Written By: Councilmember Hon Lien
Prior to my family immigrating to the United States we were housed in a refugee camp where food was scarce. I’ve lived my life thanking the U.S. for not only saving our lives, but for creating the environment that actually led me to the honor of serving as an elected representative of our City.
I’ve believed that when the majority of the Council approves something it is my responsibility to respect the results. In the past years I’ve watched the Council violate our own policies, such as the naming of the library, violating travel policies, even having them forbid me to travel to Washington D.C. Their reasoning for forbidding me from traveling; they didn’t want 3 of us flying on a plane together and that someone needed to be in town in case of an emergency. I’ve watched as we’ve thrown away money on a lawsuit that could have been settled for less than 25% of what it has cost us to defend it. I’ve been a team player and respected the process but I can no longer remain silent.
The Milpitas Food Pantry has been struggling since covid. They used to have 14 volunteers and they now have 4. Their grants were cut because the Federal Government demanded that they provide social security numbers and addresses from anyone who requested food, they of course refused! Yet, they still have continued to serve our community.
Recently the Council, led by Mayor Montano, directed City staff to investigate raising the Food Pantry rent from $1.21 to $5,000 per month. The Mayor’s reason, she wanted them open on the day she demanded. The penalty for refusing was a threat to raise the rent!!! No thought to the impact this could have on those in need. Some may look at the Food Pantry’s current rent of $1.21 per month and view it as charity from the City. I see it differently. That nominal rent is not a handout—it is an investment in the betterment of our community. Every dollar the Pantry does not spend on rent is a dollar that can be used to feed families, support seniors, assist struggling veterans, and help children who might otherwise go hungry. The return on that investment is measured in stronger families, healthier residents, and a more compassionate city. When we support organizations that care for our most vulnerable neighbors, we are investing in the kind of community we want Milpitas to be.
I appreciate the City staff. They were placed in a horrible position to investigate and justify raising the rent. Ironically, Montano was the one who originally suggested the nominal rent amount. Why the change of heart? Are we going to pretend that we haven’t lost numerous City Managers and Directors due to the inappropriate interference from our Council? Can you imagine the staff having to justify this $5,000 rent? Enough!
Please attend the next City Council meeting where this item will be heard. Please support my solution. I will propose that with the over $900,000 in our one-time fund that we provide the Food Pantry with a $5,000 grant per month for 24 months with no strings attached. I believe the tax payers will gladly support the Pantry so not only can they continue to serve our needy but they can get the professional support they need to get their operations back in check. And please, if you have time to volunteer, please support this worthy organization.
I have accepted the direction of the Council as I believed was my responsibility in a democracy. When we start attacking organizations that serve our most vulnerable residents, I can no longer remain silent. The Food Pantry’s $1.21 rent is not merely charity—it is one of the best investments our City can make. I ask you to join me in supporting the Food Pantry, supporting my proposal, and reaffirming that Milpitas is a community that lifts people up rather than placing additional burdens on those who are already struggling.