Desis On The Ballot: Chandra Wagh, Fremont City Council, District 5

Chandra Wagh, 56, grew up in India, completing his undergraduate studies in Amravati before pursuing an MS in Software Systems from BITS Pilani. He moved to Fremont – where he still lives – in 1999, and made a successful career at companies like Cisco and Workaday. He is also the president of the nonprofit Circle of Consciousness & Happiness Bay Area.

Now, 25 years after he immigrated to the United States, Wagh is running for city council from Fremont’s 5th District. In the lead-up to the elections, we asked him to tell us more about his vision for Fremont in the next five years.

Your one-minute pitch to voters

I’ve been a community leader and volunteer for over two decades. I am a long-time Fremont resident. Using my program management expertise and passion for volunteering to serve the communities, I’m committed to addressing the issues we face in Fremont. From improving public safety and addressing the growing homelessness crisis to tackling traffic congestion, I aim to serve our community with practical solutions that will enhance the quality of life for all residents.

What will you do on your first day in office, if you are elected?

On my first day in office, my priority will be to set the agenda for future meetings and ensure that we address critical issues facing our community. I will seek detailed updates on ongoing projects, budgets, and key issues requiring immediate attention, such as public safety, homelessness, infrastructure, and traffic congestion. It’s important to understand the status of these initiatives and how we can make meaningful progress.

Additionally, I will prioritize the policies at the forefront of my campaign because they reflect the concerns of our residents. I aim to begin taking concrete steps toward addressing these challenges immediately, with transparency and accountability at every step. I will align these priorities with the community’s broader needs to create a thriving, safe, and sustainable Fremont for everyone.

What are your top three priorities in office?

First, public safety has become a significant concern since the pandemic. I am deeply committed to ensuring the safety and security of our communities here in Fremont. Safety is not just a privilege but a fundamental human right every resident deserves to enjoy without fear or hesitation.

Secondly, homelessness is a growing challenge that affects every city. While we recognize this as a humanitarian issue, neighborhood encampments pose safety risks and create unhygienic conditions. I will work to prevent such camps from forming and remove existing encampments. Additionally, I will foster collaboration between government, non-profits, faith-based groups, businesses, and the community to support families at risk of homelessness and address this issue holistically.

Lastly, our parks are not just green spaces; they are the heart of our community, where families gather, children play, and residents connect with nature. I’ll prioritize the development of inclusive playgrounds, dog parks, and facilities that cater to our community’s diverse needs.

What are the major challenges that your city is facing?

Fremont faces several key challenges that require immediate attention. Public safety remains a top concern, with residents seeking greater resources for law enforcement and improved community policing to ensure safe neighborhoods. Alongside this, the growing homelessness crisis is impacting the city, with encampments raising concerns about health, safety, and the need for comprehensive housing and support services.

Traffic congestion is another pressing issue, as Fremont’s roads struggle to keep up with population growth and commuting patterns, affecting the quality of life for residents and increasing commute times.

Additionally, declining student opportunities within Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) are alarming, as budget constraints and dwindling resources impact the quality of education and limit extracurricular and academic programs for students. Addressing these challenges will require collaborative efforts to create sustainable solutions for Fremont’s future.

What sets you apart from your competitors in the race?

I am better equipped to serve Fremont than my opponent for several reasons. My opponent (Yajing Zhang), having served on the FUSD board, has failed to address significant issues and budget challenges within the district. These unresolved concerns directly impact our community’s future.

In contrast, I bring extensive corporate management experience, having successfully led projects involving communication, negotiation, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders. These skills are critical in executing policies that benefit Fremont’s residents. Moreover, as a long-time community leader and volunteer, I have firsthand experience serving the people. I understand the needs of our community, my commitment to improving public safety, addressing homelessness, and reducing traffic congestion.

My track record as a leader who puts the community first makes me a stronger, more trustworthy candidate to tackle Fremont’s challenges effectively and transparently.

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