Name: Karina R. Dominguez
(Currently serving as a Councilmember on the Milpitas City Council)
Running for: Mayor of Milpitas
Why are you running?
I am running for Mayor to tackle the challenges that are affecting the residents of our city and to build a team that is going to work for our citizens. We must restore accountability, respect, trust, and unity to change the polarizing culture that has existed in City Hall by bringing in a fresh perspective and energy that is going to be focused on the issues that affect the people of our great city.
What’s the biggest problem facing Milpitas right now? And how would you intend to solve it?
I believe we have an affordability crisis in our city which includes providing affordable housing to our teachers and educators that do so much for our families. We must focus on doing a land assessment and form a partnership with the school district to tackle this issue together. We must listen to MUSD and bring in developers who are willing to invest in Milpitas to address this need. If needed, we must eliminate the city process bureaucracy to build a teacher/educator village that will help provide housing in a fast and efficient way.
What would your priorities be should you get elected?
My priorities for our city are public safety, housing affordability, quality of life, access to health care, transportation and infrastructure, homelessness, economic recovery/ job growth, and climate change.
What can you bring to the table that you feel no other candidate can bring?
New energy that is seeking to unify our community, not continue things as they are. My track record depicts a variety of achievements that center on building solutions for our Milpitas residents through partnerships and collaborations. I hold a BA in Psychology and bring over 25 years of career experience in government, nonprofit management, and developing programs for our community. I have genuinely and responsibly served as a councilmember and Vice Mayor; and now am ready to implement those skills and help lead Milpitas to its greatest potential.
Where do you see Milpitas 10 years from now?
I see a city that is inclusive, cares about its neighbors and is dedicated to supporting the growth of jobs and training of job skills that will help Milpitas residents earn the income to stay in Milpitas. I see a thriving and safe community that has reliable transportation and connections to other cities. A real gateway that helps every member of our community achieve their hopes and dreams and connects everyone to the resources to make it happen. A city that celebrates its diversity through art, dance, and community events.
Who is your inspiration, and why?
Inspiration arrives in many ways, and my mother and all the women before me whose bravery provided me with spaces to grow are a deep inspiration to me. I’m also inspired by the people of Milpitas. There is no doubt that we have faced the hardest four years of our lives together due to the pandemic. I am proud that during each emergency that we have faced together I was out with our community members delivering food, essential PPE, and other necessary services. Our community formed unity like no other time in history and those memories motivate me to work hard and do whatever it takes to build real change.
Can you tell us one interesting thing about yourself that other people don’t really know about?
I love road trips, last minute outings and run a travel blog called Wonderlust Latinx. Adventure is deep in my soul and helps me bring clarity to the challenges we face.
What’s your favorite spot in Milpitas?
My favorite spot in Milpitas is Jose Higuera Adobe Park because of its history and visibility to the hills; and I often get to see a cow or two come down the hills which allows me to enjoy their habitat. The environment often has bees, dragonflies, and children laughing which fills my spirit with energy. This is also one of my favorite places to meditate and meet with community members.
What do you think is the most exciting thing happening in Milpitas right now?
I am really excited about the placemaking opportunities that are on the horizon and community events that are scheduled that will help foster a sense of community by celebrating our diversity. I believe we should host an Annual Cultural Event Festival in Milpitas in the future that will celebrate our history, culture, and diversity; and invite others to visit Milpitas.
What do you love most about Milpitas?
I absolutely love our diversity! I love visiting our faith-based organizations and diverse restaurants that give me an opportunity to learn more about the different cultures that make up the fabric of our city. My favorite thing is sharing a meal with a resident while they share their family history and culture with me.
Vote for Karina.