Milpitas mayor eager for a Dagupan visit
MAYOR Jose “Joe” Esteves of Milpitas in California, a Dagupeño, will be a balikbayan soon.
“I am always homesick – I like to see my kabaleyan.I like to smell the air and feel the place where I lived for 30 plus years,” Esteves said in an e-mail interview.
The five-time mayor, who won his latest mandate last November 6 by getting 72.86 per cent of the total 25,000 votes over his opponent, said he is proud to be “a Dagupeño, a Pangasinense and a Filipino”.
He said he has a lot of fond memories of Dagupan and misses the beach, the fishpond, the market full of fresh seafood, vegetables and fruits, good restaurants, bibingka on the streets at night, fruit trees, the city and the still rural atmosphere, the leisurely life “and just walking along the city sidewalk”.
The 66-year old Esteves said he has kept the Filipino values of “pursuing excellence in any endeavor and volunteerism – helping in any manner, pride of being a Dagupeño – Sigue Dagupan! and being a significant contributor anywhere you are”.
Esteves holds two degrees, Civil Engineering and Industrial Engineering, and masters in Business from the University of the Philippines in Diliman.
But while on a personal journey, Esteves is also visiting his hometown soon to strengthen the sisterhood agreement between Milpitas and Dagupan.
PUBLIC SERVICE
Asked about his top three major programs that endeared him to Milpitas people, Esteves cited building the New Library on budget and on schedule; economic development, business retention and development for more jobs and the city’s financial strength by cutting costs; and increasing revenue sources that fund development projects.
For his next term which starts officially on December 4, Esteves aims to fully resolve the city’s budget deficit, reach out to more complementary businesses to come to Milpitas, and increase programs for the youth, seniors, and businesses.
He considers his strong character and transparency in governances as his keys to success in all his five successful political battles for the mayoralty post. He added the importance of dedication and sincerity to perform official duties and the support of family and many friends
“I have never missed a single Council meeting since I was elected in 1998,” said Esteves who also served as city councilman from 1998 to 2002.
Esteves also cited consistent clean campaigning, which means “no mudslinging,” he said.
He said he wants to leave a legacy as a true public servant working for the benefit of the people.–Eva Visperas
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