Bernie Morales, former Union City councilmember and mayor sits comfortably in his cozy house at Nidus Court by Alvarado Niles. His favorite activities nowadays are living casually and being outdoors.

Bernie Morales was born on May 20, 1917 in Lyons, Kansas. He lived in his historical home at 33640, 6th Street since 1945. He has two grown sons and two grown daughters. He then moved out of his home and settled in his present residence.

Bernie leaned towards social services work helping young adults in the county. He was successful in producing productive adults in our community.

Bernie, the first Mexican-American to be elected to public office in Alameda County, was elected to the City Council on April 1964, 2 years as a councilman and two terms as mayor until the end of his term in 1968.

When we look at a man like Bernie who had had phenomenal success in his services to Union City, we can't help but ask what is it that motivates him achieve such accomplishments. His answer is "the desire to a commitment for excellence and an obsessive desire to win." And so we mention his long list of accomplishments.

He was the past chairman of American G. I. Forum and a member of Mayor's Conference. He was appointed to the Human Relations Commission of Alameda County. He founded the SASSO (Southern Alameda County Spanish Speaking organizations and he was a member of Commission Honorifica Mexicana, and was vice chairman of the Union City Teen Club.

We are amazed at his numerous accomplishments during his term of office.

He was the Mayor when city departments were formed; the Police Department began operation and the Public Works Department was established. During his term the City office expansion went to 6800 square feet, including 1300 square foot council chambers. He was responsible in the establishment of the Citizens Advisory Committee.

He was not always amenable to issues; he successfully opposed curbside mail delivery. He was instrumental in getting Decoto Drainage interceded through Supervisor Murphy, was also responsible in the establishment of the Workable Program Application. He dedicated a Tot Lot to the city.

He contributed to the Decoto/Alvarado Housing and Area Improvement Program, the Whipple Road Improvements, which was completed totaling $200,000, the completion of the E" Street Assessment District totaling $60,000, the acquisition of 4.6 million dollars for Alameda Creek, the relocation of freeway, and the introduction of the proposed five-year street improvement program.

Other accomplishments were the acquisition of the Holly Sugar House for use of the city, his participation in the new Careerist Program, his participation in the Bond Issue for streets and parks, which was successfully passed totaling $1,150,000, the start of the 701 Program and the continuation of the Planning Grant. It was his time when the Park Dedication Ordinance was adopted. That time also, the tax rate was reduced from $1.00 to $.95/$100 of assessed valuation. He undertook special census, which showed Union City's new population to be a total of 11,421.

During that period, residential, industrial and commercial growth continued at a high rate. During the 1966-67 fiscal year, the total assessed valuation was $29,450,787 as compared to a total of $23,949,105 for the previous year.

During that period also, Union City was the first to pass the Underground Utility Ordinance in Alameda County.

So, when we look at a man like Bernie Morales, who had had phenomenal success in his services to Union City, we can't help but ask what is it that motivates him achieve such accomplishments. His answer is "the desire to a commitment for excellence and an obsessive desire to win." And so what Bernie said is true. With his long list of accomplishments for the City of Union City and for the Alameda County, he is really committed to excellence.