Endorsed Candidate
Gary Singh For Union City Mayor
- Founder and CEO of Bay Star Auto
- Former Union City Planning Commissioner
- Elected to the Union City Council in 2016 and re-elected in 2020
Gary has been a resident of Union City for nearly three decades. It’s where he built my business and where Gary and his wife raised their children. Gary was elected to the City Council in 2016 to take on the challenges our city faced, and in 2018, Gary called for an audit to improve efficiency across city departments. Gary has tirelessly worked closely with the police department and city leaders to address rising crime rates.
Gary Singh is deeply passionate about Union City, and Gary will continue to pursue innovative solutions to provide more affordable housing, improve infrastructure, and secure our city’s financial future. As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, Gary is committed to ensuring that Union City comes back stronger than ever.
There are difficult challenges ahead, but with dedication, teamwork, and perseverance, Gary says he is confident that together we can achieve great things for Union City. Vote Gary Singh for Mayor of Union City!
Gary’s Vision, Issues, & Values
Gary Singh’s Stand on Public Safety – Police
While the FBI reports that violent crime has decreased an estimated 3.0% in 2023 and robbery decreased 0.3% nationally, those statistics are of little comfort when your vehicle was broken into while you slept, or your home robbed while you were at work. Union City currently operates on average with only four officers on duty at a time- one officer for every 17,000 residents. This is insufficient given the rising concerns over theft, hate crimes, and reckless activities such as sideshows and violent robberies at the city’s two recreational marijuana stores, which have been on the rise.
Gary Singh’s Stand on Public Safety – Fire & Emergency Medical Response
Budget shortfalls resulted in the closure of a local fire station, a move made by the city and strongly criticized by public safety advocates and residents who find the decision particularly alarming given the rise in California wildfires. Moreover, many Union City residents are over 65, and delayed emergency medical response times can be the difference between life and death for many seniors. Gary Singh believes it is crucial that the city prioritize investments in public safety to protect both our elderly population and the community at large from increasing criminal activities, life-threatening incidents or the ever-present danger of wild fires.
Gary Singh’s Prioritizing Neighborhood & Children’s Safety
In the past 14 months we have seen strong protests from many residents against recreational marijuana stores proposed for residential neighborhoods. Parents have also voiced concerns over tobacco availability, particularly those raised by James Logan High School in collaboration with Alameda County. As a parent himself, Gary understands these concerns deeply. The community has been very clear about wanting to keep harmful substances away from our youth and residential spaces, and Gary will continue to work toward a solution that prioritizes the health and well-being of all Union City residents.
Gary Singh’s Priority for Infrastructure
Reinvestment in our public infrastructure is essential. This includes addressing the conditions of our streets, improving public transportation, upgrading street lighting, and ensuring timely repairs to sidewalks and damage from trees. Gary also knows that residents are frustrated over the seemingly endless construction work on the “Winchester Mystery House” of throughfares- Decoto Road. Gary is committed to enhancing current infrastructure and making necessary additions to improve the overall quality of life for residents. Gary is focused on creating a system where public transportation, streets, lighting, and services are reinvested in and well maintained.
Gary Singh’s Vision for Housing & Development
Union City is a wonderful place for families, and we must ensure it remains that way. Affordable housing options for people across all income levels are critical to achieving this goal. Union City must expand housing opportunities near public transit and support homeowners and small property owners in adding additional units on their properties. Simplifying the permitting process for these developments encourages broader participation in solving the housing issue, ensuring that our community thrives.
Gary Singh’s Concern for Homelessness
Addressing homelessness must be a key priority for our city. This includes enhancing existing programs and addressing homelessness with practical social services solutions. Our community well-being is at the forefront of these efforts. The city must also focus on social services and providing sustainable solutions for homelessness, aiming to create a healthier and more connected community.
Gary Singh’s Goals for Economic & Business Development
As a small business owner, Gary Singh understands the importance of nurturing startups and supporting local businesses. As mayor, he will work to attract high-revenue businesses to Union City. These efforts will not only boost public revenue and create quality new local jobs, but also meet the community’s desire for more local dining and entertainment options. A major focus will be revitalizing Union Landing, turning it into a vibrant center for innovative and exciting businesses.
Gary Singh’s Take on City Budget & Finances
Gary Singh has a strong record of protecting taxpayers. During his time in office, Union City has overcome financial difficulties largely through the support of its residents, who have consistently approved self-imposed tax measures like parcel, utility, and sales taxes. Gary has learned from conversations with district residents that the community is willing to invest in a brighter future as long as they see tangible outcomes. His track record speaks to his dedication to safeguarding taxpayers’ interests, and Gary will remain committed to this mission as mayor.
