David Fu, a Chinese-American attorney, is currently campaigning for the Arcadia City Council in District One. He highlights his dedication to serving everyday citizens, inspired by his mother’s journey, and believes that the government has a fundamental duty to uphold fairness, honesty, and accountability. “The government should be the best service provider for its citizens,” Fu asserts.
As a second-generation immigrant, Fu reflects on his parents’ struggles and triumphs. He recalls a significant moment when a judge mistakenly accused his mother of dishonesty, awakening his understanding of the government’s role: to serve the public and maintain their trust.
Fu’s mother grew up in a poor farming family in Yangzhou, China, without access to formal education and unable to read or write. After immigrating to the United States, Fu’s parents worked relentlessly in pursuit of the American dream, eventually settling in Beverly Hills. One vivid memory for Fu was attending a small claims hearing with his mother, where a judge questioned her integrity, stating, “You are a wealthy woman with Beverly Hills property; don’t say you can’t read. I’m tired of people lying to me.”
Overcome with emotion, Fu defended his mother passionately, declaring, “This woman earned every penny as a waitress and sacrificed for my education. She never had the chance to go to school herself; you cannot say my mother is lying.” This incident left a profound mark on him, reinforcing his belief that when those in power become arrogant and detached from the public, trust in government diminishes. It propelled Fu toward a career in public service, motivated by a desire to give back to the community. “I respect everyone, especially those who work hard to make a living like my parents did,” he expressed.
With two decades of experience in influential roles, including the California Law Commission and Chair of the Judicial Nominees Evaluation Committee of the California State Bar, Fu’s leadership capabilities are clear. He is enthusiastic about his candidacy for the Arcadia City Council and has garnered endorsements from local police and firefighters. “I feel a strong sense of duty to public service and am confident that I possess the qualities necessary to be a capable city council member and serve this community I call home,” Fu said.
Addressing public safety in Arcadia, Fu emphasizes the importance of continued robust support for police and emergency personnel, ensuring they have the best resources for citizen protection. He envisions a Community Policing initiative to enhance collaboration and communication between law enforcement and residents for effective safety maintenance.
Since launching his campaign, Fu has connected with around 2,000 households and identified homelessness as a primary concern for residents. Current statistics indicate approximately 40 homeless individuals in Arcadia, with 30% facing mental health challenges and another 30% struggling with substance abuse. The uptick in homelessness-related crime has become a pressing safety issue.
Fu acknowledges the complex nature of homelessness, pointing out that legal requirements for addressing the needs of the mentally ill and addicted have not yielded significant improvements. If elected to the city council, he aims to decrease the number of homeless individuals on the streets and manage those seeking assistance more effectively. “Many of them are family members, and the average age of homeless children is just one year old. It’s heartbreaking; we should all feel sorrow that children are becoming homeless,” Fu lamented.
