Tuesday night’s Dec. 10 city council meeting marked the last one of the year for Fremont, and it left a bittersweet taste as sworn-in newcomers filled the seats of the veterans who came before them. As the evening unfolded, residents and public officials took to the floor, offering heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing members and expressing their hopes for a brighter future under the new leadership.
“Your dedication to Fremont and the community has been constant,” said resident Henry Liang in a heartfelt public comment addressed to former Mayor Lily Mei.
With his father there to swear him in and close relatives beaming by his side, Raj Salwan received a warm welcome to his mayoral seat. Previously serving as vice mayor and District 5 councilmember, Salwan earned recognition for spearheading initiatives to enhance quality of life, including city-adopted measures to alleviate traffic congestion. In his acceptance speech, Mayor Salwan addressed the community’s calls for change and underscored the power of unity in shaping a stronger, more connected Fremont.
“As mayor for all, I will be a leader for all, for those who voted for me, and those who did not,” Salwan said.
District 6’s Teresa Cox will not return to the council after losing the election to Raymond Liu. In her farewell speech, she reflected on her four years of service at Fremont City Hall. Despite the disappointment of the election results, Cox emphasized the importance of unity and pledged her support for the incoming council as they prepare to lead the city forward.
“You are the backbone of our city government,” Cox said, addressing council members.
The newly formed city council will be led by Mayor Salwan and include six council members: Vice Mayor Desrie Campbell representing District 2 since 2022, Yang Shao, representing District 4 since 2018; Kathy Kimberlin, the District 3 representative sworn in this past September; Teresa Keng from District 1; and newcomers Yajing Zhang and Raymond Liu, representing Districts 5 and 6 respectively. Reflecting on her recent election, council member Zhang expressed her gratitude this holiday season, calling it particularly meaningful as she celebrates the trust placed in her by Fremont residents.
“I have received a gift unlike any other,” Zhang said. “I consider it the gift of a lifetime.”
With emotion in her voice, Lily Mei shared her 20-year journey in Fremont City Hall, from an everyday mother who just wanted to make a difference in her community, to a twice-elected mayor. In her closing speech, she reflected on her legacy of service, emphasizing that her time in office was never about seeking accolades or recognition, but about being a catalyst for positive change.
“And I hope with every fiber of my being that I’ve succeeded in that mission,” Mei said.
