Politics & Government
City Council Candidate: Luis Freitas
Luis Freitas is a candidate for Newark City Council.
We sent an e-mail questionnaire to every candidate running in the local November election. Here are the answers we received from Luis Freitas, who is hoping to be re-elected as a city councilmember. Freitas has lived in Newark for 35 years.
Q. What is the primary reason you are running for this office?
A. I love this city, and I want to continue with my platform.
Find out what's happening in Newarkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Q. What will be your top three priorities if you get elected?
A. Public safety, fiscal responsibility, quality of life.
Find out what's happening in Newarkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Q. What sets you apart from the other candidates?
A. Experience.
Q. What date were you born and where?
A. Sept. 5, 1953. Azores, Portugal.
Q. What is your spouse’s or domestic partner’s name, if any?
A. Fatima Freitas, wife for 36 years.
Q. What are the names and ages of your children, if any?
A. Mark Freitas, 33, and Nicole Freitas 24; grandaughters Madison, 4, Marisa, 18 months.
Q. List the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when.
A. Luis De Camoes (geography degree in 1974).
Q. Provide details about any military service (branch, date, honors).
A. Army in Portugal. I served as a nurse in military. I was also a sergeant in 1975.
Q. Have you held an elected or appointed public office?
A. Yes, Newark City Council since 1995.
Q. Have you run unsuccessfully for an elected public office?
A. No.
Q. About how much money do you expect your campaign to spend on this election?
A. About $5,000
Q. Have you or a business you owned or had principal interest in ever filed bankruptcy?
A. No.
Q. How do you plan on building the City of Newark’s relationship with businesses? With the Newark Unified School District?
A. We serve the same city, but in different capacities. The City of Newark provides services to its residents, and the Newark Unified School District provides education. With business, 25 percent of commercial buildings are unoccupied. The city works diligently to bring in business, as there is room to do so.
Q. List your past and/or present involvement with city or school organizations.
A. I have served on Newark City Council since 1995, and with that, I am on committees at the county level.
Q. As an adult, have you been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation? If so, please explain and include dates and locations.
A. No.
Q. Where do you work and what is your job title?
A. (Owner)
Q. Do you have a website where people can learn more about your campaign?
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
