The Nov. 3 midterm elections are only a few days away. In the second part of Tri-City Voices’ elections issue, we continue the list of candidates running for offices in the Fremont, Newark and Union City area. Last week, candidate statements included seats from federal, state, school and special districts. This week, candidates that are running for city council seats get the opportunity to share their statements. Also included in this issue are statewide and regional measures.
City
Fremont City Council, #2
Desrie Campbell
It has been an honor to serve on the Fremont City Council for the city that has been my home for 30 years. Since my 10-year service on the Fremont Unified District Board of Education, I’ve earned a reputation for collaboration, problem solving and fiscal responsibility. On the City Council, I have championed sound public policy, meaningful affordable housing solutions, a compassionate response to homelessness and effective city governance.
Together, I have helped make Fremont the “best place to raise a family,” “the happiest city” and one of the “best run cities in America.” And, there is still much more good work to be done. I will continue working with our community to increase access to parks and open space. I will expand on our progress to bring smart solutions to fix our roads and pedestrian infrastructure. I will also keep supporting local businesses and Fremont’s globally recognized manufacturing economy, while striving for excellence in public safety and keeping our promise to advance climate sustainability.
Please join Congressman Ro Khanna, Assemblymember Alex Lee, as the only endorsed candidate of the Alameda County Democratic Party and the Alameda Labor Council. In addition, I have received support from local leaders, and neighbors across District 2 who have endorsed our campaign to build a brighter Fremont.
I humbly ask for your vote to re-elect me so I can continue to be your voice on City Council. To stay connected with our campaign, please visit our website at: desriecampbell4citycouncil.com.
Keith Parker
No statement submitted
Fremont City Council, #3
Kathy Kimberlin
I’ve called Fremont home for over 40 years, and I understand the challenges we face and why we must have focus in the areas of:
• Small Business and Nonprofits
• Growth, Traffic and Public Safety
• Our unhoused and underserved communities
A good city councilmember understands local policies, promotes economic growth and affordable housing, recognizes long term affect decisions will have, is fiscally responsible, actively listens, exercises transparent and timely communication, and makes decisions based on evidence and public merit rather than personal bias or special interests.
This is who I am. This is how I have served as your councilmember. I consistently connect people to resources and resources to people. I have improved accessibility, transparency and visibility between city government and the people we serve.
My recent Town Hall exceeded expectations with record-breaking attendance and meaningful community engagement.
My continued engagement with youth creates consequential opportunities to learn about civic engagement, participate in their community and develop the skills and confidence to become our leaders of tomorrow.
I have assisted residents in navigating the City’s 50/50 tree removal and sidewalk repair and other programs, and over the years, have organized community meetings with developers to ensure residents have opportunities to provide input and feedback on these local proposed projects.
The endorsements listed on my website include elected officials and community leaders who endorse me based on their trust and faith in me on my accomplishments and for what they expect of me in the future. They have seen what I have done with and for Fremont residents. I am very honored to have their support.
This is a critically important time for all of us to exercise democracy. Some local examples of democracy are when we participate in a community decision by sharing our views, listen to different perspectives, and vote for our representatives. I strongly believe and actively promote all these rights.
This is why I ask for your support and count on your vote for the November 3rd election. Learn more: kathykimberlin.com
Vipin Sharma
I have lived in Fremont for more than 25 years, raised my family here and watched our city grow and change. My children attended Fremont public schools, and as a runner, I’ve covered thousands of miles through our neighborhoods. I’ve seen what works and where we can do better.
Professionally, I have worked in engineering and technology for over 30 years and currently work as a senior manager in cybersecurity. My job requires me to solve problems, manage resources, ask difficult questions and be accountable for results.
I am running for City Council because I believe Fremont needs that same accountability in local government.
Over the years, I’ve been involved in community issues, talking with residents, attending council meetings and questioning city decisions. I’ve also visited affordable housing developments and homeless encampments, met small business owners and asked questions about city spending.
These experiences have reinforced something I strongly believe, we cannot solve problems from behind a desk or by simply approving recommendations without asking questions.
My priorities are safe neighborhoods, responsible use of taxpayer money, thoughtful growth and a city government that is open and accountable to residents.
I don’t believe any one person has all the answers. Good decisions come from listening, understanding the facts, considering different viewpoints and being willing to change course when something isn’t working.
In my professional life, I’m accountable to my organization. In public service, I have a different boss: the residents of Fremont.
Fremont City Council, #4
Aziz Akbari
Fremont offered a great promise to my family: it was affordable, safe, and had great schools. Having lived here for 26 years, I can say this city delivered on every front. I got an amazing education from Parkmont to Washington, and when it came time to start our own family, my wife and I knew Fremont was where we wanted to build our roots.
