Candidate for
Council Member; City of Concord

My name is Dr. Harmesh Kumar. I have been a clinical neuro-psychologist for over twenty years in Downtown Concord and I have decided to run for Concord City Council to better serve the community I love.

I am not a politician. My loyalties lie with the people of Concord, rather than with special interest groups and their individual agendas. As a result I have not been endorsed by real estate developers, public employee unions, and national political parties like other candidates.

My "Special Interests" are the people of Concord. I have a proven record as a budget watchdog as a member of the Measure Q committee, and as an advocate for city residents during my time as the former chairman of the Human Relations Commission. My connection to the community has helped me earn the endorsement of many Small Business owners and Neighborhood Watch groups. I am already part of the solution and believe in "lighting the candle" rather than "cursing the darkness".

According to the Contra Costa Times, our city's pension and retiree health plans are underfunded by 192 million dollars. Our own city councilmembers receive lifetime health benefits for five years of service. This must end.

In addition, Concord's face has become much more diverse in the last 25 years since I started my journey for the American Dream in our beautiful city. I founded the Annual Spring Festival 11 years ago in Todos Santos Plaza to build bridges and to celebrate and showcase the unity in our diversity.

It is time to change our outdated policies and bring in new ones. It can only happen with your support. I ask for your vote to make Concord a better place for all of us and build better future our children.