Merced Sun Star Endorses Fue Xiong

By: Merced Sun Star Editorial Board

DISTRICT 6 - This council race is a clear choice between the incumbent who believes Merced is on a good track, and a challenger who sees many in the city being left behind economically and socially

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Fue Xiong, an engineer for the state Department of Toxic Substances Control. He immigrated as a boy with his parents and siblings from a refugee camp in Thailand to Merced. He went on to graduate as valedictorian at Buhach Colony High School.

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Some perceive Xiong as being anti-police. In fact, he wants to improve policing. One example: instead of bogging down sworn officers with minor duties like traffic enforcement, Xiong proposes having a corps of non-sworn personnel handling such matters. That would free up fully trained officers to go after serious crimes.

When it comes to housing, Shelton says the city has sensible policies for good housing investment and that the council has backed all types of residences being built.

But Xiong counters that Merced leaders have overemphasized housing for people at mid-to-upper income levels. More very low-to-mid-income housing is needed, he thinks.

Xiong’s campaign website makes clear he wants to be a voice for those living on the margins of Merced’s economy, be they young or old. Given the pervasive poverty in the city, Xiong would be a strong advocate for those who are struggling, as he is no stranger to poverty himself. He also offers well-conceived counterpoints to conventional wisdom.

District 6 voters should elect him to be their representative.

Read the full story at: https://www.mercedsunstar.com/opinion/editorials/article266683951.html#storylink=cpy