Happy New Year! As we embrace the Year of the Dragon, a symbol associated with strength, courage and good fortune, I extend my warmest wishes to each of you. In my role as the mayor of Saratoga for 2024, I find it fitting to reflect on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our cherished city.
First and foremost, I express my deepest gratitude to my fellow council members for entrusting me with the position of mayor. It is both an honor and a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I also extend my appreciation to our current and former council members, whose dedication has been instrumental in shaping Saratoga into the beautiful city we all love.
Serving as your mayor is a significant responsibility, but it also presents incredible opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents. As I embark on this journey, I commit to staying true to my vision and values, including a passion for the well-being of our city and a dedication to fostering an open and inclusive community—elements crucial for building a thriving environment for everyone.
One of our immediate tasks is to update our Housing Element, a process we undertake every eight years to plan for the city’s housing needs. My top priority is to swiftly achieve a certified housing element. Working closely with our staff and consultants, I am hopeful that we can obtain certification from the state’s Housing and Community Development Department early this year. This certification is vital for maintaining our land use controls and ensuring a well-planned, sustainable future for Saratoga.
Anticipating potential financial challenges in the near future, our city council will rigorously review the city’s revenues and services. Balancing our limited revenue opportunities while maintaining quality services to the community is a tough but necessary process to ensure a balanced budget and overall fiscal responsibility.
I extend an invitation to all residents to actively participate in this journey. Your suggestions, opinions and ideas are invaluable. My door is always open, and I encourage anyone wishing to contribute to the dialogue to reach out. Whether over coffee or in a formal meeting, I am eager to hear your thoughts. The strength of our community lies in our collective voice, and your input will guide us in making informed decisions for the betterment of our city.
Looking ahead, I acknowledge the challenges on our path. However, I am confident that with the dedication of our council and city staff and the active involvement of our community, we will not only overcome financial hurdles but also build upon the successes that define Saratoga as an exceptional city.
As we approach the Lunar New Year in February, marking the Year of the Dragon, let us draw inspiration from the symbol’s traits of strength and courage. May this year bring resilience to our community, enabling us to face challenges head on and emerge even stronger. Let us celebrate both big and small successes, using them as steppingstones for further achievements.
Source: www.mercurynews.com