Candidate for
Mayor; City of Milpitas

Position Statements: As the former Mayor of Milpitas from 2002 to 2008 (and Councilman from 1998 to 2002), I established a track record of successes for the citizens and city of Milpitas including construction of the new Milpitas Public Library, building the new Senior Center, garnering many new businesses, and construction of new housing. I am proud of my accomplishments as Mayor and I am again running for election as your Mayor, because our city needs leadership that supports its citizens, that believes in responsible use of your tax dollars, and that practices ethical government.

What I believe in and what I will do:

Fiscal Responsibility Milpitas faces a very serious financial shortfall caused by the City Council failing to control city employee pay, benefits, and retirement which is over 80% of the Milpitas budget. I will work to reverse this problem immediately--it is the most critical issue facing Milpitas taxpayers. My pledge to Milpitas taxpayers is to keep your money in your pocket, not in higher taxes to pay.

Economic Development Jobs...jobs...jobs. I will, as I have in the past, make Milpitas a business-friendly city. I strongly support small businesses, because they are a city's life blood. I will work to retain existing businesses and bring in new ones. My record of encouraging small and large businesses to locate in Milpitas has made a difference for many.

Ethical Behavior Integrity is the most important thing I bring to the Mayor's office. I strongly believe in ethics in government, open and transparent government, accountability of government officials, and accessibility to citizens. I believe in this and I practice it.

Quality Education As Mayor, I will reinstitute regular Council and School Board meetings and I will ensure there is good communication between staffs. No more surprises about housing developments, redevelopment agency expansion, or canceling joint city-school programs. I value education and I'll make sure the City of Milpitas partners with the Milpitas Unified School District.

Family Values Milpitas is about families and quality of life for all. I have always worked to make Milpitas the very best community for families: new library, beautiful parks, safe neighborhoods, and wonderful new housing. Despite the fiscal challenges facing the city, I'm committed to doing everything I can to make Milpitas better.

Sound City Development We're being challenged with BART, new housing, and increased traffic. I will work to ensure our city retains its character as it faces these challenges. I will not support wrong housing development in wrong parts of town and I will work to follow our General Plan for residential and commercial development. I will work with BART to maximize the benefit to Milpitas and hold the line when we have to fight for our city.

Neighborhood Pride Quality of life in Milpitas means our neighborhoods. I support neighborhood parks, clean streets, public safety, and affordable, quality housing. We need to do everything we can to foster pride in our neighborhoods and to work together to make them even better.