Who is Shankar Kenkre?

Shankar Kenkre has called Foster City home for 33 years. He earned his master’s degree in computer science from the University of Mumbai and successfully ran an IT consulting firm for 25 years. Though he has been actively involved with Foster City government since 2016 this is his first run for office. “Transparency has always been my top priority and will continue to be,” says Kenkre in an email interview with India Currents.

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Why he is running for office

 I have been actively involved in Foster City government since 2016, attending every council meeting and writing synopses of key discussions, which I shared on social media to keep residents informed. In 2019-2020, I co-led the successful effort to recall Councilmember Herb Perez, who had shown disrespect to fellow councilmembers and residents. Only 3% of recalls succeeded, 78% of voters supported his removal. In both 2022 and 2024, I organized workshops on how to run for city council alongside Vice Mayor Stacy Jimenez and Councilmember Jon Froomin. 

During this election cycle, when I saw only four candidates running for three open seats, I felt the city deserved more choices and decided to enter the race myself.  

The primary role of a Foster City Council Member is representing the city’s people. They make decisions about important issues like safety, roads, housing, and how the city spends its money. They also listen to the community’s concerns and work with other council members and city staff to plan for the city’s future. Overall, their goal is to make decisions that help improve life for everyone in the city.  

His one-minute pitch to voters

We moved to Foster City in 1991, and this beautiful city has been where my wife, Geeta, and I found community, raised our daughter, and built our careers. With a master’s degree in computer science, I ran a successful IT consulting firm for 25 years. In 2019, I co-led a successful recall campaign to remove a council member whose conduct undermined public trust, with the broader goal of accountability in city leadership. Since then, I’ve acted as a watchdog for our city, regularly attending meetings and keeping residents updated.

My focus is on keeping Foster City a great place to live, work, and raise families.
I’m honored to have the endorsement of ten former and current city council members, and I’m dedicated to serving Foster City with integrity. 

If elected, his top priorities will be…

a. Hold utility companies accountable for their services and infrastructure maintenance.

b. Focus on risk management and strategic planning for our aging infrastructure to ensure safety and longevity.

c. Reinstate the code of conduct to improve transparency and professionalism in city government.

d. Since Foster City has adopted a rotational selection for the mayor, my first order of business will be to vote to appoint Vice Mayor Stacy Jimenez as mayor.  

What major challenges does Foster City face?

a. The growing five-year projection of a structural deficit and shrinking reserves is the top concern, as it directly impacts the city’s financial stability and ability to maintain essential services.

b. The increasing geese population poses an environmental and public health challenge, affecting parks and outdoor spaces.

c. Traffic congestion is a persistent issue that affects quality of life and commute times for residents.

What sets him apart from other candidates?

 My campaign is truly by and for the residents of Foster City. I firmly believe there’s no such thing as free money—when people donate, they often expect something in return. That’s why I’ve chosen not to accept any contributions from corporations, special interest groups, or Super PACs, ensuring Foster City’s interests always come first. Eighty percent of my donors and donations come from Foster City residents. I also don’t rely on paid political advisors, campaign managers, or volunteers. Instead, my campaign is powered by four advisors and 26 volunteers, all of whom are my friends and fellow Foster City residents. I’m committed to accountability, transparency, and integrity in local government.