By Ritu Jha-
Deep passion for public service and unwavering commitment to enhancing the Indian American community is the mainstay of his candidacy for San Ramon District-1 City Council. As a long-time resident, a dedicated parent, and an active participant in local nonprofit organizations, he understands the needs and aspirations of the electorate.
Indian American Vasanth Shetty, who is running against Robert Jweinat, believes that his professional background in finance, technology, and program management, coupled with his experience on the San Ramon Economic Development Council, equips him to “serve the community effectively”.
“This is my first time running for a City Council election. I serve on the San Ramon Economic Development Committee, where I have been active for the past two years. Additionally, I have been deeply involved in community service and volunteer efforts within various nonprofit organizations across the Tri-Valley area for over ten years. These experiences have given me a solid connection to the community, and the understanding needed to make informed decisions that will benefit the residents of San Ramon,” Shetty said in an exclusive interview with indica.
San Ramon’s District 1 is home to a diverse and engaged community. While specific population numbers for District 1 alone aren’t readily available, the city’s overall population is around 84,446 as of 2024 (registered voters of the town are around 46,000). District 1 is a significant part of this thriving city, with approximately 12,231 registered voters.
“If elected, I look forward to representing the interests and voices of these residents,” said Shetty, who was born and raised in India, where he completed his education. “I hold an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Information Technology, which have provided me with a solid foundation in both analytical and leadership skills. Professionally, I have worked for several Fortune 50 companies, gaining extensive expertise in finance, technology, and operations. This background has enabled me to drive results and build consensus among diverse stakeholders throughout my career. I have been a proud resident of San Ramon for many years, and my wife, who is a dedicated teacher, and I, are grateful to call this city home. Our two daughters, who have graduated from local schools, are a testament to the exceptional educational opportunities San Ramon offers. Like many families, we were initially attracted to San Ramon for its top-tier schools, beautiful parks, and abundant open spaces. The vibrant community spirit made it home for us,” he added.
“Having witnessed our city’s remarkable growth and the challenges that accompany it, I am well-prepared to address these challenges with practical and innovative solutions. After completing the Government-101 and Planning Academy courses, I am progressing through the Community Academy, further deepening my understanding of our city’s and police department’s operations,” he said. “I am inspired by San Ramon’s potential and motivated to ensure our city thrives as a safe, sustainable, and fiscally responsible community. I believe in fostering an inclusive environment where every resident is well-informed and actively engaged in our city’s affairs. I am committed to speaking up and taking action to protect the values that make our city great. Public service is about more than what the city can do for us; it’s about what we can do together for our city. I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that San Ramon remains a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. My goal is to serve with integrity, empathy, and a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes public safety, fiscal responsibility, sustainable growth, and the well-being of all residents.”
About his formative years, Shetty said: “Growing up, I learned early on the values of hard work and integrity, which have guided me throughout my life and career. My father worked tirelessly, seven days a week, to support our family of six on a single income. Watching his dedication, I knew that hard work and perseverance were crucial for building a better life. I worked summer and part-time jobs to support my education, determined to create my own path. Three decades ago, I moved to this beautiful country, which has provided me with countless opportunities to climb the ladder of life. It’s here, in San Ramon, that I’ve created countless memories in this community that I cherish deeply. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the world’s most respected companies — AT&T, ASML, Stanford Healthcare, Google, and many innovative start-ups — while serving in a global consulting firm. Throughout my journey, my involvement in community and public service has connected me with incredible leaders who have inspired me to give back. As a long-time resident of San Ramon, I am deeply invested in our community. I believe that my experiences, both personal and professional, have equipped me with the knowledge, motivation, and readiness to serve our city.”
When asked about what, according to him, are the priorities for San Ramon that need attention, Shetty said: “San Ramon has a budget shortfall of $17.6 million, which has led to many cuts in city services valued at $8.5 million. Addressing this issue will require innovative financial management to restore critical services while ensuring fiscal responsibility.”
Rapid growth and sustainability are his other focus areas. “San Ramon is expected to add approximately 10,000 new homes over the next 30 years. This rapid growth comes with challenges in managing infrastructure, traffic, and environmental sustainability. I focus on promoting smart growth, creating opportunities for people to live, work, and play within San Ramon, and ensuring that new developments enhance rather than burden our existing infrastructure.” On economic development, Shetty feels that while large employers are downsizing their presence in San Ramon, small and medium-sized businesses need more support to thrive. “A stronger local business community will provide new job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and create a sustainable revenue source for the city.”
His other concern for his home city is upgrading the quality of life. “One of my key concerns is ensuring that San Ramon’s growth is regulated well to preserve the quality of life that makes our city so desirable. As we expand, we must ensure that our infrastructure, schools, and public services keep pace with the needs of our growing population. This includes balancing development with preserving our open spaces and parks, which are vital to our community’s well-being. Public safety is also a top priority. Our police, fire, and emergency services need the resources and support to keep residents safe, and we must foster trust between these services and the community through transparency and collaboration.”
Talking about his commitment to supporting local businesses, he said: “In addition to helping small businesses thrive, I plan to collaborate with major corporations to establish satellite offices at Bishop Ranch, creating more opportunities for local employment. Sustainability is an ongoing challenge. San Ramon must find innovative ways to reduce its environmental footprint, promote energy efficiency, and integrate sustainability into future developments. This will ensure that our city remains livable and prosperous for generations.”
