Mayor Omar Ahmad Passes Away

SAN CARLOS, CA–The news will be read with profound sadness that Mayor Omar Ahmad of San Carlos City, California, passed away on on the morning of May 10th at the age of 46.

A widely respected politician, busineman, and community leader he will be missed by one and all. He was elected to the San Carlos City Council in November 2007.  He had previously served as a member of the City’s Economic Development Advisory Commission (EDAC).  While on the City Council, Omar was selected to serve as the Mayor of San Carlos in November by his fellow Council Members. 

During his term on the City Council, Ahmad also served on several committees and boards including the Airport Roundtable, Belmont-San Carlos Fire Commission, C/CAG Airport Land Use Committee (ALUC), Caltrain Board of Directors, San Mateo County Council of Cities, Economic Development Advisory Commission (EDAC) (Council Liaison), Harbor Industrial Association (HIA Council Liaison), Peninsula Congestion Management Relief Alliance,  San Carlos Green (Council Liaison) and SamTrans Board of Directors (Council of Cities Appointment).

He was a well known entrepreneur in Silicon Valley, having been involved in the start up of a number of companies over the years including the Discovery Channel, @Home, Trusted ID, Grand Central Communications, Napster, Netscape and most recently as the co-founder and CEO of SynCH Energy Corporation.

Ahmad was also deeply committed to his Islamic faith and guided the community in grooming the next generation of leaders. By practical example he showed how to balance faith in the mainstream politics. He took his oath of office in the presence of an Imam. Noted playwright Wajahat, who was close friend, observed: “In all his activities, he remained committed to his faith. He helped nurture and train Muslim-American leadership. He was a behind-the-scenes mover, who used his vast entrepreneurial experience to make sure the next generation would be able to build real, lasting community relationships with our neighbors. We admired him, not because he was Muslim, but because being Muslim made him do admirable things.

When we think of Muslim-America, we think of Omar. There was no distinction for him between his faith and his country, and he sought to do right by both. When we think of role-models for our community, we think of Omar. He gave only what was best—and he gave it everyday for everyone, regardless of their color or religion.”

City Manager Jeff Maltbie said “Those of us at City Hall who had the opportunity to work with and get to know him are devastated by his loss.  Omar’s dedication to the citizens of San Carlos and his passion for democracy will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”

Ahmad is survived by Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad (father), Nadira Ahmad (mother) and his two sisters (Fataima Warner and Leah Berry). The City  lowered the flags in front of City buildings to half staff in honor of Omar Ahmad.  The State Senate and State Assembly in Sacramento will adjourn in honor of Omar Ahmad this week.

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