Critical Issues of Milpitas

Problem: Milpitas is facing a severe financial crisis, with a projected deficit of $2.9 million starting in 2027-28, escalating to $20.6 million by 2033-34. This growing deficit could result in significant cuts to city services affecting all residents including low income residents, seniors, and youth. Our Hard working Residents and Businesses do not deserve this. Over the years city leadership has been unable to address this issue effectively by kicking the can down the road and now there is no road left.

Dipak’s Response: As the only business person running for the council, I will leverage my expertise to guide the city toward innovative solutions that increase revenue and reduce debt without hindering growth. To begin with I will propose that elected officials, who are classified as part-time employees, voluntarily forgo taxpayer-funded salaries, health insurance, and other avoidable perks. I will proactively work to recruit new business and companies to the city and promote existing businesses, start ups, and hotels. I will propose many other ideas for revenue generation, cut wasteful spending and cost control so the residents continue to enjoy the quality of life and all city services they deserve.

Problem: To help Milpitas recover from the economic impact of COVID-19, a 1/4% sales tax was added in 2021 by ballot measure, set to end in 2029. This additional tax generates about 7 Million Dollars for the city annually. The current City leadership wants to extend this tax for another eight years, from 2029 to 2037, through a ballot measure called Measure J, for Public Safety and City Services (which is already allocated in the General Budget from the amount of revenue generated by the city every year) 

Dipak’s Response: I do not see this additional 7 million of Public Funds going towards "NEW" Ambulance, Parks, Senior Living, Stop Lights, Stop Signs, Speed Bumps, ALPR Cameras, Speed Cameras, and AI/Red Light Cameras which the community needs. The COVID-19 tax increase should end in 2029 without further extensions. I am against burdening residents and businesses with unnecessary taxes. We cannot afford more failed policies.

Problem: The former City Manager has sued the city for wrongful termination, and the city's insurance has declined to cover the costs. The lawsuit has already cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. There are many serious allegations, including but not limited to that a former Mayor exchanged endorsements, including active social media posts, for Political favors. The plaintiff has demanded a jury trial.

Dipak’s Response: If the lawsuit is still ongoing when I am elected to the council, I will advocate for a jury trial to ensure justice, transparency, fairness, and accountability. The courts should determine the truth and assign responsibility where it is due. Taxpayers' money is being drained continuously and could amount to millions of dollars if the issue is not settled in time. The city is facing a deep crisis, and the budget deficit will only grow. We need leadership that is ready to act. If this were my business, I would either settle the matter or take it to a jury trial to resolve it. Taxpayers' money should be managed with the same care as if it were your own.

Problem: Milpitas received a one-time grant of $16.7 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds (ARPA), intended to address the economic and health impacts of the pandemic. Unfortunately, a significant portion of this public money was diverted into pet projects that benefited only a few residents, rather than being used for its intended purpose.

Dipak’s Response: As your Councilmember, I will vote against such misallocation of funds and demand transparency, integrity, fairness, and accountability in how grants are used. I will work to ensure that every dollar of taxpayer money is spent appropriately, with a clear focus on benefiting all residents and businesses in Milpitas. I will actively explore all avenues to bring federal and state funds to Milpitas.