Meet Vasanth Shetty, Candidate For San Ramon City Council District 1

SAN RAMON, CA — Patch reached out to all candidates for running for San Ramon mayor and city council with identical questions. Here are the responses from Vasanth Shetty, a candidate for San Ramon's City Council District 1.

Responses have not been edited.

1. What is your personal, educational, and professional background?

I hold an MBA and a bachelor's degree in Finance and Information Technology, which have equipped me with a strong foundation in analytical and leadership skills. Professionally, I have had the privilege of working in several Fortune 50 companies, where I’ve developed a broad expertise in Finance, Technology, and Operations. Throughout my career, I’ve been recognized for my ability to drive efficiency, deliver results, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

My commitment to public service is reflected in my involvement with San Ramon’s Economic Development Committee, where I’ve served for several years. I’ve also had the opportunity to participate in the city’s Government-101, Planning Academy, and Police Academy programs. These experiences have provided valuable insights into our city's operations and decision-making processes, deepening my connection to San Ramon and strengthening my ability to contribute to its continued growth.

On a personal note, I am a long-time San Ramon resident and a proud father of two daughters who graduated from our local schools. My wife, a dedicated teacher, and I have always valued education, community involvement, and fostering a robust and supportive environment for all residents.

2. How long have you lived in San Ramon?

I have proudly called San Ramon home for over ten years. During this time, my wife and I have raised two wonderful daughters, both of whom attended and graduated from San Ramon’s excellent schools. Being deeply rooted in this community has been an incredibly fulfilling experience for our family. San Ramon’s welcoming environment, beautiful parks, and a strong sense of community have enriched our lives. I am committed to ensuring it remains a vibrant, family-friendly place for current and future generations.

3. What brought you here?

My family and I have proudly called San Ramon home for ten years. Like many others, we were initially drawn to San Ramon for its exceptional schools, beautiful parks, and abundant open spaces. The vibrant and welcoming community spirit made it the perfect place to raise our family. Over time, San Ramon became more than just a place to live—it became home.

As our city grows, I am dedicated to preserving the qualities that make San Ramon unique while ensuring we grow responsibly and sustainably. My goal is to maintain the high standard of living that attracts families like mine so future generations can continue to enjoy all that San Ramon has to offer.

4. How have you been involved in the community?

I firmly believe in giving back to the community that has provided so much for my family. Over the years, I have been an active community volunteer, consistently engaging with local nonprofit socio-cultural organizations to help foster a robust and inclusive environment in San Ramon. My involvement extends to participating in the city’s leadership programs, including the Government 101, Planning Academy, and Community Academy courses. These opportunities have given me a comprehensive understanding of our city's operations and challenges.

In addition, I have served on the San Ramon Economic Development Council, where I’ve worked closely with residents, local businesses, and city staff to help drive thoughtful growth and development. Through these roles, I have developed a deep appreciation for the collaborative spirit that defines our community. I am committed to continuing this work to ensure San Ramon remains a vibrant and thriving city.

5. What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges facing the city?

San Ramon is a growing and dynamic city, but with growth comes several challenges that must be addressed thoughtfully and strategically. One of the biggest challenges we face is balancing responsible development with the need to preserve our open spaces and the overall quality of life that makes San Ramon such an attractive place to live. As our population grows, we must ensure that our infrastructure, schools, and public services can keep pace without overwhelming our community resources.

Another critical challenge is maintaining public safety. As a community, we must ensure our police, fire, and emergency services have the resources and support to keep residents safe. Equally important is ensuring transparency and building strong relationships between these services and our residents to maintain trust and collaboration.

Additionally, we must continue supporting local businesses, particularly after recent economic challenges. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and I plan to provide the tools and policies necessary to ensure they thrive. I also aim to collaborate with large corporations in the Bay Area to establish satellite offices at the beautiful Bishop Ranch office park, bringing new opportunities to our residents and strengthening our local economy.

Finally, sustainability is an ongoing challenge. We need to continue finding innovative solutions to reduce our environmental impact, promote energy efficiency, and ensure that our city’s growth aligns with our sustainability goals for the future.

I am committed to addressing these challenges with integrity and collaboration. I will work closely with residents, businesses, and city leaders to create long-term, sustainable solutions that benefit everyone in our community.

