Dear Cupertino Neighbors,
My name is Gopal Kumarappan, and my family and I are proud to call Cupertino home. For more than a decade, I’ve had the privilege of serving our community through the Library Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission, Cupertino Library Foundation, and as a Board Member of HOPE Services. Together with many dedicated volunteers, I’ve helped support long-term planning for our parks, strengthen our libraries and STEM programs, advocate for projects such as the Jollyman All-Inclusive Playground and the Jollyman Dog Off-Leash Area, and recommend funding for organizations making a real difference in our community.
Professionally, I’ve spent more than two decades leading global technology organizations and today advise organizations on Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation. But the work I’m most proud of is much more personal. For the past twenty-five years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching preschool children and mentoring young people. Today, many of those little three-year-olds have grown into engineers, doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, parents, and leaders throughout Silicon Valley and our community. Watching them grow into people who make a difference in the lives of others has been one of the greatest joys of my life.
That’s why I’ve spent my life building leaders. When we invest in people, entire communities become stronger. That belief is why I’m running for Cupertino City Council. I believe Cupertino’s greatest innovation is still ahead of us. It won’t simply be another technology. It will be how we connect people.
My Vision for Cupertino
I envision a Cupertino where every student has the opportunity to succeed, every senior feels connected and valued, every family knows their voice matters, local businesses thrive, and residents, schools, nonprofits, businesses, and city government work together as one community. That is the Cupertino I want us to build together.
1. Building Tomorrow’s Leaders
Together, we can build the Cupertino Future Leaders Platform—a community-wide initiative that brings together the Cupertino Union School District, Fremont Union High School District, De Anza College, our libraries, nonprofits, local businesses, and Silicon Valley companies to create a seamless pathway for every student.
Through mentoring, internships, volunteer opportunities, leadership development, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, career exploration, and hands-on learning in Artificial Intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, and digital innovation, we can better prepare our students for the opportunities of tomorrow. This isn’t a new program—it’s a new way of bringing our community together by connecting schools, parents, mentors, businesses, nonprofits, libraries, and city government into one ecosystem of opportunity.
No city in America is better positioned to prepare the next generation than Cupertino. Opportunity should be waiting for every student right here at home.
2. Strengthening the Generation That Built Cupertino
Together, we can build the Cupertino Senior Connections Network to help seniors stay connected, confidently use technology, protect themselves from scams, mentor young people, access city services, and continue sharing their wisdom.
The Future Leaders Platform creates opportunities. The Senior Connections Network creates connections. When generations connect, communities thrive.
3. Protecting What Makes Cupertino Special While Preparing for What’s Next
I support responsible growth—not growth for growth’s sake. Growth should never happen to our community. It should happen with our community. Every decision should be thoughtful, fiscally responsible, environmentally sustainable, transparent, and guided by residents.
I also believe a vibrant Cupertino depends on vibrant local businesses. Our restaurants, neighborhood retailers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses create jobs, support community events, strengthen our local economy, and contribute to the character that makes Cupertino special. I will work to ensure Cupertino remains a city where local businesses can grow, innovate, and succeed.
Throughout my career, I’ve learned that the best decisions are made by listening, learning, bringing people together, and putting residents first. Listen. Learn. Lead. Those are the values I will bring to the City Council.
A Personal Commitment
Twenty-five years ago, I started by teaching one child. Today, many of those children are professionals, parents, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and mentors for the next generation.
When you believe in one person, that person begins believing in someone else. That’s how families grow stronger. That’s how communities grow stronger. That’s how cities become extraordinary. That’s what One Can Change One means.
If you choose me to represent you, I promise to listen with an open mind, lead with integrity, and always put the interests of our residents first. Together, let’s build One Cupertino — The Most Connected Community in America.
With gratitude,
Candidate for Cupertino City Council