Gary Singh’s Desire for Vibrant Parks & Open Spaces
Gary is committed to maintaining and enhancing the city’s parks and open spaces, promoting a lifestyle that supports overall well-being and safe spaces for families. Recreational facilities must remain open and accessible for public use, and all new housing projects must include the creation of additional outdoor spaces. Collaborating with local schools to share playgrounds and facilities will further benefit the community, creating spaces for all to enjoy.
Endorsed Candidate
Wendy Huang For Union City City Council
-
- Director of Sales & Marketing High-Tech Industry (retired)
- Real Estate Investor
- Community Activist
Wendy has been a resident of Union City for 26 years, where Wendy and her husband raised their two children. In addition to her career in real estate investing, she thrived in a successful decade-long career in the high-tech sector which demonstrates her ability to lead and manage complex operations effectively.
As Director of Sales & Marketing and later Director of Operations, Wendy worked with hundreds of tech companies from start-ups to Fortune 500 firms. She has successfully achieved sales goals and made her company profitable. Her leadership and communication abilities (fluent in English, Mandarin and Taiwanese) will bring a much-needed fresh vision to the city council, focusing on safety, economic growth, fiscal responsibility, and assuring that residents’ voices will be heard.
Wendy worked tirelessly with other Union City residents to achieve the removal of hazardous encampments, and successfully blocked a new retail cannabis outlet from opening in residential area near children’s homes and schools.
Wendy is running as the only Asian city council candidate in Union City. With renewed leadership, Union City can thrive with its diverse residents. Together, let’s make Union City a safe and prosperous city to live, work and play. Vote Wendy Huang for City Council District One – Union City!
Wendy Huang’s Stand on Public Safety – Police
Wendy Huang is fully committed to making Union City a safe and vibrant place for every resident, family, and business. The recent rise in auto thefts, home break-ins, and commercial burglaries is deeply concerning and highlights the urgent need for more effective public safety measures. Union City must not become a haven for crime or juvenile delinquency. To tackle these growing issues, Wendy is determined to strengthen law enforcement support by increasing the number of on-duty police officers. The current shortage of first responders hampers the ability of law enforcement to respond promptly and efficiently to emergencies. By expanding the police force, Wendy aims to reduce response times and ensure a visible police presence in neighborhoods throughout Union City.
In addition to enhancing law enforcement, Wendy supports expanding crime prevention initiatives, such as community-based programs like Neighborhood Watch. These initiatives are vital in fostering collaboration between residents and police, creating a watchful community network that can prevent crime before it happens. Wendy also recognizes the need for specific safety programs aimed at protecting vulnerable groups, including children and seniors, ensuring that everyone feels safe in their own neighborhoods.
Wendy’s ultimate goal is to foster a community where every resident feels safe, and businesses can thrive without fear. By making public safety a top priority, Wendy is dedicated to building a stronger, safer Union City that we can all be proud to call home.
Wendy Huang on Working Together to Restore Civic Pride
Twenty-five years ago, Union City earned the prestigious title of “All-America City” from the National Civic League, a recognition that celebrated our community’s ability to collaborate, innovate, and tackle local challenges together. Sadly, we have not achieved this honor since. Wendy Huang believes it is time to reignite the spirit of civic engagement, cooperation, and community-driven solutions that once made Union City a national example.
Wendy is dedicated to restoring Union City’s reputation as a place where every resident feels heard, respected, and empowered to contribute to the community. She understands that building a safe and successful city begins with active civic participation and eliminating the obstacles that prevent residents from engaging with local government. Wendy champions innovative methods to boost public involvement in city meetings and decision-making processes, ensuring that all voices, especially those from marginalized or historically underrepresented communities, are included.
Union City deserves leadership that prioritizes transparent, thoughtful decision-making and fosters community unity. Wendy is committed to leading with integrity and inclusivity, working toward a Union City once again celebrated for its innovation, collaboration, and shared successes.
Wendy Huang’s Priority for Infrastructure
Our city’s infrastructure is the backbone of our community, and maintaining it should be a top priority. Unfortunately, like many cities, we are falling behind in maintaining critical infrastructure, often diverting funds to unnecessary projects. Across the state, we see examples of misplaced priorities, like the installation of bike lanes and changing curbs, while basic infrastructure suffers. In San Jose, for instance, the introduction of 90-degree curbs- intended to improve pedestrian safety- has ironically led to an increase in pedestrian injuries, illustrating how well-intentioned projects can backfire without proper foresight.
Major arteries like Alvarado-Niles and Decoto Road have been under constant construction, yet their issues remain unresolved. Potholes that have been present for years continue to cause damage to vehicles and create dangerous driving conditions. These roads are vital to our city’s transportation network, yet they are being neglected in favor of cosmetic improvements that don’t address the real issues.