But that promise is becoming harder to fulfill. Our neighbors, senior citizens, and working families are being priced out of the city they built their lives in, our streets and sidewalks need repair, and our city government often feels like an obstacle instead of a partner. I’m running for City Council because I love this city, know its potential, and am ready to fight for it.
Since 2016, I’ve served on the Alameda County Water District’s Board of Directors. Over the past decade, we’ve secured over $30M in grants to protect critical infrastructure, introduced a low-income assistance program that’s helped over 3,000 families, earned a AAA bond rating and brought steelhead trout back to Alameda Creek for the first time in over fifty years.
On the City Council, I will fight for:
• A more affordable and livable Fremont: I will fight for policies that will make it easier to move around the city, build more affordable housing, provide services to the unhoused, expand youth employment opportunities and ensure Fremont works for its residents.
• A cleaner and greener Fremont: Fremont should feel like a city built inside a park, with streets lined with tree coverage and native plants. We also need to clean and dredge Lake Elizabeth, and install solar on city buildings.
• A well-run and safer Fremont: I’ll advocate for streamlined permits, disciplined finances, a practical disaster recovery plan and a city where every resident feels safe.
I’m proud to say that I have never accepted any contributions from corporate PAC’s or lobbyists, and I never will.
Every idea I’m advocating for came from conversations with my neighbors. I would be honored to earn your vote. You can learn more and reach out to me at azizakbari.com.
Ying Min Li
We can do better! Fremont deserves leadership that listens, solves problems, and puts residents first. As I’ve spoken with residents across our community, I’ve heard your hopes and concerns. You have my commitment to finding solutions and delivering results.
Traffic: Reduce the traffic congestion and restore vehicle capacity on major corridors by re-evaluating high-impact bike lanes and the eliminated right-turns. Looking at safety, bicycle usage, traffic delays and capacity. If it works, keep it. If it doesn’t, fix it. Deploy smart traffic signals to improve traffic flow employ targeted intersection redesign and road resurfacing.
Public Safety: Support fully staffing the police department, strong law enforcement and firm consequences for home break-ins, vehicle theft and violent crime. Expand rehabilitation and re-entry programs for non-violent, first-time offenders. Safe, clean and well-maintained parks and playgrounds for children, seniors and families
Addressing Homelessness: Focus on early intervention to prevent residents from becoming unhoused, provide cost-effective housing solutions and ensure access to mental health care, medical services and job support to help people move toward independence.
Neighborhood Businesses: Create a business-friendly environment by streamlining the permit process, reducing unnecessary delays, and considering tax incentives. Improve public safety, address homelessness and support small and local businesses so they can grow, create jobs and strengthen Fremont’s economy.
For 30 years, I have called Fremont home, where I raised my family. I spent more than 20 years in Silicon Valley as an engineer and technology entrepreneur before becoming a small business owner focused on community investment and development. These experiences have prepared me to deliver practical, data-driven leadership that will keep Fremont safe, vibrant and thriving.
Please vote for Ying-Min Li for Fremont City Council District 4.
Anurag Mishra
No statement submitted
Manisha Pathak
No statement submitted
Newark Mayor
Michael Hannon
No statement submitted
Newark City Council (choose two)
Tonya Connolly
No statement submitted
Noah Patrick Grushkin
No statement submitted
Matthew Jorgens
No statement submitted
Eve Marie Little
No statement submitted
Union City City Council, #2
Victor Lopez Pulido
Union City has been my home my entire life. As the son of immigrant parents and a graduate of James Logan High School, I watched my parents work tirelessly to build a better life, often without a voice in the systems shaping ours. Their sacrifice taught me that public service means fighting for families who are too often overlooked.
As a first-generation college graduate, I earned my bachelor’s degree at the University of Arizona and my master’s at USC, where I graduated with honors. I am now finishing my law degree at USF, the first in my family to attend law school. I pursued my education not to leave Union City behind, but to come back and serve it better.
For seven years I worked at the Federal Public Defender’s Office, helping families navigate the legal system, and today I run my own interpreting business, providing Spanish interpretation in medical and legal settings across the Bay Area. At home I have stayed rooted as former Chair of the Human Relations Commission, a board member of Centro de Servicios, a Union City Lions Club member and a volunteer in New Haven schools and at Our Lady of the Rosary parish.
On the Council, I will fight to lower the cost of living, keep working families in their homes with real renter protections and affordable housing, expand public health and safety services and protect immigrant families while making sure they can access the resources they deserve.
That is why I am proud to be endorsed by Congresswoman Aisha Wahab, Assemblymember Liz Ortega, Alameda County Supervisor Elisa Marquez, Union City Councilmember Scott Sakakihara, former Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci, SEIU and our local firefighters. Learn more at vic4unioncity.com.
