Join the movement for transparent leadership.
Vote4phildolan
Enough is enough — accountability, common sense, and transparency in San Jose politics. No more excuses. No more games.
on deck
MEET PHIL DOLAN
.jpg/:/cr=t:22.77%25,l:3.12%25,w:89.29%25,h:67.01%25/rs=w:388,h:517.3333333333334,cg:true,m)
Hi, I'm Phil Dolan
For as long as I can remember, I’ve believed that what seems unattainable can be done—with hard work, grit, determination, passion, and perseverance. The entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in me. I’ve started three different linen companies, handling everything from logistics and inventory to contracts and service. I know what it takes to build something from the ground up and keep it moving.
Today, I work for Cozzini Bros., the largest knife-sharpening company in the nation. We service everything from knives to deli slicers and kitchen equipment that demands precision and reliability. I’ve covered territories from Palo Alto to Hayward, as far south as Santa Cruz and Carmel Valley, and currently one of my main territories is downtown San Jose.
My work puts me face-to-face with chefs, cooks, and business owners every day. Communication is everything in this industry. It’s long days on my feet—walking, handshakes, upselling, and hitting quotas and goals—often during 12-hour shifts. I work across a wide range of kitchens and businesses, and every customer matters.
It’s important to listen—not just to chefs, but to the cooks working the line. I meet people from every background across San Jose’s diverse community. Whether I’ve known someone for years or just met them months ago, each person is treated with the same respect and value.
Outside of work, I spend time with friends and family. These days, I’m relearning how to skateboard, along with snowboarding, biking, and staying active—throwing, kicking, and bouncing a ball, just trying to keep up with those younger than me.
I’ve always taken things head-on and blazed my own trail. I’m driven by passion, grounded in conviction, and guided by humility and respect. I carry a big, genuine heart, shaped by generations of hard work, service, and California values. I believe steady, principled leadership still matters.
Those who know me describe me as someone with a strong moral compass, a sense of humor, and a deep commitment to community. I think carefully about decisions and the ripple effects they have on the people they impact. I lead by example—as a teacher, a teammate, and a problem-solver.
I’m the kind of leader who doesn’t run from the fire—I run toward it and put it out. I’m willing to say the things that aren’t popular when they’re true. I don’t speak for one group; I speak for everyone. I’m not afraid to stand up for what’s right or call out what’s wrong. By no means am I perfect, but I believe strongly that no one gets left behind.
Phil Dolan
DAD & MOM
Hi, I’m Phil Dolan.
My father and mother's roots in this community run deep on both sides of my family.
Robert Dolan was born in 1928 in Moss Landing, right off Dolan Road in the Monterey Bay area. His family were among the original homesteaders and ranchers there, working from sunup to sundown to build something that would last. If you’ve ever driven down Highway 1 toward Monterey, you’ve passed Dolan Road. That name isn’t just a sign on the side of the highway — it represents generations of hard work, sacrifice, and responsibility.
My father was of Portuguese and Irish descent. Like many of his generation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, served as part of the occupational forces in Japan, and later fought in the Korean War. He carried that experience quietly and humbly. After the war, he returned home, raised his family, and passed those values on to his four boys. I am one of four Dolan brothers, and that legacy continues today with his grandsons. My father has since passed on — God rest his soul — but the lessons he taught us about duty, humility, and responsibility still guide my life.
My mother, Anita Aldama, is Mexican. Her grandparents came from Mexico to the United States in search of work and opportunity, determined to build a future and raise a family in San Jose. They raised many children, including my grandmother Emily Salazar and my grandfather Porfirio Aldama, who together built a strong family grounded in hard work and perseverance.
My mother was born in 1949 and raised on a ranch in what was once known as the Valley of the Heart’s Delight — land that today is home to the headquarters of eBay. She still lives here today; in this amazing place we proudly call home.
From both sides of my family, I come generational ranchers. They were humble, hard-working people - part of the poor working class - common folk common sense. They didn't seek recognition or power. They worked the land, kept their word, and took pride in honest work.
Those are the values I carry with me
I'm Phil Dolan - Shaped by generations of hard work, service, and California values - and I believe steady, principled leadership still matters
WHAT I BELIVE IN
IMAGINING A NEW DOWNTOWN
I believe in free markets—and in protecting working families who make our city run.
I believe in fairness, accountability, and equal treatment under the law.
I believe in free speech and the rule of law.
I believe in open, honest, transparent government—no backroom deals, no corruption, no bribery—period.
I believe city council members are servants of the public, not rulers over it.
I believe the most important responsibility of city council, once elected, is to listen to the people.
I believe in safe streets, especially for women and children.
I believe we should not have panhandlers on every corner of San Jose.
I believe in clean streets—and that graffiti and trash in downtown should be removed immediately.
I believe in red-light cameras and speed bumps to protect downtown residents and pedestrians.
I believe we should not cut police department funding.
I believe we should not cut fire department funding.
I believe in protecting small businesses—not burying them in red tape.
I believe we need more loading zones for everyday delivery vehicles so local businesses can operate efficiently.
I believe we should not give away free money without accountability, like we did in deals such as the Sharks agreement.
I believe no child in our city should be hungry—every student deserves breakfast, lunch, and a bag to take home.
I believe we should be taking far better care of our senior citizens and our children.
I believe city residents should be able to grow organic gardens with rich, superior nutrients—free and accessible—so our neighborhoods thrive.
I believe San Jose should be the envy of the world.
I believe we should be a destination city.
I believe we should be a world-class city.
I believe this should truly be the San Jose Bay Area—a place people are proud to live, work, and visit.
I believe we should have more free events in downtown San Jose that bring people together and bring life back to our city.
I believe city council races should be self-funded by the candidate, with a $20,000 cap—no special interests buying influence.
I believe city council candidates should be on the ground—shaking hands, listening, and talking directly to residents.
I believe city council members should be at ground zero—day, afternoon, and night—seeing and feeling what’s really happening in our neighborhoods.
I believe if city council passes a law, they should be required to follow it first—before any citizen of San Jose.
And I believe city council members should donate their time to the people they serve—because public service is not a career, it’s a duty.
IMAGINING A NEW DOWNTOWN
IMAGINING A NEW DOWNTOWN
TBA
RALLYS AT OUR PARKS
HACIENDA PARK - TBA
WATSON PARK - TBA
BONITA PARK - TBA
LUNA PARK - TBA
RAYMOND BERNAL PARK - TBA
BACKESTO PARK - TBA
ROOSEVELT PARK - TBA
MARTIN PARK - TBA
SELMA PARK - TBA
WILLIAM PARK - TBA
O'DONNELL PARK -TBA
BESTOR PARK - TBA
DISCOVERY MEADOW -TBA
PELLIER PARK -TBA
RYLAND PARK - TBA
TOWNSEND PARK -TBA
GRAN PARADISO PARK - TBA
Display their FAQs
TBA
Connect With Us
Contact Information
Your voice matters. Whether you have questions, suggestions, or want to get involved, we welcome your message. Together, we can build a more transparent and accountable political future.
Vote4phildolan district 3 San jose city council
