Saratoga prepares for council elections

The city of Saratoga will be holding elections for three four-year term positions on the City Council this November.

The five candidates include  former mayor Emily Lo, resident John Chen, Planning Commission member Mary-Lynne Bernald, community volunteer Rishi Kumar and Saratoga parent Yan Zhao.

These positions entail serving on and reviewing  committees and agencies and representing the city, among other responsibilities.

Voting takes place on Nov. 4, and vote-by-mail ballots have already been sent out.

Each candidate has posted signs around town and is running a campaign.

“There are five of us running in this race, and each of us bring our own merit and the best of intentions to the table,” said Kumar.

According to Kumar, his previous involvement volunteering in the community prompted his venture into local politics.

“I had caught the volunteering bug,” Kumar joked. “Working with our community [and] solving its challenges and issues truly energizes me, and I hope to continue doing that as Saratoga’s worker bee on the city council.”

Kumar said that he wants to use his vision, energy and leadership to benefit the community, but also plans to listen to the ideas of citizens.

“[I hope to] to continue making the right choices, and teaming with our citizens, listening to them, bringing our energy, dedication and volunteering passion,” Kumar said.

Bernald said that if elected, her “main goal is not to disappoint any of [my sponsors] or the voters of Saratoga.”

Bernald said that it is important City Council members have prior experience or involvement in the city.

“City Council works most smoothly when the elected officials are knowledgeable about the city, its past and its potential for the future,” Bernald said.

Chen, who has not had previous election experience, is hoping to be elected because as an ordinary citizen, his voice was not heard.

“I found that in order to gain more attention for Saratoga from the Board of Directors of the VTA (Valley Transportation Authority), it is easier to have a City Council member contact the board,” Chen said.

Lo, the only incumbent seeking  re-election, is the current mayor. Lo said that her experience in leadership would be invaluable in mentoring new leaders in the city government.

“If re-elected, I will continue to serve with common sense, respect and integrity,” said Lo. “I will ensure that the city is fiscally strong and answers to its residents.”

Zhao, a volunteer on the Saratoga Planning Commission and resident for 16 years, said she is running to give back to the community.

“[My family and I] have enjoyed so much of what Saratoga offers, and as a good citizen of the great community, I want to contribute and help make Saratoga the best place to live not only for my children, but also for generations to come,” she said.