More than 200 residents, community leaders and elected officials attend campaign kickoff for District 4 race
DIAMOND BAR, Calif. — Lee Mao officially launched his campaign for Diamond Bar City Council District 4 on Friday night, surrounded by more than 200 supporters, including residents, business leaders, community advocates and local elected officials.
The longtime Diamond Bar resident and business owner said his decision to run comes at a time when the city faces growing challenges, including budget concerns, traffic congestion and the need to maintain public services while preserving the community’s quality of life.
Mao, who has lived in Diamond Bar since 1993 with his wife Amy and their daughter, said his connection to the city goes beyond politics.
“Diamond Bar is where we built our home and raised our family,” Mao said. “I want to make sure this remains a community that people are proud to call home.”
A business owner for more than 30 years, Mao said his experience running a company has shaped his approach to leadership.
“Running a business teaches you accountability,” he said. “You have to make responsible decisions, manage your resources carefully and plan for the future.”
During his campaign announcement, Mao outlined four areas he said would guide his work if elected: city finances, public safety, traffic improvements and community development.
Addressing City Finances
Mao said maintaining a strong financial position will be one of his top priorities.
He said the city needs careful budgeting, responsible spending and long-term planning to ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively. He also supports seeking additional state and federal funding opportunities to help support city projects and services.
Keeping Diamond Bar Safe
Mao said public safety remains a top concern for residents and should continue to be a priority for city leaders.
He said he supports providing law enforcement and first responders with the resources they need while strengthening community-based safety programs.
“Residents should feel safe in their homes, their neighborhoods and throughout the city,” Mao said.
Finding Solutions to Traffic
Traffic congestion has become a daily frustration for many Diamond Bar residents, Mao said.
He called for practical solutions, including improving traffic coordination, enhancing roadway planning and working with regional transportation agencies to address congestion and improve safety.
Investing in Community and Local Economy
Mao said maintaining Diamond Bar’s parks, trails and recreational facilities is important to keeping the city connected and active.
He also emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and encouraging responsible economic growth while protecting the character of Diamond Bar’s residential neighborhoods.
The campaign marks Mao’s second run for City Council. Four years ago, he lost by just 22 votes.
Rather than stepping away from public service, Mao continued his involvement in local affairs. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Diamond Bar Planning Commission and previously served on the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission.
He has also been active with the Diamond Bar Friends of the Library, Diamond Bar Community Foundation, Walnut Valley Rotary Club and other community organizations.
For years, Mao has organized the annual Lee Mao Friends and Neighbors holiday toy drive, which has collected more than 10,000 toys for children in military families at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms.
Local Leaders Voice Support
Several elected officials and community leaders spoke at the event in support of Mao’s campaign.
California Assemblymember Phillip Chen said Diamond Bar needs leaders who understand the community and can help bring additional resources to the city.
“Lee is a successful businessman, but more importantly, he has spent years serving this community,” Chen said.
Diamond Bar Mayor Pro Tem Ruth Low said the city is facing financial challenges and needs leaders with experience managing budgets and solving problems.
“Lee understands what it means to manage resources and make difficult decisions,” Low said.
Former Diamond Bar Mayor Nancy Lyons said she has known Mao and his family for about 15 years and has seen his commitment to volunteering firsthand.
She pointed to Mao’s work with the annual toy drive and his support for the Diamond Bar Library as examples of his dedication to the community.
“What I admire most about Lee is his integrity,” Lyons said.
Park and Recreation Commission Chair Cynthia Quan and Planning Commission Chair Brian Worthington also praised Mao’s involvement in community service and his ability to work with residents from different backgrounds.
Mao immigrated from Taiwan to the United States at age 10 and grew up in Sacramento. He graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a bachelor’s degree in biology before moving to Diamond Bar in 1993.
He founded his home furnishings and bedding supply business in 1996 and continues to operate it today.
As the campaign moves forward, Mao said he hopes residents will become involved in shaping the city’s future.
“This campaign is about all of us,” Mao said. “Together, we can continue to make Diamond Bar a safe, strong and welcoming community.”
