I was born in Mexico and raised in South Texas by a single mother living below the federal poverty level in Section 8 housing along with my two siblings. Today, I am a first-generation college graduate, proud to serve our Berkeley community as chief of staff for Berkeley Councilmember Terry Taplin and as a member of SEIU Local 1021.
I'm running for Council in District 4 in order to give back to the community and country that has welcomed me with open arms. Throughout my career, I have worked as a dedicated public servant - from early beginnings working in congressional and State Senate offices, to more recent work here in the Bay Area with Richmond and Berkeley. I have worked to advance legislation on gun violence and criminal justice reform, create housing near BART stations, develop a West Berkeley Green New Deal, expand bus and ferry service alongside electric vehicle charging, and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. On Council, I'll continue to lead on this and other issues important to the District 4 community.
I will fight to address the housing affordability crisis, protect renters, provide compassionate care for our unsheltered neighbors, revitalize our Downtown, strengthen police accountability and non-police interventions, and advance the city's climate action plan and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
I'm working to meet every District 4 resident before the upcoming special election on May 28th. If you'd like to meet, please don't hesitate to reach out: ruben4berkeley@gmail.com. Otherwise, I'll see you on the campaign trail!
Rubén
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