Otto Lee, Sunnyvale City Council candidate, Earns Key Endorsements
September 12, 2003
From the Sunnyvale Democratic Voice, September 2003
By Tim Persyn
It has been a busy year of service for Otto Lee, a Democrat and a candidate for Sunnyvale City Council, Seat 5. After
holding his campaign kick-off party early this year, he was called to active duty in the U.S. Naval Reserve, in support
of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He returned home in June, and qualified for the ballot in August.
Otto has served on the Sunnyvale Planning Commission since 1998. He was chair in 2000. He is also the founder and
managing attorney of the Intellectual Property Law Group in San Jose.
With 2 months until the election in November, Otto has earned the endorsement of the Santa Clara County Democratic
Central Committee. Dean Chu and Ron Swegles, two council candidates running for different seats, also got the
endorsement of the Central Committee.
"Otto Lee, Dean Chu, and Ron Swegles represent the values of the Democratic Party," said Steve Preminger, Chair of the
Santa Clara County Democratic Party. "We wholeheartedly support their election to Sunnyvale City Council."
Otto's opponent is a Republican. To win the seat, Otto will need to work hard, and he'll need the support of
volunteers. Mr. Preminger urged Democrats to get involved in the campaigns of the three Sunnyvale City Council
candidates endorsed by the Central Committee. "I urge you to contact their campaigns and find out how you can help
these fine leaders," he said.
A long-time Sunnyvale resident, Otto looks forward to continuing his service to the city. His experience in Sunnyvale
city government has prepared him for a council seat. "My service on the Planning Commission has allowed me to
understand the complexities of running this city," Otto said.
A graduate of Leadership Sunnyvale and a speaker of Chinese and Spanish, Otto will use his skills to build consensus in
Sunnyvale. He will also listen to the residents of Sunnyvale when important issues are discussed. "I pledge to listen
to the concerns of Sunnyvale residents before making decisions," he said.
In addition to the Democratic Central Committee, Otto was endorsed by our club president Councilmember Fred Fowler, the
incumbent Councilmember Manuel Valerio, and 4 other Sunnyvale city councilmembers. He was also endorsed by 4 State
Assemblymembers, including Joe Simitian and Sally Lieber. Finally, Otto was endorsed by Congressman Mike Honda.
Otto needs the support of Sunnyvale Democrats to defeat his Republican opponent. To help with his campaign, contact
Gabe Gopen at 408-739-8887 or e-mail him at GEG42@yahoo.com; or, contact Brandon
Sulser at 650-964-2997. Visit Otto's website at www.ottolee.org.
