Sukhdev Singh Bainiwal, a former candidate for the San Jose council, has announced his candidacy for District 8 once again, encompassing Evergreen and East San Jose, with the election scheduled for March 5, 2024.
A 57-year-old engineer and former city airport commissioner, Bainiwal’s campaign focuses on addressing public safety through initiatives like neighborhood watches and increasing the police force. Additionally, he aims to tackle homelessness by promoting interim housing construction and streamlining the city’s permitting process to enhance affordable housing availability.
San Jose faced a severe housing shortage in 2022, ranked as the worst in the U.S. According to Bainiwal, addressing affordable housing challenges involves overcoming issues like lengthy permitting processes, high fees, rising property taxes, and low supply, which contribute to exorbitant housing prices. His proposed solutions include offering a tax break for a five-year period after developing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and encouraging residents to build such units.
Upon election, Bainiwal plans to invest in local parks, particularly emphasizing Lake Cunningham, and advocate for local businesses while addressing community safety concerns. However, his candidacy is not without controversy. In January 2023, Bainiwal faced accusations of domestic violence and abuse just days before the District 8 council elections. His ex-wife, in a 1999 declaration during divorce proceedings, accused him of physical, mental, and sexual abuse. Despite the allegations, Bainiwal denied any wrongdoing in an interview, attributing the claims to his ex-wife’s mental state.
