Not about big politics, however, here is a news about Roger Adhikari, a genuine pro-democracy activist of Nepali diaspora and a good friend of many including myself, running for the position of City Council Member of the City of Tracy, California being held onNovember 7, 2006. Roger is running with the election platform of "smart growth" and administrative reform for the city. Nepali Post news report: - http://www.nepalipost.com/nepali/nepalinews.php?nid=1035 Tracy Press news reports: - http://tracypress.com/content/view/3268/ - http://tracypress.com/content/view/3245/ Roger is currently raising fund for the election which is estimated to be $10,000. Roger has pledged not to accept donation from the developers, which otherwise are major donors for any elections, for ethical reasons. Among the people he has turned to for support is Nepali community. A lot of Nepalis have pledged their support and are praying for his triumph. I have already sent him the check for the modest pledge I had made. I urge all Sajhaites to send Roger your pledge and best wishes for his election. I think it is a modest but a proud beginning of Nepalis seriously getting involved in local politics. Here is Roger's election manifesto and the address to send your pledge: Email to send your pledge: roger.adhikari@gmail.com Address to mail your check: "Adhikari for City Council" C/O Steve Boyd, Campaign Treasurer 745 Potsgrove Place Tracy, CA 95377 Tel: (209) 346 - 0681 -- Election manifesto: Contract with Tracy: As a candidate for the position of City Council Member of the City of Tracy, I pledge to support the following contract; 1. Fully implement and support the letter and the spirit of Measure "A" (Smart growth mesure) 2. Oppose back room developer deals that give the Tracy Hills and Ellis developments near monopolies on permit acquisition for the next 25 years, 3. Immediately build needed sports fields and aquatics facilities with available city funds, 4. Change the sprawling General Plan for 221,000 residents to the Smart Growth Alternative of a much more manageable population; a. Ensure needed police and public services first b. Require affordable and senior housing, adequate school facilities, parks and protection of open space and agricultural land c. Change priorities to make Tracy the business center for the south San Joaquin County and the Tracy downtown the heart of the city, all supported by an effective transportation system 5. Do not accept any campaign donations from developers and make a part of the public record all campaign donations received, even if below the $100 reporting limit, 6. Promote open government and increased public involvement, 7. Enact term limits for the Mayor and City Council, 8. Require responsible fiscal management and priorities that meet community needs. Thank you, Roger Adhikari 2200 Jenni Lane Tracy, CA 95377 (209) 830 - 9284 In addition to the above contract, I also pledge to provide strong leadership and a commitment to the following: ● Create a citizen task force within 120 days to help bring technology driven businesses, including High-Tech and Bio-medical, into Tracy. ● Within my first year in office, form a lobby alliance with other major cities in the San Joaquin valley to work toward a better public transportation connection with the Bay Area. ● Convert a portion of existing parks into "Golden Year" (senior citizen) parks where senior citizens can enjoy the company of other seniors, as well as younger people. ● Support a Tracy First and Jobs First policy. ● Support a mandatory affordable housing policy. Help elect Roger Adhikari for Council Member of Tracy by making your financial contribution. Thank you very much. Fill this form: Name:______________________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________ Daytime Phone:_______________Evening Phone:___________________________ Email:_________________________________ Fax:________________________ Contribution Amount ($): __________ Please send your pledge in email and send check in the address below; "Adhikari for City Council" C/O Steve Boyd, Campaign Treasurer 745 Potsgrove Place Tracy, CA 95377 Tel: (209) 346 – 0681 -------------------------------------- A picture from ANA 2006. Roger Adhikari is on the left.