By love-89.com As the race for the San Gabriel City Council heats up, Councilman Tony Ding participated in the first public forum organized by the Women’s Foundation and the Women Voters Alliance at the community center, where all five candidates shared their platforms. During the event, Ding reflected on his accomplishments in office, promising to continue advancing city development if re-elected.
Ding opened the discussion by outlining three major challenges facing San Gabriel: enhancing communication and interaction with residents to better listen to public concerns; addressing the urgent need for infrastructure improvements, particularly in road repairs; and promoting youth participation in city governance while increasing financial transparency within the city government. He emphasized that these issues are vital for the future operations of the city.
Fellow Council member Carina Rivera emphasized the importance of better fiscal management in future city development and encouraged more community involvement in local governance. She advocated for an inclusive approach that welcomes diverse voices and fosters closer partnerships with local businesses to provide beneficial services and activities for families and the community.
Reflecting on his time in office, Ding highlighted his success in improving San Gabriel’s financial standing, transforming a deficit into a surplus, and significantly enhancing road conditions—raising the city’s Pavement Condition Index (PCI) from 52 to 82, thus improving the quality of life for residents. He also noted that during his tenure as mayor in 2022, the city launched 19 construction projects and introduced the “Ride” program, which allows residents to access rides similar to Uber for just $1, addressing some transportation challenges for the community.
Attendees expressed their approval of Ding’s accomplishments. One resident, Ms. Wang, remarked that Ding has not only made significant contributions to infrastructure but has also actively organized community events, notably the “Stop Asian Hate” initiative and Lantern Festival celebrations, fostering community unity and cultural pride. She reminisced about how these events, including the Independence Day celebrations, attracted thousands, with drone shows that were particularly popular.
Ding reiterated his commitment to maintaining city infrastructure, improving public safety, and ensuring transparency in city operations. He promised to support small business development while maintaining a balanced budget, contributing to San Gabriel’s long-term growth and prosperity.