Jaime Patino
Jaime is a lifetime resident of the Decoto District of Union City. He raised his daughter there as a single parent. He started at Searles and then Hillview Crest Elementary Schools. Then went to Barnard-White Middle School. He graduated from James Logan, where he was on Tommie Lindsey’s first Forensics Team. James Logan Forensics awarded Jaime the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award in 2019.
Jaime graduated from Chabot College with degrees in Business Administration and Administration of Justice. He later received his BA in Political Science from CSU Hayward and received an MBA from CSU East Bay. He also has Certificates in Human Resource and Project Management. He is a Fellow at the Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL) UnTapped Program (UC Davis).
Jaime was on the Human Relations Commission from 2011-2018 and served as Chair from 2013-2016. He co-authored the City’s Compassionate City Resolution. Jaime has been a member of Union City CERT since 2014. In 2020, he was recognized by Cal Fire for his contributions.
Jaime was on the Board of Directors for Centro de Servicios from 2016-2018. He still volunteers there. Jaime has been on the Board of Directors for the Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center (TVHC) since 2013, currently serving as its Finance Chair. Jaime is a healthcare Finance Manager, handling multi-million-dollar contracts and ensuring access to quality care for patients. He has also been a subject matter expert in their expansion efforts.
Jaime has been on the City Council since 2018 and has served on numerous regional boards.
He represents the City in the League of California Cities (2019-Present) and has served on many policy committees. He is on the League’s Board of Directors (2023-Present). He was recently reappointed to the Board. He is also a member of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) and sits on their Board of Directors.
Jaime is a member of the National League of Cities (NLC), where he sits on the Board of Directors and serves on the Board’s Finance Committee. He also sits on the Board of Directors and is President of the Hispanic Elected Local Officials (HELO).
Union City City Council, #3
Cheris Crocker-Root
No statement submitted
Jeff Wang
No statement submitted
Union City City Council, #4
Vipan Bajwa
No statement submitted
Sarabjit Kaur Cheema
With Master’s degrees in Mathematics and Governance, alongside California clear credentials in Mathematics and Punjabi language, my career centers on public service. As a local high school classroom teacher since 2022, I empower future leaders daily. As a realtor, I help families fulfill their American dream of homeownership.
My commitment to our community is backed by proven leadership. During my 12 years on the New Haven Unified School District Board (2010–2022), I consistently balanced multi-million dollar budgets while prioritizing students, staff and classroom success. Furthermore, my 20 year career as a Civil Transportation Engineer provides me with hands-on expertise in sustainable infrastructure, traffic management and smart urban design.
Serving on joint school board and city council committees, I collaborated directly on local land-use planning, campus safety and expanded youth and family services. I also assisted in updating our city’s General Plan 2040. As a former Human Relations Commissioner (2007–2011), I led our local 2010 Census committee, revitalized the Youth Commission and elevated our vibrant Sister City Festival.
As your next Council Member, I am eager to enhance our overall quality of life through strong economic development, public safety, robust community services and vibrant cultural amenities. Together, we can build a safer, more sustainable and prosperous future for all residents.
I am honored to have the endorsement of the Alameda County Democratic Party, Alameda County Firefighters, Tri Cities Democratic Forum, Union City Council Member Scott Sakakihara, Assembly Member Liz Ortega, Alameda County Supervisor Elisa Marquez, Former Assembly Member Bill Quirk, Alameda County Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez, labor leaders and local neighbors. I respectfully ask for your vote for City Council.
Qasim Lodhi
Qasim Lodhi, a software engineer, father, and accomplished community organizer, has announced his candidacy for the Union City City Council, District 4. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering and an MBA. Immersed in technology since an early age of eight, Lodhi built an 18-year career with some of the best Silicon Valley companies, passing a rigorous technical interview to join a top U.S. firm with an under-two% acceptance rate. Endorsed by Carol Dutra-Vernaci (former Mayor Union City), Chuck Kennedy (teacher, former Parks and Recreations Commissioner), and Seyi Mclelland (Planning Commissioner), Lodhi brings an independent, problem-solving approach to local governance.
Driven by the concern of growing disconnect between residents and representatives, Lodhi wants to fix declining public participation. He believes traditional, non-AI technology is underutilized in local government. He will push for policies that bring a tech-forward, people-first mindset to City Council. His policy goals include making it easy for residents to view and understand city performance and log neighborhood concerns that are automatically tracked to evaluate city’s response. He believes this will give residents more control over their decisions and a stronger voice for their concerns. Furthermore, he strongly believes local government must proactively address the AI revolution to safely introduce it into society, and that a leader with a profound understanding of technology is uniquely qualified to guide this transition.
