By ignoring us and dishonoring their campaign promises, our city council has repeatedly acted against our best interests and against common sense. For example, they: (1) voted to sell North Campus after promising to keep North Campus for community purposes — 75% of our voters wanted to keep North Campus; (2) voted to impose a utility tax without any citizen oversight or other controls — 80% of our voters rejected that utility tax; (3) wasted limited taxpayer money by building the Gateway pillars and then tearing them down; (4) voted to break the integrity of a low-traffic, low-density, safe and quiet residential neighborhood — and its passive-activity memorial park — by removing heritage trees and imposing high-intensity sports fields with dramatic increases in traffic, danger, and noise; (5) voted to spend nearly 20% of our annual city budget on those high-intensity sports fields while they simultaneously admitted that we remained 17 years behind on basic street maintenance; and (6) ignored our citizen survey results, which clearly reflect priorities that are different from their priorities.

By contrast, I'm committed — and, after the election, I will remain committed — to the following values that we share: (1) fiscal responsibility and sensible budget priorities; (2) preserving Heritage Orchard and existing neighborhood integrity, open spaces, parks, and community charm; (3) rational and open government decision-making that clearly reflects how and why government decisions are made; (4) encouraging and valuing citizen participation in the government decision-making process, including reinstating the commissions; (5) ensuring easy citizen access to government information; and (6) supporting additional game fields if they are necessary, fiscally responsible, and consistent with the surrounding area's character and integrity.

I live north of Highway 85 with my nine-year-old son, who attends Blue Hills Elementary School. As an attorney and business owner, I'm required to establish and maintain budget priorities; draft and negotiate contracts; listen to all competing opinions; ask the right questions; and make rational decisions based on logic and evidence. I'm committed to using my experience and qualifications to help our unique community. Please help us ensure that the next city council is — and will remain — truly committed to our shared values.

Please vote for Hab Siam for Saratoga City Council.