6. What are your plans for addressing them?

To address San Ramon’s growth and development, I believe in a balanced approach prioritizing responsible planning. My plan includes working closely with city staff, subject matter experts, and residents to ensure that new developments align with our infrastructure capabilities while preserving our open spaces. This includes focusing on innovative growth strategies that prevent school overcrowding and maintain the quality of life that attracts families to San Ramon. In addition, I will support thoughtful, well-planned, affordable housing projects that provide options for young families, teachers, public service workers, and seniors—ensuring that San Ramon remains an inclusive community for people of all income levels.

For public safety, I will advocate for adequate funding and resources for our police, fire, and emergency services. I will also promote greater transparency and collaboration between these departments and the community to foster trust and ensure that the safety of all residents remains a top priority. Public forums and regular communication will help build stronger partnerships and keep residents informed about safety measures and initiatives.

To support our local businesses, I will work on policies that encourage small business growth, such as streamlined permitting processes, local business incentives, and creating opportunities for networking and collaboration within our business community. I plan to collaborate with local business owners to understand their challenges and identify areas where the city can provide additional support, whether through grant opportunities, workshops, or local promotion. I also hope to work with large corporations in the Bay Area to establish satellite offices in the beautiful Bishop Ranch office park, bringing new job opportunities and contributing to our local economy.

On sustainability, I will advocate for continued investments in green infrastructure, such as energy-efficient city buildings, renewable energy projects, and expanded bike and pedestrian pathways to reduce traffic congestion and promote environmentally friendly commuting. I also plan to support initiatives encouraging residents and businesses to adopt sustainable practices, from water conservation efforts to reducing waste and increasing recycling.

By prioritizing smart growth, public safety, affordable housing, economic vitality, and sustainability, I am committed to making thoughtful, long-term decisions to ensure San Ramon thrives for future generations.

7. What makes you the best candidate?

I am the best candidate because I bring a combination of professional expertise, deep community involvement, and a strong personal connection to San Ramon. My background in Finance, Technology, and Operations—gained from working in several Fortune 50 companies—gives me the ability to navigate complex issues and make data-driven, fiscally responsible decisions. This, paired with my service on the San Ramon Economic Development Committee, means I understand how to balance growth while maintaining the high quality of life that residents expect.

What sets me apart is my long-standing commitment to this community. Having lived here for over a decade, I’ve been an active volunteer and participant in local nonprofit organizations, and my wife and I have raised two daughters who have graduated from our local schools. I have taken the time to participate in the city’s leadership programs, including Government 101, Planning Academy, and the Police Academy, which has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of how our city operates and the needs of its residents.

Moreover, I am driven by integrity, empathy, and transparency values. My vision for San Ramon is one where decisions are made with input from all stakeholders and where city leaders are accessible and accountable to the residents. I am committed to fostering open communication and collaboration between residents, local businesses, and city officials to ensure we work together toward common goals.

Ultimately, my unique combination of professional skills, local experience, and dedication to the community make me the best candidate to lead San Ramon responsibly and effectively. I’m passionate about this city's future, and I am ready to bring my experience and fresh perspectives to the City Council to serve our residents with integrity and vision.

8. Outside of politics, what do you enjoy doing?

Outside of my community work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, reading, and taking advantage of the beautiful outdoor spaces San Ramon has to offer. One of my favorite activities is running and hiking on our local trails, indeed the jewels of our city. I’ve trained for and completed several marathons, and I find these trails perfect for fitness and reflection.

In addition to my love for the outdoors, I’m passionate about continuing education. I regularly attend local events and workshops to stay informed and connected with the community's evolving needs. Whether learning something new or deepening my understanding of regional issues, I believe in the importance of lifelong learning and growth.

9. Any other comments?

San Ramon is at a critical crossroads as we continue to grow and evolve. I’m running for City Council because we need thoughtful, forward-thinking leadership to prioritize fiscal sustainability, public safety, and the quality of life for all residents. My deep commitment to this community and my experience in Finance, Technology, and public service equip me to navigate these challenges effectively.

I am dedicated to working collaboratively with everyone in our community to ensure San Ramon remains a place where families thrive, and businesses prosper. Whether supporting local businesses, ensuring responsible growth, or enhancing public safety, I am focused on making decisions that reflect our shared values and secure a vibrant future.

Please visit my website, www.shettyforsanramon.com, to learn more about me and my priorities. I’m excited about the opportunity to serve and look forward to working together to make San Ramon a place we’re all proud to call home.

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