By Ritu Jha-
Raj Salwan, mayor-elect of the City of Fremont, California, has outlined a bold vision for his city, focusing on improving public safety, enhancing the local economy, and addressing critical issues like homelessness and housing affordability. As the city’s first Indian American mayor, Salwan is determined to restore law and order and create a thriving environment for both residents and businesses.
Public Safety Takes Center Stage
Public safety is at the top of Salwan’s agenda. In an exclusive interview with Indica, he pledged to bring Fremont back from what he described as a state of lawlessness, addressing crime, homelessness, and public trust in law enforcement.
“We have a roadmap to make things happen,” Salwan said, highlighting plans to accelerate police recruitment and strengthen community relationships through town halls. He emphasized that the city needs a balance between enforcing the law and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations, such as undocumented residents, who should not fear reporting crimes.
Salwan also discussed measures to address the city’s homelessness crisis, including expanding temporary housing and implementing policies to reduce safety risks from individuals living in RVs.
“We want people to feel safe walking in their neighborhoods or going to parks,” he said. The mayor also pointed to the effects of state-level policies, particularly Prop 47, which reduced penalties for certain crimes, as a key factor contributing to the deterioration of law and order in the city.
Economic Development and Quality of Life
Beyond public safety, Salwan is keen on boosting Fremont’s economy. He expressed a desire to attract larger corporations and improve the city’s entertainment and dining options.
“We need better restaurants, more nightlife, and a variety of entertainment choices to make Fremont a place where people want to live and work,” Salwan explained. He pointed to the city’s growing downtown area and emphasized the need for incentives to attract new businesses, particularly high-end dining establishments and tech companies.
Addressing housing affordability, Salwan proposed policies to make the city more accessible to middle-class families, including teachers and first responders, who are being priced out of the local housing market. The mayor hopes that with the right incentives, Fremont can foster a thriving, diverse community that appeals to both residents and businesses.
A Call for Unity and Community Engagement
In addition to policy changes, Salwan underscored the importance of community involvement. He called on local business leaders and residents to collaborate in bringing new opportunities to Fremont. His wife, Sonia, who has lived in the city for over 20 years, also stressed the need for more female representation in local government.
“It’s a joint effort by all of us to raise our community,” she said, pointing to Fremont’s vibrant immigrant culture and the need for women’s voices in decision-making.
Looking ahead, Salwan, a veterinarian by profession is optimistic about Fremont’s future.
“We’re on the verge of greatness,” he said, urging the community to unite and contribute to the city’s continued growth and improvement.