Ms. Dando is a “seasoned” city council member in San Jose. After graduating from North Texas State University with a double major in Elementary Education and English, Ms. Dando taught school for five years before taking time off to rear three children. Through the years she was involved in many volunteer activities. Her subsequent work included being policy advisor to Mayor Tom McEnery and assistant to the executive director of the Redevelopment Agency. ÊIn 1995 she was elected to the San Jose City Council, where she is Chair, San Jose Domestic Violence Task Force, Liaison, Seniors Commission , and member, National League of Cities Working Group on Homeland Security.