UPLIFTING THE VOICES OF OUR CHILDREN

 Growing up, I never imagined one of our City’s leaders could look like me, and serving as a mentor to Campbell students I’ve seen firsthand the life changing impact that sharing stories of representation can have on children. 

I plan to meet with every class of Campbell elementary schoolers and share my story — because everyone should grow up believing that they can succeed in their life’s journey.

 Having mentored Campbell schoolchildren as young as 11 and 12 years old, one of the most heartbreaking issues that comes up is a struggle with mental health. Students have significant mental health problems impacted by school closures, economic stress at home due to the struggles of working class families in Silicon Valley, the fear of losing family members to a broken immigration system, and even issues with gangs at Campbell public schools. It’s heartbreaking that children struggle to deal with these issues and that community leaders have largely abdicated responsibility. 

I plan to implement a citywide mental health policy, inspired by San Jose’s model, in order to raise awareness, increase resources for treatment and prevention, and reduce stigma associated with mental health. 

 The sight of families and children at City events and our Farmers’ Market is always a joyful and welcome sight. But many of these families are in danger of being priced out of Campbell forever. 

In order to keep our small town feel, we have to ensure Campbell families can continue to live here. For more details, please see my Housing policy.

 I will organize quality volunteer childcare for all City Council meetings and large public events, so parents don’t have to choose between caring for their child and having a voice in our community’s public affairs. 

 I will administer the $50 million dollar Measure O bond, including setting benchmarks and goals for contractors as needed, while making sure all safety and labor standards are adhered to. Additionally, I will ensure that the library receives due resources since the money must be shared with a new public safety center. 

 I was proud to support Measures P and K to fully fund our Campbell public schools. While those measures failed to pass, I will advocate for increased state funding as we weather the pandemic-induced recession.

 Too often, our local governing bodies don’t talk to each other. While a monthly joint meeting has been set up between the City and school boards, it is usually sparsely attended. 

I plan to work proactively with our education leaders to best serve our community. Where appropriate, I will also actively support our local districts’ policy proposals at the state level, as well as to use my voice and platform to support our children’s education, such as through penning op-eds in local papers.

  As Councilmember, I will use my platform to amplify school initiatives such as fundraising drives, and use my private sector experience to bring in new sources of revenue to our local schools.

 One of the greatest challenges our community faces is attracting and retaining teachers, as many can no longer afford to live in Campbell or the South Bay. When teachers have to move out, it disrupts our children’s education and threatens the cohesiveness of our community. 

I will explore the use of city-owned land or the possibility of land swap deals to tackle our housing crisis and support our teachers.

  I will use my network to create exciting author signings and cultural events at no cost to the community. Additionally, I will support children’s programming, such as participating in community storytime. These events can be held at Campbell Library, through the Campbell Historical Museum, or in partnership with local bookstores. 

  In the 1990s, Campbell utilized the public parking lot on E. Campbell Street (currently next to Orchard Valley Coffee) for free Movie Nights open to the entire community. These were supported from private funds and run by volunteers but free to all. I will explore bringing these back—when public health allows—as a free community event.