Zarina Kiziloglu, Pleasanton’s current housing commissioner, is now running for re-election, as she wants to bring change to the community.

Kiziloglu’s passion for Housing Commissioner comes from her desire to help the community. Although her campaign emphasizes affordable housing, she hopes to bring change to various issues.

“I have been the Housing Commissioner and I have been following the community, and I’ve been a board member at the school.  Its a combination of things, it’s not just one issue that kind of compelled me,”said Kiziloglu.

One of Kiziloglu’s priorities is addressing the issue of racism in the community. She draws from her personal experiences to inform others about it.

“People just do not want to talk about racism. You have to talk about it. The community tells me that this is not acceptable and I’ve never been an addition by course. Can someone else come in? I’ve been here six years and I’m still not accepted. I’ve done so much, with the school, and  I’m still not a part of the community,” said Kiziloglu.

To outline her policies, Zarina Kiziloglu has a detailed 12 Step Plan, which mainly focuses on affordable housing.

“The 12-step plan allows a more easier way to soften and ease the cost of affordable housing,and low-income housing we should have. State and federal government should start putting money into a fund for the low income from general fund that they have,” said Kiziloglu.

In addition to affordable housing policies, Kiziloglu wants to draw attention to transportation and parking.

“The parking lot is full all the time. You can find a parking spot after 8, and they’re on the road 2 to 4 hours a day. There is no time to spend time with the kids so the kids end up getting on the streets and having all these problems,” said Kiziloglu.

Zarina also hopes to help the community and those affected by COVID-19. She believes that this all ties back to the issue of affordable housing.

“The economic impact is going to be substantial . People could use that to help to provide food and shelter for people who are not housed right or are in temporary situations. In the long-term, the local businesses’ small mom-and-pop shops are hurting the most,” said Kiziloglu.

For more information on Zarina Kiziloglu and her goals, please visit her personal campaign website.