An Alameda city council member works as an aid to a legislature whose district includes Alameda. While not unprecedented, the situation does present potential for dilemma.

After just four months on the job, Mayor Trish Herrera Spencer has encountered growing pains. Some opponents from her six years on the Alameda school board are champing at the bit to capitalize on her transition to the mayor’s office, drawing attention to her perceived missteps and the ineffectiveness of her laissez-faire management style.

The city of Alameda turns to a familiar face to lead lobbying efforts on water, ferries, tsunami preparedness, road improvements, and traffic mitigations.

Throughout her life, Trish Spencer has displayed an ability to succeed, despite the seemingly insurmountable hurdles placed before her.