Reason for Running

By Henry Chang Manayan

Current State of Affairs Requires Change in Leadership

I am writing to personally let you know that I am a candidate for election as your Mayor on November 7th.

There are a number of reasons why I am seeking to return as your Mayor, but mainly because so many of you have asked me to run again. I am truly humbled by the support you have offered me so early in this campaign. I promise to work hard to earn the vote of each and every citizen of our great city.

A great city like ours deserves a strong Mayor, one who can address the changing environment, economically, socially and politically. However, as many of you know, there is a crisis in leadership. It's time for a change. It's time to restore to the office of Mayor of Milpitas the respect and honor that it so richly deserves.

I served as Mayor of the City of Milpitas for 3 consecutive terms from 1996 to 2002. I want to share with you my accomplishments. Together, we brought in new companies, created thousands of jobs for our community, generated millions in sales tax revenues, built a beautiful, new City Hall and accumulated a huge budget surplus when I left office. The current administration has drained away that surplus and spent most of the reserves we worked so hard to save.

Our city needs a Mayor who can work with leaders with diverse viewpoints and build a consensus based upon common goals, not personalities. Strong leaders can and will have different views, those are the values that have made America great. The Mayor must be able to tap people's strengths, bridge differences and forge agreements focused upon what is right for the city and the diverse interests that reflect our rich heritage.

Join me in my campaign to re-invigorate our city and bring leadership back to the Office of the Mayor. Let's return to the values that so many other Milpitas Mayors' demonstrated: fiscal strength, diplomacy and leadership that shows respect for all of our citizens and leaders.

Thank you for the opportunity and privilege to serve as your Mayor. I look forward to working with you again very soon.

Sincerely,

Henry Manayan Mayor, City of Milpitas, California (1996 - 2002)