March 10, 2006


Supervisor McHugh completes 30 years of public service

This spring marks Supervisor Pete McHugh’s 30th anniversary in public office and in service to the residents of Santa Clara County.

His civic career began in 1976 as a Council Member for the City of Milpitas, where he later became the first elected Mayor in 1978. He served Milpitas until his election to the Board of Supervisors in 1996. His long-time commitment to the public and many accomplishments over the past three decades deserve both commendation and appreciation.

Pete HcHugh

During his tenure with the City of Milpitas, McHugh made many contributions to improve the lifestyle and living environment of Milpitas residents. During his 20 years on the City Council, he helped facilitate the expansion of the once bedroom community of Milpitas into a rich and vibrant community with more services and jobs.

His accomplishments include expanding library services, laying the foundation for bringing light rail to Milpitas, converting the Ayer High School site into a sports complex, and facilitating the development of the Milpitas Town Center, the Milpitas Town Square, and the Great Mall of the Bay Area. Beyond these projects, McHugh is most proud of appointing members of all ethnic groups to the City’s Boards and Commissions. As the demographics of Milpitas began to change, he felt the Boards and Commission should appropriately represent its community members.

McHugh has continued his commitment to diversity as a County Supervisor for District Three. In 1998, he created the County’s Unity in Diversity celebration. This annual event celebrates the rich diversity that makes up Santa Clara County. He also hosts a myriad of ethnic flag raisings that honor the contributions of each ethnic group into the American culture. McHugh said,

“Santa Clara County is a unique place where many of our world’s ethnicities are represented. I believe it is important to continue to recognize the different groups so that we can learn from each other and turn our County into a tolerant and hate-free community.”

McHugh has also demonstrated strong fiscal responsibility through his leadership as Chair of the Board of Supervisors’ Finance and Government Operations Committee.

Through the actions of this Committee, the County has been able to increase its financial reserves and upgrade its bond ratings to the highest in the state.

Of the many actions he has made through his role as County Supervisor, he believes that establishing the Children’s Health Initiative, which provides health insurance to all 107,000 children in the County, and continuing the funding of the Valley Medical Center are most significant. He believes that the County should continue to function as a safety net and serve those in need, regardless of status.

“I am honored to have served the residents of Santa Clara County for three decades and would gratefully and enthusiastically welcome the opportunity to serve for many more,” said McHugh.

“My hope is that my public efforts have contributed to improving the quality of life for all residents in this diverse community.”

McHugh is now serving in his third and last term as County Supervisor. His term is scheduled to end in 2008.