As I step into the position of mayor of Saratoga for 2025, I’m full of gratitude and a deep sense of duty. Serving our neighborhood is an unimaginable honor, and I’m excited concerning the prospects we are able to obtain collectively. I want to thank my fellow council members for trusting me with this position. Our power lies in our various views and respect for each other. Regardless of the polarization that always defines state, nationwide and even native politics, over the past two years we now have labored collectively to attain what’s greatest for the Metropolis of Saratoga.
My focus over the subsequent 12 months will heart on three key areas: site visitors security, neighborhoods and neighborhood vitality. Every of those areas are of nice significance to all cities pursuing a sustainable, thriving neighborhood.
One initiative I’m significantly wanting ahead to is launching Saratoga’s first-ever Protected Routes to College Day, which is able to happen later this 12 months. This occasion will deliver collectively regulation enforcement, colleges and households to prioritize security for our youngsters as they stroll or bike between house and college.
Packages like Protected Routes to College, already profitable in a number of cities in Santa Clara County, cut back site visitors congestion close to colleges and foster safer environments for pedestrians and cyclists. Planning and executing the occasion is a chance for our metropolis to execute, observe and iterate adjustments we implement whereas getting lively suggestions throughout the neighborhood. In Saratoga, the place we stroll, run and bike alongside winding, tree-lined roadways, it’s important we help and promote wholesome way of life decisions by ongoing site visitors security consciousness, schooling and involvement.
Our neighborhoods have some adjustments on the horizon, many who we can’t absolutely affect. With 22 new improvement tasks anticipated in Saratoga below Senate Invoice 330, it’s important for us to stay proactive to create optimistic outcomes for current and future residents. Actively guiding adjustments in a means that preserves and enriches our neighborhoods will present a possibility to construct new friendships with new neighbors whereas we maintain open minds and open hearts. Collectively, we are able to create areas the place folks can thrive—the place first responders who journey a protracted distance to maintain us secure, schoolteachers who information our college students and native companies’ workers who make our high quality of life doable can discover an inexpensive place to reside nearer to work and name Saratoga their house.
Lastly, in the case of neighborhood vitality, Saratoga’s variety is considered one of its biggest property. Whereas 20% of our residents are below age 18 and 26% over 65, our inhabitants spans a number of generations, life and desires. Whereas fostering friendships, serving to our getting older residents and supporting native companies and their workers, our power lies in our shared dedication to connection. I’m deeply conscious of the loneliness epidemic affecting communities throughout the nation, together with ours. Neighborhood doesn’t simply seem at your step; it’s one thing we should actively construct by effort, intention and care.
As I replicate on Saratoga’s story, I’m reminded of the Thirteenth-century poet Rumi’s phrases: “This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. … Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.” Let’s embrace the adjustments and challenges forward, realizing they might pave the way in which for one thing larger. Collectively, we’ll write a narrative that’s outlined by kindness, braveness and hope.
Belal Aftab is the mayor of Saratoga.
