November 16, 2007

Minh Duong announces bid for District 8 seat

Minh Duong, 29, announced his candidacy for San Jose City Council, District 8 on Sunday, Nov. 11. After being introduced by Mike Fox, Sr. in the Overfelt High School auditorium, Duong spoke to the crowd in English and Vietnamese of his immigration from South Vietnam, his family’s struggle through poverty, and his commitment to family and community values.

Minh Duong

Duong is convinced that education is essential to achieving the American Dream. He says he studied extremely hard at Leyva Junior High School and at Overfelt High School and graduated as valedictorian. He challenged himself further by adding additional classes at Evergreen Valley College and San Jose State before entering UC Berkeley. He attended college on scholarship and financial aid while earning a degree in economics.

The seeds of public service and business success were sown at Berkley. He became the first Vietnamese elected as student body senator at the university and founded a student political party. A dot.com venture did well at first but failed when the bubble burst. He started several other businesses, each leading to expanded activities, becoming successful in real estate investment and a furniture store.

Duong promises to improve education, increase safety, and represent the district by seeking higher priorities for community projects. He is young, but eager and confident.

Mike Fox, Sr., a prominent businessman and philanthropist, met Duong as a high school student and believed him worthy of mentoring for future public service. Fox sees Duong’s youthfulness as an asset and his desire for public service laudable.

Duong is new to politics but not new to community involvement. Among other groups, he has served as a commissioner for City Council Salary Setting, a member of Evergreen Parents Task Force, and a member of the District 8 Community Roundtable.