'Dublin Residents Deserve The Best': Letter To The Editor

Dear Editor:

I want to thank the residents for giving me the opportunity to represent them on the Dublin City Council. With their continued support and encouragement, I am running for Mayor of Dublin and I humbly ask for their vote. My objectives remain the same, and again I am running a clean money campaign by not taking any contributions from developers or special interest groups.

As Mayor of Dublin, I will take the following imperative actions:

Pause Unsustainable Housing Growth

Dublin is one of the fastest growing cities in California. I will pause housing, stop changing commercial and retail zoning into residential, and push back on unrealistic proposals that builders and developers bring. I am focused on sustainable growth and making decisions in the best interest of our community.

Attract Local Businesses

The location of our city is an envy of many other cities in the Bay Area. With access to two freeways and two BART stations, we need to focus on bringing small business and corporations to Dublin. At the moment, the Downtown Specific Plan is being slowly chipped away by replacing commercial and business designated space into more housing. I will generate meaningful jobs within Dublin by bringing in more corporate offices, retail stores and commercial areas.

Establish a Vibrant Downtown

There is no downtown feel in Dublin. Like our neighboring cities, Pleasanton and Livermore, we need a lively, safe and aesthetic downtown area. I will establish a vibrant downtown where families and friends can gather and enjoy quality time with each other, while supporting local restaurants and retail. A thriving downtown will bring the Dublin community together!

Relieve Traffic Congestion

As the Bay Area grows, the 580 and 680 freeways are becoming increasing congested. Traffic has gotten worse and commuters are using Dublin Blvd. as an alternative. As Mayor, I will install an integrated signal network solution through fiber optics to address the traffic gridlock. With my Intelligent Transportation Systems background and experience in policy and legislation, I will utilize our existing Transportation Management Center and identify funding sources for these technologies beyond just the general fund or developer fees.

Solve District-Wide School Crisis

The original East Dublin Specific Plan had areas designated for elementary, middle and high schools in East Dublin. Once again, it was slowly chipped away and replaced with more houses. Parents and students are able to see the current impacts of past decisions throughout Dublin Schools: classroom sizes above 30 students, challenges to use basic amenities like restrooms, and a high school that is being utilized over its intended design and still anticipated to increase in capacity by another 60% over the next few years. My plan is to:

1. Collaborate with the DUSD Board of Trustees in the delivery of a viable second high school and assist them to expedite its delivery. A new high school is crucial in the eastern geography of the city, with proper planning and infrastructure to support this demand.

2. Address issues in ALL Dublin schools and focus on upgrading infrastructure. My engineering background and construction management expertise will be an asset to the DUSD Board of Trustees.

3. Work diligently with developers to reduce high-density housing for projects that are already vested in order to prevent further overcrowding in schools. A developer’s good faith protects its integrity and relationship with the community.

Born and raised in the East Bay Area, Dublin is more than just a city that I live in. Dublin is where my wife and I are raising our three daughters for over fifteen years. Dublin is a community that believed in me by electing me into the City Council in 2016 and I have delivered on ALL my commitments to the citizens. Dublin is home to thousands of residents who deserve the best. Under the right leadership, we can create an even better Dublin together. We can lead the City of Dublin into a brighter future with an enhanced, proactive vision.

Do the most important thing this November – make your voice heard by voting. The future of Dublin is in your hands.

Thank you,

Arun Goel, Dublin resident