Candidate for
Council Member; City of Saratoga

I have been deeply honored to be Saratoga City Council Member since 2004 and the Mayor in 2007. I have worked very hard to deliver my campaign promises which include protecting our neighborhood; being fiscally responsible; enhancing the vitality of our commercial areas; and keeping our community safe.

Some of our residents have been here for a long time, and some have been setting down new roots more recently. We all have chosen Saratoga to raise our families, enjoy our everyday lives because Saratoga offers special qualities of life for all of us. These are the results of many hard working people and protecting these qualities has been my passion and my commitment to our community.

I looked back on all the agendas for City Council for the past 4 years and realized that the majority of them involved land use decisions. Whether it was for public space or private properties, how we physically use the land would have long lasting impact on our quality of life, so I have taken each of these decisions very seriously.

I studied hard on the issue; I reached out to the neighbors and public to listen to their thoughts and views; I carefully reviewed the budget. I asked staff for other options and alternatives. At the council meeting, I also listened carefully to what other council members had to say and I would try to find consensus for a decision that would protect the interests of the majority of our residents. This has been my approach for formulating my decision. It has taken a lot of time to be prepared for each council meeting, but it has been time well spent.

I practiced this approach to all council issues, such as saving North Campus, negotiating a viable plan for Kevin Moran Park, finding spaces for youth sports groups. I also use the same approach while working on Capital Improvement Projects, Budget approval, long term facility agreements with SASCC, Friends of Saratoga Libraries, Saratoga Historic Foundation, Hakone Foundation, and the Highway 9 Safety project. I will use this approach for the future El Quito development plan, and Village revitalization plan and many more.

During the past 4 years, I have acquired important city council experience from working on issues and finding solutions. I have learned the ropes and I am up to speed. I want to leverage this city council experience for the next 4 years if elected and continue to be an effective council member from Day 1.