Public Safety
The property crime rate in Fremont is 29.75 per 1000 residents, higher than both the California average of 23.43 and the national average of 20 per 1,000 (source). Safety is not just a privilege but a fundamental human right every resident deserves to enjoy without fear or hesitation.
Our first responders play a crucial role in keeping our communities safe. I will advocate for adequate staffing and technology to ensure they have the tools and support to serve and protect our neighborhoods effectively. I support Prop 36, the Drug and Theft Crime Penalties and Treatment-Mandated Felonies Initiative. By working with law enforcement agencies, we can create safe and thriving neighborhoods for everyone.
Parks and Recreation
Our parks are not just green spaces; they are the heart of our community, where families gather, children play, and residents connect with nature. I’ll prioritize the development of playgrounds, benches for residents to sit on, dog parks for our pets, and other facilities that cater to our community’s diverse needs.
There are particularly long patches of wild grass cutting through Fremont (The Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct) that could be developed into green parks. I will coordinate with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to explore this possibility.
Infrastructure & Development
I’m committed to investing in infrastructure and promoting balanced development to support small and medium-sized businesses. I will also streamline the current planning and building permit process to make it more efficient. Let’s ensure our tax dollars are put to work for a stronger, better Fremont.
Homelessness
Homelessness is a growing challenge that affects every city. While we recognize this as a humanitarian issue, neighborhood encampments pose safety risks and create unhygienic conditions. I will work to prevent such camps from forming and remove existing encampments. Additionally, I will foster collaboration between government, non-profits, faith-based groups, businesses, and the community to support families at risk of homelessness and address this issue holistically.
Mental Health
I realize the importance of prioritizing mental health in our community, as it is essential for addressing a variety of other issues such as homelessness and public safety. If elected, I will coordinate with various mental health organizations and invest in resources to support them. I support Prop 36, which classifies certain drug offenses as treatment-mandated felonies. My eldest son is pursuing psychiatry residency after graduating medical school, sharing my unwavering commitment to mental health.
Chaotic Right Turns
The reform of the right turns in Fremont is a deliberate enforcement by the city to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists (pedestrian and cyclist safety is essential which we all agree). However, the design of right turns (concrete blocks, poles, closing right turning lanes), created chaos and caused significant traffic congestion. To solve one problem, the city created another problem. I will advocate for better solutions to address this issue.
If you have suggestions/concerns to share – email me chandra4fremont@gmail.com