Balancing the budget, a decrease in crime rates and a work culture where the resident comes first: Those are the main things Gary Singh accomplished as Union City mayor.
Singh began his career in local government as a member of the planning commission in 2006. He served for eight years, then was elected as a city councilmember in 2016. After another eight years as a councilmember, he ran for mayor and was elected in 2024. Singh has a small business called Bay Star Auto, which he has owned since 1996.
One of his biggest accomplishments as mayor is balancing the budget. “We balanced the budget last June, this year. It hasn’t been done in more than a decade,” Singh said.
He said they not only got rid of a budget deficit, they also have about 48% of surplus money. Singh said the city made cuts to police department overtime pay, saving almost $400,000. Crime was also reduced by 42% after the department hired eight police officers.
He also made sure that if the city doesn’t have the budget to hire another person, they hold off on hiring for nearly half a year. Singh said that saved them about $250,000 to $300,000.
As a business owner, Singh said he treats residents as customers. He spoke with city staff and made it clear that every phone call, text or email needs to get a response.
He said as of now, residents can pick up the phone and staff will get back to them within 24 hours. City workers who are on vacation should leave another person’s name in their voicemail. That way, the resident can track them down to get their problem fixed.
Singh said he ran his mayoral campaign for two years, knocking on doors three to four hours a day, seven days a week. Even 95 degree heat didn’t stop him. “I knew my competition was very stiff,” he said.
Singh said he faced not only criticism while campaigning, but racism too. “Nothing held me back, I was very determined that I have the experience, I have the expertise,” he said. “I put in my 16 years here already. I am a small business owner, I have the base over here in Union City.”
