The future Gary Singh sees for Manteca is one where people come together to build a better community whether it is strengthening the social fabric or making the city the best it can be.
“This is not my council ,” Singh told a capacity crowd after being sworn in as mayor on Tuesday. “This is your council.”
Singh – who has a list of specific endeavors ranging from stepped up public safety, improved roads, and other amenities he wants to work toward in the next four years — used the gathering as an opportunity to stress the need for people in Manteca to work together if they want to take their community to the next level.
“We need to break the silos,” Singh said referencing various factions within the community as well as various departments at city hall. “We are all on the same team, Team Manteca.”
Singh made it clear that Manteca faces a rough road tackling its numerous challenges as well as dealing with growing pains.
But he stressed the task at hand doesn’t simply involve moving forward but to do so in a manner that shows everyone — including detractors — that the city is on the right course.
He emphasized that right after extending thanks to his supporters — volunteers and voters — that worked to get him elected.
“I also want to thank those who were not supporters as you have shown we have more work to do,” Singh said.
Singh, at age 40, is Manteca’s youngest mayor ever. He is the city’s first immigrant elected mayor and the first Punjabi-American to serve in the post.
He was appointed to the Manteca Planning Commission in 2014. Four years later, he was elected to the City Council. He was re-elected in 2020.
Singh said the city needs to continue pursuing solutions for the homeless but at the same time a huge emphasis needs to be placed on strengthening the private sector economy, creating a more livable Manteca, and addressing the city’s deteriorating roads.
On that list is:
*Having the city’s new economic development coordinator aggressively market the family entertainment zone bookended by Great Wolf and BLD where a new brew pub is currently going through the permitting process as the next private sector investment.
*Working toward creating housing options that are more affordable to the local work force.
*Making sure legal storefront cannabis sales get up and running correctly and directing tax revenue to help bolster law enforcement among other things.
*Working with nearby cities to get the funding in place for the second phase of the 120 Bypass/Highway 99 project that would add two westbound lanes from northbound Highway 99 interchange. The first phase to add a second eastbound lane heading south onto Highway 99 will break ground next year.
*Start working toward getting a new police station built on the city’s property on South Main Street along with affordable housing.
*Giving voters the option to decide on a plan for more robust police and fire staffing that would require a temporary 20-year quarter cent sales tax.
*Step up efforts to breathe new life into downtown by building on major private sector investments such as the recently opened The Veranda events center as well as the Brethren Brewing Co. plus the Deaf Puppy Comedy Club. Both are expected to open next year.
*Continue to work with the private sector to snare major employers such as 5.11 Tactical, Amazon, Penske Logistics (Lowe’s Home Improvement distribution), Medline, Crothall Laundry, and others that have come to Manteca during the past six years.
“Our motto is going to be ‘Manteca is open for business’,’” Singh said.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