The need to maintain all city infrastructure- roads, sidewalks, public utilities, and more- is crucial to the well-being and safety of our community. We need a pragmatic approach that prioritizes fixing what is broken, rather than funneling money into flashy, unnecessary projects. By focusing on addressing long-standing issues like potholes and deteriorating roads, we can ensure that our infrastructure supports the growth, safety, and prosperity of our city. It’s time to make responsible infrastructure investment our top priority.
Wendy Huang’s Vision for Housing & Development
Affordable housing and smart residential development are crucial to ensuring our city remains livable and vibrant. Unfortunately, many cities, including ours, are struggling to fast-track the approval process for new construction. This red tape frustrates contractors, delays progress, and worsens our housing crisis. It’s clear that we need to build, but we must do so thoughtfully.
New developments can place a heavy burden on existing infrastructure, such as roads, water, and sewer systems, as well as increase traffic. It’s essential that any growth plan considers these pressures to avoid creating an urban mess of overcrowding, crime, and congestion. We cannot allow unchecked development to overwhelm our city, creating new problems while solving others.
That’s why Wendy supports working collaboratively with contractors, developers, and local residents to find affordable solutions to our housing challenges. By streamlining the approval process while ensuring that all stakeholders are heard, we can foster development that balances growth with the needs of our community. Importantly, we must ensure that the infrastructure keeps pace, providing open spaces, recreation, schools, and necessary utilities for both current and future residents.
Thoughtful planning and development are key to preserving the character and livability of our city while addressing the housing shortage. Wendy wants to build a future where everyone can afford to live in a city that remains safe, vibrant, and well-planned. Together, we can meet this challenge without compromising our quality of life.
Wendy Huang’s Concern for Homelessness
Wendy understands that Union City is currently grappling with a homelessness crisis, one that requires thoughtful, compassionate, and enduring solutions. The growing population of individuals and families without stable housing, many of whom are facing challenges such as substance abuse and mental health issues, underscores the urgent need for a coordinated response. Wendy’s plan for addressing homelessness centers on fostering strong collaborations between local non-profits, community leaders, and government agencies. She recognizes that no one organization or group can tackle this crisis alone. By uniting these diverse entities, Wendy aims to create initiatives that not only meet the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness but also address the deeper, underlying issues that perpetuate cycles of instability. This approach emphasizes comprehensive support, focusing on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of individuals, which is essential for achieving lasting recovery and helping them transition into permanent, stable housing.
Wendy Huang’s Goals for Economic & Business Development
To drive Union City forward, Wendy emphasizes the importance of attracting high-quality businesses, particularly in industries like biotech, hospitality, and high-tech—sectors that neighboring Tri-City areas have successfully tapped into to boost revenue and generate stable, well-paying jobs. Union City doesn’t need more warehouses; it needs forward-thinking leadership that prioritizes creating a business-friendly environment capable of attracting the right types of investments. Wendy is dedicated to collaborating with city leaders and stakeholders to bring in businesses that contribute to long-term community prosperity without compromising the quality of life for residents.
For local businesses, safety is equally essential. Businesses must be able to operate confidently, knowing they are safeguarded from theft and vandalism. Wendy’s plan to bolster public safety is designed to create a secure environment that not only protects businesses but also promotes economic growth and encourages further investment in Union City.
Wendy Huang’s Take on City Budget & Finances
Wendy Huang leverages her extensive experience in high-tech management and corporate business operations to address the critical issue of fiscal management in Union City. With the city facing annual deficits, Union City has reached a pivotal moment. The ongoing reliance on tax increases as a temporary solution is unsustainable and places an unnecessary strain on residents. Wendy firmly believes that the path forward requires fiscal responsibility, balanced budgets, and strategic economic growth. Her professional background gives her the skills necessary to curb excessive government spending and guide Union City toward financial equilibrium. Having managed complex budgets, streamlined operations, and improved efficiency in large organizations, her focus is on fiscal responsibility, eliminating wasteful spending, and fostering meaningful economic development. Wendy’s vision for Union City is one of financial stability, achieved not through repeated tax increases but through smart growth, responsible governance, and a commitment to the lasting well-being of the city’s residents.
Wendy Huang’s Support for Proposition 36
Ten years ago, voters approved Proposition 47, which sought to reduce California’s prison overcrowding by making many theft and drug crimes mere misdemeanors. As a consequence, the rate of shoplifting and commercial burglaries skyrocketed, especially in Alameda County. The Public Policy Institute of California found that shoplifting of merchandise worth up to $950 soared 28% over the past five years- the highest level since 2000. Since then, prosecutors, police and retailers have identified the relaxing of the law under Prop 476 as contributory to the increase in property crimes, drug trafficking and homelessness. Wendy is the only candidate for city council who supports stronger laws against theft and drug trafficking.
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
