McGuire meets constituents at Corte Madera forum

State Sen. Mike McGuire met with Marin residents this week at the new Corte Madera Town Hall.

McGuire, the Senate president pro tempore, touched on issues including homelessness, housing, reproductive rights and public education, and how state policy was affecting Marin.

“We have to be able to advance policies that affect everyday lives,” McGuire said during the one-hour event on Wednesday. “I believe in progress and that there’s always a solution.”

McGuire, who represents the 2nd District and lives in Sonoma County, is in his third and last term as a state senator. He is reaching the legislative term limit.

About 30 people attended the event at the municipal building at 300 Tamalpais Drive, which opened about a month ago after a $15 million construction project.

Corte Madera Vice Mayor Pat Ravasio said McGuire was the first dignitary to visit the new town hall and commended his efforts to bring infrastructure projects to Corte Madera.

“Mike has been a rising California star for some time,” she said. “We are happy to have him here.”

The event drew officials from throughout the county, including San Anselmo Town Council member Brian Colbert; Larkspur City Council members Gabe Paulson and Catherine Way; and San Rafael City Council member Rachel Kertz. Other attendees included residents, advocates and public safety officials.

Corte Madera Town Manager Adam Wolff praised the state’s investment in upgrades to the Tamalpais Drive overpass at Highway 101.

“This is our chance to ask him about these kinds of things,” Wolff said. “It’s really rare that we have that direct conversation with our elected representatives.”

McGuire has secured funding for work on the overpass, a 1950s-era structure in Caltrans’ jurisdiction. It is slated to receive a seismic retrofit and improvements for cyclists and pedestrians.

More than 24,000 cars use the overpass daily, according to the town’s general plan. Talks on upgrading the crossing go back to 2002.

McGuire said construction work would begin in 2026.

“This is a game changer of a project and I look forward to our continued partnership and getting the overpass built, open and accessible to all,” McGuire said.

Emily Hitchcock, a Redwood High School senior, told McGuire that local youths were advocating for more investment in renewable resources and infrastructure that uses green technologies. She further advocated for state assistance and programs to assist victims of domestic violence.

“I think it’s really important that Corte Madera is a point of focus,” Hitchcock, 17, said after the meeting. “I’m really passionate about environmental policy and social programs and I’m glad Sen. McGuire was here to listen.”

Corte Madera Councilmember Fred Cassisa praised McGuire’s visit as a testament to his commitment to Marin.

“I didn’t get the feeling from him that he didn’t care about what he was talking about,” Cassisa said after the event. “I have the confidence he’s going to follow up with us as planned.”

Corte Madera Councilmember Rosa Thomas said the meeting provided valuable insights into how McGuire advocates for local communities at the state level.

“It was really informative,” she said. “It was a great opportunity for the community to ask questions about what was really on their minds.”