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Kenneth K. Nguyen REASON FOR INTEREST IN THIS POSITION: 7919 WR 12 mi, fo: a� I 1. I am interested in serving on the City Council for the fol�vig Serving the community of Santa Ana in various capacities has b66A [n y(Iiferg jpy'i©r the past 40+ years. While I am grateful for the ways in which I have been able to learn, grow, and contribute to the city through non-profit work and multiple city -appointed commissions, to increase my contribution to the community's greatest needs would be an honor. I have a firmly rooted pride in the city's cultural diversity and availability, in the widespread progress it has made in creating safer neighborhoods through the decades, and its continued economic development; and as such, I am a lifelong resident committed to addressing the direst needs from my neighbors throughout Ward 4. Additionally, if I were chosen to fill this seat, I believe I would be filling an important need for diverse representation for a large portion of the constituency as an Asian American represented on the City Council. As a respected leader in the Vietnamese American community, my particular selection would infuse increased trust in our public servants in our city. My sole purpose has been to give back to the community and advocate for the best interests of our community members in whichever way I have been able, The hope is that we appoint someone whose ambitions are aligned with those of our community members and while mine has not been particularly political in nature but rather that of service, I believe that including my name amongst the candidates will offer constituents in Ward 4 a sound option who is truly representative of the community. While doing so, we will also be saving the city and its citizens more than half a million dollars by avoiding a special election in November. Our resources are thinly spread as it stands, and those funds would be better used serving some of our greatest needs. 2. From your point of view, what are the three greatest needs and challenges of/for the City at this time? As is the issue with many cities, I believe our greatest needs/challenges are as follows: 1) budget & finance matters (fiscal discipline and accountability), 2) continued economic development, and 3) public safety. It may seem that no ballot ever reaches voters without some tax measure seeking to redistribute city funds or levy taxes to increase support to our infrastructure or for education, which can cause concern amongst constituents and may place doubt in public trust. Those of us who pay closer attention can see ways in which the city's use of funds have benefitted the community, however, as with any organization there is always room for improvement - I believe efforts can be made to increase accountability 65C-23