Effectiive Leadership, Proven Results

By Manuel Castillo "Manny" Fernandez

On November 7th, you will elect three people who will represents you on the City council the next four years. I am reaching out for your support of my reelection.

It has been 19 years since you elected me to the Council for the first time. Since then, I think you will agree that we made distinct improvements in our city. Gone are the days when our residents had to cross city boundaries to find a hardware store, enjoy fine dining, watch a movie, buy fresh produce at a farmer's market, or shop at Asian Supermarket. I am proud to be part of the remarkable progress we have made, and continue to make, in Union City.

As a resident of this city for over 27 year, I have served our community as a civic-minded citizen, Planning Commissioner, City Councilmember and Vice Mayor. I know this city well, having the priviledge to watch it grow from a front row seat. I remember the growing pains we went trough during the ealy '90's as well as the special moments like the time we received the national spotlight as an All-America City in 1999.

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

Local governments today face many elements that are beyond our control. We have uncertainties due to global political conflicts, economic instability, natural calamities and man-made disasters. These elements underscore the need for local governments to be self-sufficient while maintaining strong regional alliances. Experienced and innovative city leaders are needed to adequately prepare our community for what the future may bring. For nearly two decades, Ihave fulfilled that role as your Councilmember.

NEW CHALLENGES AHEAD

Like most cities, Union City is facing several major challenges ahead. Some of them are newly defined, such as emergency preparedness and crimes in our neighborhoods. Though the rising cost of running the city is not new, serious concerns occur when bids for recent major infrastucture projects do not come within the proposed budget. In addition, negotiaitons will soon begin with employee unioins and other service providers.

I am running for reelection because there is more work yet undone. I believe I have the experience, the statesman leadership, and the track record to continue shaping Union City's future.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

As your councilmember, I will work hard to support public policies, programs and services that promote or enhance the following areas:

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Ongoing budget concerns and the recurring need to increase city revenues top my priority for the next term. I believe this issue can be addressed through sustained fiscal growth. Economic prosperity yields additional revenues for our residents, and generates a sense of vitality citywide.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Long term solutions must be sought to addresss the problem of increasing crimes in our neighborhoods. We must bolster our alliances with the law enforcement agencies, elected officials and community leaders from adjacent cities and districts to maximize our effectiveness.

EMERGNECY PREPAREDNESS

Residents, businesses, the school district and the city personnel must join together to plan and prepare for the unknown. Let us learn from the horrific experiences of other unfortunate areas and vow not to repeat in Union City.

QUALITY OF LIFE/CULTURE AND ARTS

Health is wealth. I will contine to support more leisure, recreational and athletic opportunities for all segments of the community.

In a diverse community like Union City, the promotion of the arts and the cultivation of multicutural environment is a necessary social development. I will continue to endorse events and projects, like the Friends of Sister Cities, Asian-American Festival, and the Arts Festival that encourage positive melding in our community.