Candidate for
Council Member; City of Fremont

John Dutra is proud to call Fremont home. As a father, Economic Development Advisory Commissioner and the owner of a small business, John is running for City Council to give back to a community that has given him so much and to help make Fremont an even better place to live, work and raise families.

John's real-world experience and passion for helping others has prepared him for public service. He got his start working the line of the Ford Motor Plant in Milpitas until it closed and then became a member of the Retail Clerks Union in San Jose where he worked for various retailers. John later worked as an apprentice at Hewlett-Packard in the Corporate Manufacturing Division, where he helped make molds, tools and plastic components for HP computers. He then entered finance and now has more than 20 years of experience as a lending officer and a loan consultant, helping many first-time buyers realize their dream of homeownership and keeping countless others from losing their homes.

John currently runs Dutra Enterprises, the family real estate company that his parents, John and Bernie, began in Fremont more than 40 years ago. His experience working with mayors, councilmembers, commissioners, planning and engineering staff, neighborhoods and historical groups in cities across the region is vital to his understanding of what it takes to thrive as a world-class city. As a small business owner, John's work ethic has always focused on achieving quality and the best possible outcome for all stakeholders.

In 2008, during a challenging time for the economy, then Mayor Bob Wasserman appointed John to the city's Economic Development Advisory Commission, where he is serving his second term working to create jobs and to encourage businesses to set up shop, stay and grow in Fremont. As Commissioner, John has pushed for opportunities to bring high-tech and "green collar" jobs to the city. While Fremont continues to become a booming center of innovation, John also believes we must always cherish and protect our baylands, hillsides and open spaces.

John's parents have instilled in him a deep sense of volunteerism and service. He is an avid member of the Niles Rotary Club and regularly participates in park cleanups and mentoring programs. John has worked with others to raise needed funds for important causes like the Hispanic Community Affairs Council, South Bay Chinese Service Club, SAVE, Abode Services, HERS Breast Cancer Foundation and OneChild. He is also dedicated to making college more affordable through Ohlone College's "Helping Other Students To Succeed" scholarship program. John is active in his church, serves on the Fremont Leadership Prayer Breakfast steering committee and, as a sports nut, has enjoyed umpiring Little League for the past eight years.

With the support of his wife of 20 years, AnnMarie, and his three children -- Kimberly, Jennifer and Jacob -- John believes that his leadership and experience will bring the community together and help realize Fremont's fullest potential.