Esteves: Milpitas, California mayor sixth time around

By: Elpidio R. Estioko - 10 years ago

Jose Esteves, Mayor of Milpitas, California for 6th time

MILPITAS, California — Filipino American Jose Esteves was sworn in Tuesday, December 2, at Milpitas City Hall as mayor-elect of this city at the heart of Silicon Valley.

The ceremony marks the start of his sixth mayoral term in Milpitas; he was first elected to the post in 2002.

In his address to his constituents, Esteves, a native of Dagupan City, Pangasinan (Philippines), thanked city residents for their continued support and said, “You want nothing but the best–to live in a top-rated city, and that is Milpitas. This is my goal as your public servant. I will continue to live up to your high expectations. You deserve this extraordinary city, and my plan is to lead in this endeavor.”

Garry Barbadillo, also a Filipino American, and Marsha Grilli were sworn in as new members of the city council after winning in the November 4 elections. Incumbent council members are Debbie Giordano and Carmen Montano.

Esteves served as city volunteer and commission member before being elected to the city council for the first time in 1998. He has not missed a single council session since then.

His accomplishment record as mayor includes pushing for complete transparency in city government, bringing public art to beautify Milpitas, and completing major building projects like the new Milpitas Public Library and the senior community center.

Esteves graduated from the University of the Philippines (Diliman, Quezon City) with bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering and industrial engineering, and a master’s in business administration, to boot. He was also a graduate of Communicating for High Impact Academy, Anderson Graduate School of Management-UCLA and of ‘Leadership in the 21st Century,’ JFK School of Government-Harvard University.

In 1980, Esteves and his family immigrated to the U.S. Esteves’ active involvement in professional, civic and religious organizations includes the Milpitas Chamber of Commerce, St. Elizabeth Church, Milpitas YMCA, Couples for Christ, Lions Club, Friends of the Milpitas Community Library, St. John’s School Board, Knights of Columbus, Fil-Am Assn. of Milpitas, Inc., Milpitas High School and the Rotary Club.

Esteves, 67, is married to Susan, a successful businesswoman. They are proud parents of Irene, a member of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Foundation.