phillips Components, where he is a financial analyst. His family spent the Fourth of July weekend looking at tall ships, and Dougherty was thrilled when he had the opportunity to board one of his childhood favorites, the square-rigged Coast Guard cutter Eagle. He also recently caught up with former classmates and friends at Archbishop Mitty High School's 30th reunion.
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Campbell, California
