(This story I wrote came out in The PHilippine STAR Nov. 12, 2006.)

DAGUPAN CITY—Take it from a true-blue Dagupeño who won his third term as mayor of Milpitas, California about his secret formula in his political battles: Excellence in performance all year round and being in the community consistently—these are the best ammunitions in a campaign.

Mayor Jose Esteves who hailed in barangays Bonuan and Pogo Grande this city garnered 8,217 votes or 56.8 percent under Republican Party over his lone opponent, Henry Manayan, a Democrat, who got 43.2 percent. Manayan, a former
mayor also in Milpitas is an Asian (Filipino-Chinese) American.

In an interview made by The STAR via e-mail, Esteves said he feels “very rewarded and grateful especially after having significant accomplishments for the City of Milpitas - and after having tremendous support and care from many citizens”.

Asked what made the Nov. 7 election different from his previous political fights, Esteves said,” I work my best every election regardless of the opponent or circumstances. I think that the Filipino media in this place has publicized this election more than the previous elections giving the impression that this is the election to watch”.

Esteves' sister supported Manayan. "My sister Perla has been having conflicts with our parents for many years now. All of us (5 brothers and one sister) believe in our parents except for Perla," he said.

"Perla has not been supportive of her whole family including myself. I think this is her problem, not mine. And this is not a relevant issue," he added.

But he said he was more comfortable in this election as he had more significant accomplishments and more supporters and contributions.

He said his obvious accomplishments, the overwhelming support he received and the honesty and integrity that people saw in him made people voted for him again.

In the mayoralty election in 2004, he got 9,771 and in 2002, he also won a landslide victory. He was also number one when he ran for the City Council the first time in 1998.

For him, the last election was not at all an easy fight as he said,” I had challenges when misinformation and lies were used by the opponent tremendously”.

But he said “this was balanced with thepresence of many supporters and a long list of strong endorsements for me.

“We have to keep the record straight always,” he said.

He said he always aims to do his best in his current position “so , I aim to continue to be one of the best Mayors with extraordinary accomplishments, results and leadership”.

He said he misses the Philippines, his country of origin and particularly this city, his native city. “Yes, I do (miss the Philippines and Dagupan City). I have always been proud of my origin, of the Philippines and of Dagupan City. I miss my fellow Filipinos there, their greatcharacter… I miss the natural resources, fruits and the air and everything,” he said.

Asked what lessons he had learned in American politics, Esteves said,”Politics could be similar in all places –lots of
opportunists, unethical practices and personal attacks. I have learned to focus on real issues, the qualifications of the candidate and the record of performance”.

He said he wants to continue the following: implement our economic development plan to bring/keep more businesses and jobs, support our school district to continue elevate the quality of education for our children, preserve the high quality of life : lowest crime rate, quiet and clean neighborhood, and quality city services and programs, ethical conduct of
officials and employees, others.—Eva Visperas