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Sterling Engle
Sterling Engle ran for election to the Fremont City Council to represent District 5 in California. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Engle completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Sterling Engle was born in Mountain View, California. He earned a high school diploma from Mission San Jose High School and a graduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2022. He also attended the University of California, Berkeley. His career experience includes working as an entrepreneur.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: City elections in Fremont, California (2024)
General election
General election for Fremont City Council District 5
Yajing Zhang defeated Chandra Wagh and Sterling Engle in the general election for Fremont City Council District 5 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Yajing Zhang (Nonpartisan)  | 47.5 | 7,435 |
 | Chandra Wagh (Nonpartisan) | 33.6 | 5,265 | |
 | Sterling Engle (Nonpartisan) | 18.9 | 2,966 | |
| Total votes: 15,666 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
To view Engle's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Engle in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Sterling Engle completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Engle's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I pursued my passion for learning, majoring in Asian Studies at UC Berkeley and earning a Master's in Computer Science from UCLA with a 3.842 GPA. My research on artificial intelligence, particularly the Singularity—the point where AI might surpass human intelligence—led me to author "When Will the Singularity Strike?" I proposed developing a "morality decision-making engine" to ensure ethical considerations in AI development.
Influenced by my late aunt, Randi Engle, a Professor who battled pancreatic cancer and advocated for increased research funding, I learned the importance of perseverance and fighting for meaningful causes. These experiences have shaped me into someone who uses challenges as catalysts for positive change.
As your council member, I aim to bring this same determination and innovative thinking to serve Fremont. I'm committed to addressing our city's challenges with creativity and compassion, ensuring we build a future that benefits all residents.- Diagnosed with autism at age three—a now mostly hidden disability—I have overcome many challenges. As the youngest (29) and only single candidate, I’ll bring diversity to our City Council, representing a significant part of Fremont.
I know District 5 the best, having lived here my whole life and attended District 5 public schools: Weibel Elementary, Hopkins Middle, and Mission San Jose High. I majored in Asian Studies: China Focus at UC Berkeley and earned a Masters in Computer Science from UCLA in 2022. In 2019, I interned for Congressman Ro Khanna at his district office.
My long-term vision for Fremont is to create a thriving, safer, and more inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. - My key issues and priorities include: Public Safety: Ensuring safer neighborhoods and responsive emergency services. Affordable Housing and Homelessness: I support Proposition 5’s local housing bonds and implementing our Homelessness Response Plan to prevent homelessness and increase housing solutions. Sustainable Growth: Promoting responsible development that balances economic growth with environmental protection. Infrastructure Improvement: Investing in bikeways, roads, and community facilities. Community Engagement: Fostering transparent communication and active participation in local government.
- I refuse contributions from developers and special interest groups. By relying on grassroots support from residents, I remain accountable solely to our community and make decisions based on what's best for Fremont, not special interests. I support the implementation of stricter ethical guidelines for council members. This means full disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest and recusal from decisions where impartiality could be compromised. Strengthening our ethics policies helps ensure that council actions are guided by integrity. I believe in enhancing community engagement. I'll work to create more opportunities for residents to voice their opinions through town halls, surveys, and advisory committees.
My priorities focus on five key areas:
Public Safety: Ensuring safer neighborhoods and responsive emergency services.
Affordable Housing and Homelessness: Implementing our Homelessness Response Plan to prevent homelessness and increase housing solutions.
Sustainable Growth: Promoting responsible development that balances economic growth with environmental protection.
Infrastructure Improvement: Investing in bikeways, roads, and community facilities.
Direct Representation and Responsiveness: The City Council serves as the closest level of government to the people, providing direct representation for the residents of District 5. This allows council members to understand and address our community's specific needs and concerns promptly and effectively. The ability to respond quickly to local issues is a distinct advantage that enhances the overall functioning of our democratic system.
Legislative Authority at the Local Level: The City Council can enact ordinances and regulations directly impacting residents' daily lives. By addressing local challenges through targeted legislation, we can create effective solutions.
Bridge Between Local and State Government: Council members play a pivotal role in interfacing with county, state, and federal agencies. We advocate for our community's interests, secure funding for local projects, and influence broader policy decisions that affect our city.
Oversight and Implementation of State Laws: The City Council is responsible for implementing and enforcing state laws at the local level. By overseeing how these laws are applied within our city, we ensure compliance while adapting regulations to fit our community's context.
Promotion of Civic Engagement and Transparency: Holding this office allows me to foster greater civic engagement by encouraging residents to participate in public meetings, advisory boards, and community initiatives.
Additionally, the documentary "Urbanized," directed by Gary Hustwit, offers valuable insights into urban design and the complexities of city planning. It highlights the importance of sustainable development, public spaces, and community involvement—all of which are central to my vision for Fremont's future.
• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards is paramount. An elected official must be honest and trustworthy, making decisions based on what is right for the community rather than personal gain.
• Transparency: Open communication and transparency in decision-making processes foster trust between officials and constituents. I am committed to keeping the community informed and involved in the issues that affect them. I plan to hold periodic District 5 Town Halls over Zoom and respond to all constituent inquiries.
• Accountability: It is crucial to take responsibility for one's actions and be answerable to the people. This means celebrating successes, owning up to mistakes, and learning from them.
• Commitment to Public Service: Every action should be driven by a deep dedication to improving residents' lives. An elected official should listen to constituents' needs and work tirelessly to address them.
