Dagupeño wins 3rd term as US mayor

DAGUPAN CITY — A true-blue Dagupeño has just won his third term as mayor of Milpitas, California, and he says the formula for his latest political success is no secret: Year-round excellence in performance and being consistently in the community.

Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteves, who hails from barangays Bonuan and Pogo Grande in this city, garnered 8,217 votes or 56.8 percent under the Republican Party over his lone opponent, Henry Manayan, a Democrat, who got 43.2 percent. Manayan, a former Milpitas himself, is an Asian (Filipino-Chinese) American.

In an interview with The STAR via e-mail, Esteves said he feels "very rewarded and grateful especially after having significant accomplishments for the city of Milpitas – and after having tremendous support and care from many citizens."

Asked what made the Nov. 7 election different from his previous political fights, Esteves said, "I work my best every election regardless of the opponent or circumstances. I think that the Filipino media in this place have publicized this election more than the previous (ones), giving the impression that this is the election to watch."

Esteves’ sister supported Manayan, something the mayor didn’t want to elaborate on anymore.

But he said he was more comfortable in this election as he had more significant accomplishments and more supporters and contributions.

He said his obvious accomplishments, the overwhelming support he received and the honesty and integrity that people saw in him made people vote for him again.

In the mayoralty election in 2004, he got 9,771 votes and in 2002, he also won a landslide victory. He was also number one when he ran for the City Council for the the first time in 1998.

For him, the last election was not at all an easy fight as he said, "I had challenges when misinformation and lies were used by the opponent tremendously."

But he said, "this was balanced with the presence of many supporters and a long list of strong endorsements for me.

"We have to keep the record straight always," he said.

He said he always aims to do his best in his current position "so, I aim to continue to be one of the best mayors with extraordinary accomplishments, results and leadership."

He said he misses the Philippines, his country of origin and particularly this, his native, city. "Yes, I do (miss the Philippines and Dagupan City). I have always been proud of my origin, of the Philippines and of Dagupan City. I miss my fellow Filipinos there, their great character... I miss the natural resources, fruits and the air and everything," he said.

Asked what lessons he had learned in American politics, Esteves said, "Politics could be similar in all places – lots of opportunists, unethical practices and personal attacks. I have learned to focus on real issues, the qualifications of the candidate and the record of performance."

He said he wants to continue the following: implement our economic development plan to bring/keep more businesses and jobs, support our school district to continue elevate the quality of education for our children, preserve the high quality of life: lowest crime rate, quiet and clean neighborhood, and quality city services and programs, ethical conduct of officials and employees.