Union City Council candidate Wendy Huang hosted her first campaign fundraising dinner on Tuesday, July 16, receiving recognition and support from bipartisan political figures and the public. Mayor Mustafa and dozens of supporters attended the event, cheering her on in her campaign efforts.
Guests who showed up to support that evening included the mayor, former city council members, university district trustees, and several community leaders. Wendy Huang, who immigrated from Taiwan to the United States at the age of 13 and has been a resident of Union City for nearly 26 years, shared her background of working in the high-tech industry for over 12 years, serving as a company’s operations director, and then shifting her focus to family as her career.
During the dinner, Wendy Huang introduced her family, work experience, as well as her reasons and principles for entering politics. She expressed her desire to run for city council to enhance community safety and address severe issues like drug-related deaths among youth. She emphasized the importance of representing the residents’ interests that often go unheard in the city council and vowed to be a voice for the community, engaging with people to understand their concerns.
She pointed out that Union City is one of the cities with the highest tax revenues in the Bay Area and hopes to find ways to cut or postpone unnecessary spending to prevent further tax increases. In conclusion, she stated, “We need to unite, regardless of background and belief; safety should be everyone’s right.”
Mayor Carmen Montano of Union City came to show her support for Wendy on the day, stating they share common values of ensuring public safety and financial responsibility in the city. Despite facing challenges and potential budget cuts, Mayor Montano expressed confidence that Wendy Huang’s election would not compromise public safety in Union City. She affirmed her full support for Wendy and expressed her belief in Wendy’s readiness for the role.
Former Union City Council Member Jim Navarro expressed his admiration for Wendy Huang’s attitude and principles, urging friends to vote for her and generously contribute to her campaign. He highlighted the substantial financial resources required for political campaigns and encouraged everyone to donate and rally support for Wendy.
Rishi Kumar, former Saratoga City Council Member, praised Wendy Huang’s qualities that make her a standout council member and stressed the critical need for public safety in California, particularly in the Bay Area, an issue Wendy Huang prioritizes. He expressed confidence in Wendy’s potential to win the election due to her courage to stand at the forefront and called for full support from the community through campaigning efforts, financial contributions, and involvement of children in the election campaign.
Founder of Citizens Unite and Coalition for Community Engagement, Edward Escobar, revealed active efforts to push for the recall of Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price. As public safety deteriorates and communities decline in the Bay Area, he emphasized the importance of supporting candidates like Wendy Huang who prioritize public safety and oppose crime, urging practical actions to back Wendy’s candidacy.
Dr. Luis Reynoso, board member of Chabot-Las Positas Community College, pledged his full support for Wendy Huang, likening the Bay Area to a chain of dominoes where each piece is interconnected and must be protected. He urged everyone to support candidates like Wendy wholeheartedly, even if through donating time or leveraging personal networks if financial contributions are not feasible.
Additionally, community leaders such as Tuan Ngo, founder of Asians Unite Movement, and Manny Morales, Vice Chair of Values Advocacy Council, attended the dinner to show their support for Wendy Huang and emphasized the importance of community solidarity in endorsing candidates aligned with their values.