• Inclusivity and Respect: It is essential to embrace our community's diversity and ensure that all voices are heard and valued. Policies and initiatives should reflect the needs of everyone, regardless of background or circumstance.
• Vision and Leadership: Having a clear vision for the future and the courage to make tough decisions are important for driving positive change. Effective leadership involves collaboration, innovation, and a focus on long-term solutions.
• Advocacy: Act as the voice of District 5 residents, advocating for their needs and concerns within the city government.
• Accessibility: Maintain open lines of communication by being accessible through community meetings, town halls, and personal interactions.
2. Policy Development and Decision-Making:
• Informed Decisions: Analyze and vote on policies, ordinances, and budgets that affect the city, ensuring they promote the well-being of all residents.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to long-term planning efforts that address key issues like housing, transportation, public safety, and environmental sustainability.
3. Ensuring Transparency and Accountability:
• Ethical Governance: Uphold the highest integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior standards in all actions and decisions.
• Transparency: Keep constituents informed about council activities and decisions, fostering trust in local government.
4. Fiscal Responsibility:
• Budget Oversight: Participate in developing and approving the city budget, ensuring the responsible allocation of resources and taxpayer funds.
• Economic Development: Promote initiatives encouraging economic growth, supporting local businesses, and creating job opportunities.
5. Community Engagement and Inclusion:
• Inclusive Policies: Advocate for equitable policies that benefit all segments of the population, including underrepresented and vulnerable groups.
• Collaboration: Work with community organizations, schools, and businesses to address local challenges and improve quality of life.
6. Addressing Local Issues: Public Safety, Infrastructure Improvement, and Environmental Stewardship.
7. Regional Collaboration
8. Responsive Leadership in problem-solving and adaptive management of emerging issues.
I pursued my passion for learning, majoring in Asian Studies at UC Berkeley and earning a Master's in Computer Science from UCLA with a 3.842 GPA. My research on artificial intelligence, particularly the Singularity—the point where AI might surpass human intelligence—led me to author "When Will the Singularity Strike?" I proposed developing a "morality decision-making engine" to ensure ethical considerations in AI development.
Influenced by my late aunt, Randi Engle, an Associate Professor who battled pancreatic cancer and advocated for increased research funding, I learned the importance of perseverance and fighting for meaningful causes. These experiences have shaped me into someone who uses challenges as catalysts for positive change.
As your council member, I aim to bring this same determination and innovative thinking to serve Fremont. I'm committed to addressing our city's challenges with creativity and compassion, ensuring we build a future that benefits all residents.
Influence Over Land Use and Zoning Decisions:
One significant but often overlooked responsibility is the council's authority over land use and zoning within the city. As a council member, I would play a crucial role in shaping how our community develops by approving or denying projects, setting zoning policies, and making decisions that impact housing, commercial spaces, and public amenities. These decisions affect everything from affordable housing availability to preserving open spaces.
Appointment to Boards and Commissions:
City Council members can appoint residents to various local boards and commissions, such as planning commissions, arts councils, and environmental committees. By selecting diverse and qualified individuals, I can help ensure that a wide range of perspectives are represented in local decision-making, allowing community members to participate directly in governance and influence important aspects of city life.
Oversight of City Services and Budget Allocation:
While many residents know that the council approves the city budget, they may not realize the extent of council members' oversight over city departments and services. This includes police and fire services, public works, parks and recreation, and more. I can advocate for resources allocated to specific programs or initiatives that address community needs, such as youth services, senior programs, or environmental sustainability projects.
Regional Representation and Advocacy:
Direct Representation of the Community: One of the most significant qualities of this office is the ability to provide direct representation for the residents of District 5. Serving on the City Council allows me to be the voice of my neighbors, bringing their concerns, ideas, and needs to the forefront of city decision-making.
Influence Over Local Policy and Development: The City Council has the authority to shape policies that directly impact the daily lives of Fremont residents. This includes decisions on land use, zoning, housing developments, transportation projects, and environmental regulations.
Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Oversight: Council members are responsible for overseeing the city's budget.
Facilitating Community Engagement and Transparency: This office provides a platform to promote transparency and encourage civic engagement.
Collaboration with Regional and State Entities: Serving on the City Council also means working collaboratively with county, regional, and state agencies.
Responsive Problem-Solving: The proximity of this office to the constituents allows for swift response to local issues.
Shaping the City's Future: This office plays a critical role in shaping Fremont's long-term vision and strategic direction.
"Why did the bicycle fall over? Because it was two-tired!"
My Views on Financial Transparency:
• Open Access to Financial Information:
• Budget Transparency: I support making the city's budgeting process fully transparent by providing easy-to-understand budget documents accessible to all residents.
• Public Involvement in Budgeting:
• Participatory Budgeting: I advocate for involving community members in the budgeting process through public forums, workshops, and surveys. This ensures that the allocation of funds aligns with the community's needs and priorities.
• Online Transparency Portals: Establishing online platforms where residents can track spending on projects in real-time enhances accessibility and engagement.
My Views on Local Government Accountability:
• Ethical Standards and Oversight:
• Code of Conduct: Upholding a strict code of ethics for all city officials and employees to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure decisions are made in the public's best interest, and
• Independent Audits.
• Accountable Decision-Making:
• Transparent Meetings and Performance Metrics implementation.
If elected, I am committed to:
• Advocating for Transparency Ordinances.
• Promoting Fiscal Responsibility: Ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, prioritizing essential services, infrastructure, and programs that directly benefit our community, and
• Enhancing Accountability Mechanisms.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Fremont City Council District 5 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 7, 2024
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