Lodhi’s platform champions vital quality-of-life upgrades. He supports strengthening public safety through community-focused patrols and energy-efficient LED street lighting to deter crime. He also advocates for expanding youth programs and neighborhood recreation. In economic development, Lodhi plans to push for policies that support young entrepreneurs and actively attract tech companies. This strategy prioritizes local, job-generating businesses over passive warehousing, keeping workers from commuting elsewhere and retaining city revenue.
A first-generation American who has called the Bay Area home since 2008 and Union City since 2021, Lodhi previously received an Alameda County Board of Supervisors Commendation for his impactful leadership in civic engagement. His grassroots campaign relies strictly on residents, aiming to bring an open-door, transparent government to Union City.
Ann Yap-Jequinto
No statement submitted
California Ballot Measures
California Statewide Propositions
Prop 1: Bonds for Housing Affordability
This proposition authorizes $11.25 billion in general obligation bonds to fund affordable housing programs. It’s supported by Governor Newsom, the Democratic Party and labor. It has some token opposition from Republican legislators.
Prop 2: Increases State’s Rainy Day Fund
This would increase state budget reserves to protect education, healthcare and public safety during economic downturns.
Prop 3: Permanent Funding for Schools and Health Care by Extending Existing Tax on High Incomes
This proposition extends an existing tax on individuals earning more than an inflation-adjusted $371,000 to fund public education.
Prop 4: Repeals Prohibition Against Public Funding of Election Campaigns
Proposition 4 repeals California’s ban on public funding of candidate campaigns and would allow state and local governments to establish campaign funds. Proponents argue that it will reduce the influence of private money on elections. Opponents argue that it will cost taxpayers money to support candidates they don’t want.
Prop 5: Changes Recall Election Process for Statewide Officers
This measure would fill recall vacancies by special election at a later date or by appointment, instead during the election to recall the elected official. It would allow the recalled officeholder to run in the election to fill the seat they were removed from.
Prop 37: Creates Loan Program for Middle-Income Buyers of Qualified New Homes
Proposition 37 allows the state to borrow up to $25 billion to help prospective homebuyers buy new houses and condos. Bonds are repaid by mortgage payments, so as conceived, it wouldn’t cost the state anything.
Prop 38: Authorizes Bonds for Immunology Medical Research
By authorizing $8.4 billion in bonds for immunology research, Proposition 38 seeks to protect medical science from federal cuts to research programs. Critics argue it will increase state debt and that it disproportionately favors certain types of research and one nonprofit institute.
Prop 39: Prohibits Citizens From Voting Unless They Present Government-Issued ID
This Republican-backed bill would amend the state constitution to require government IDs to vote in person. It also invalidates mail ballots without the last four digits of a government ID on the envelope.
Prop 40: Imposes One-Time Tax on Certain Taxpayers
The so-called billionaire’s tax imposes a one time 5% hit on taxpayers with assets over $1 billion. The money bypasses school funding requirements and the state spending limit. It would put tens of billions of dollars into health services over several years. Supported by Sen. Bernie Sanders and healthcare workers, opponents argue it will accelerate the flight of wealthy residents to more tax-friendly jurisdictions.
Proposition 41: Special-tax audits and spending-limit rules
Prop 41 requires the state auditor to review special tax proposals before they go to voters, making it harder to pass special taxes. Critics say it’s a billionaire-funded effort to undo the Billionaire Tax (Prop 40). New special taxes would count toward the state’s spending limit, potentially triggering automatic refunds and reducing funding for other state programs.
Proposition 42: Personal property and retroactive tax ban
Prop 42 makes it harder to create a wealth tax, prohibiting new taxes on the mere ownership of assets such as investment accounts, business interests and personal property. Prop 41 is considered an attempt to block Prop 40.
Proposition 43: Local tax limitation
Prop 43 increases the passage requirement for local citizen-driven special tax ballot initiatives from a majority to two-thirds. Supporters say it keeps special interest groups from leveraging the simple majority system; opponents say it makes it harder to fund local services.
Proposition 44: Community clinic spending requirement
Prop 44 requires community clinics that serve low income patients to spend 90% of annual revenue on patient care. Supporters believe it will prevent clinics overspending on executive pay. Opponents think it’s unnecessary because clinics are already regulated, and that compliance costs could force some clinics to close.
Proposition 45: Environmental review changes
Sponsored by the California Chamber of Commerce, Prop 45 puts a 365-day limit on environmental reviews for projects designated as “essential,” such as roads and bridges. It also requires courts to rule within 270 days on environmental review lawsuits. It’s opposed by Sierra Club California.
Regional Measure
RTM, Bay Area
Issues a sales tax for 14 years to fund public transportation in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Tax rates would be 1.0% in San Francisco and 0.5% in other counties.
