It has been a mixed bag for San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo in his first year in office, with many accomplishments and some regrets.
Liccardo on Friday said he is optimistic about the direction San Jose is headed in 2016. But before he kicked off his second year in office the reflected back on the positives from 2015.
"I was grateful to see how the city came together to resolve the outstanding battles that was pension and retirement benefits reform," Liccardo said.
There were also some low-lights for Liccardo last year.
"The spike in traffic fatalities has been a great concern," Liccardo said. "Also the broadening gap between rich and poor people in the city."
The mayor promises to attack the city's issues with vigor in 2016. On his to-do list this year includes building more affordable housing and attacking homelessness.
Liccardo also wants to recruit more police officers to join the force, which he said has the perfect person in place to lead the department. Assistant Chief Eddie Garcia will take over as interim chief in two weeks.
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"I'm looking forward to Eddie's leadership," Liccardo said. "I think he has a very positive attitude and his leadership style is one that's infectious."
