Dagupeño wins 5th term as mayor in US

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines – The mayor of a city in California longs for his native Dagupan.

Mayor Jose “Joe” Esteves of Milpitas, California told The STAR in an email that he has many memories of life in Dagupan and the good times he had with friends and schoolmates.

“I am always homesick – I like to see my kabaleyan (citymates),” he said. “I like to smell the air and feel the place where I lived for 30-plus years.”

He misses the beach, the fishponds, the market full of fresh seafood, vegetables and fruits, restaurants, bibingka (rice cake) on the streets at night, fruit trees, the city and rural atmosphere, the leisurely life “and just walking along the city sidewalk,” he added.

Up to now he still imbibes Filipino values of “pursuing excellence in any endeavor and volunteerism – helping in any manner, pride of being a Dagupeño – Sigue (Forward) Dagupan! and being a significant contributor anywhere you are,” he said.

The 66-year-old Esteves said his top three major programs that endeared him to the people of Milpitas are:

• Building the New Library on budget and on schedule;

• Economic development, business retention and development for more jobs and financial strength by cutting city costs; and

• Increasing sources of revenues thus keeping full city services to residents and businesses.

The five-time mayor of Milpitas won re-election last Nov. 6 with 72.86 percent of votes (12,504) over his opponent.

Esteves said he aims to completely resolve the city’s budget deficit and reach out to more complementary businesses to come to Milpitas and increase programs for the youth, seniors, and businesses when his new term starts on Dec. 4.

The keys to his success are strong character and ethical practices in government operations, open government, transparency in all transactions, and accessibility by any Milpitas resident, he added.

Esteves cited the importance of dedication to performing city services obligations/responsibilities and being sincere to people, support from family and many friends.

“I have never missed a single Council meeting since I was elected in 1998,” he said.

Esteves said his perennial victory was due to excellence in performance – having been selected as Best Elected Official every year that he was mayor – proven record and character, and leadership.

“I make tough decisions including negotiations with powerful employee unions,” he said.

Esteves also cited consistent clean campaign materials: “No mudslinging.”

Every term that he had served translated to significant benefits and services to the people of Milpitas, he added.

Esteves said he has no immediate political plan but to “continue excellence in public service, doing the maximum and extraordinary accomplishments as mayor.”

“This is the best way to prepare for any higher or different responsibility,” he said.

Esteves said every time he wins, he always feels excited.

“Yes… every election is always different – different competition, issues, platform, challenges, events, volunteers, others. I always start with a new goal and plan,” he said.

Esteves said he wants to be remembered as a true public servant working for the benefit of the people.

“I would like people to have confidence, trust and respect in me and value all the accomplishments I completed and services I rendered,” he said.

Esteves said politics was not part of his original plan in life, but to be successful in his career.

“My desire was to volunteer and lead in my community and church, to be a major contributor .with projects and programs,” he said.

Esteves finished two Science degrees, Civil Engineering and Industrial Engineering, at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

He also finished his Masters in Business in UP in 1975.

Esteves won as Milpitas mayor in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2012.

One term is two years and three successive terms is the limit so he took a break for one term in 2009 to 2010 and came back to run in 2010.

Esteves was also elected city councilman (1998-2002).

Fifteen percent of the total Milpitas voting population of 25,000 or 3,750 are Filipino-American voters.

Esteves is the first Filipino to serve as mayor in the United States, according to Wikipedia.