Endorsement counterpoint

I agree completely with your characterizations of challenger You You Xue as “young, smart, and dynamic,” as well as the observation that he is “well-versed in city issues.”

But is he “quick to criticize?” That’s a subjective opinion. Any new contender in a council race will naturally have a critical view of the status quo — that’s one reason to run! I also hesitate to label his outspoken views as “criticism,” Xue demonstrated during Thursday’s Candidate Forum the ability to formulate both original and alternative solutions to the challenges and problems faced by Millbrae.

I’m not here to downplay the contributions made by Holober and Oliva —their efforts are acknowledged and deeply appreciated. Rather, this letter serves to suggest that Xue offers an opportunity for residents to hand the baton to a new kind of candidate — one with the energy and the ability to move things forward more quickly than the “government time[table]” we’re accustomed to.

Ray Chen

Milbrae