Two prominent challengers in the crowded Cupertino City Council race earned big endorsements this week. It comes days after the candidates faced off in a lengthy forum host by League of Women Voters and Rotary.
Hung Wei and J.R. Fruen, two of the five candidates running for two open spots, earned support from the Editorial Board of the San Jose Mercury News and the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce. Incumbent Mayor Steven Scharf and Planning Commission Chair Kitty Moore, both also running, were notably denied the recognition.
“Wei and Fruen understand the challenge and offer Cupertino a brighter future,” the Mercury News stated. The editorial highlighted Wei and Fruen’s advocacy for increased housing.
Notably Scharf and Moore both declined editorial board interviews with the Mercury News. The editorial highlighted a number of challenges Cupertino is facing. Those included declining school enrollment, a lack of affordable housing, and costly, unsuccessful litigation in recent years.
The Cupertino Chamber highlighted Wei and Fruen as the candidates most likely to help in COVID recovery efforts.
“Successfully healing our community will come from leaders who know the community, understand the issues, and can bring our diverse community together,” said Chamber President-Elect Sean Panchal in a media release.
“Collaboration, not litigation, is the path to success,” the release stated.
The candidates are set to debate ideas at forums on October 7 and again on October 12.