By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – Following the departure of former councilwoman Ling Ling Chang to the California State Assembly during the November election, the Diamond Bar City Council launched a month-long search to find a suitable replacement in her stead.

After reviewing more than a dozen candidates, the Council appointed Jimmy Lin, a 12-year resident of Diamond Bar and longtime public servant.

Lin – who holds a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Kansas State University – spent 32 years living in Kansas where he worked for the engineering firm, Bucher, Willis and Ratliff, and eventually became the chairman of the firm.

In 2012, Lin, and his wife, Sophia, decided to retire and move to Diamond Bar.  They have an adult son who is currently practicing medicine in the Midwest.  Lin – not exactly in retirement mode – is now the President, CEO and Chairman for the KOA Corporation – an engineering firm in Monterey Park.

Lin said beyond his professional qualifications, he is an “experienced public servant” who has not only served in Diamond Bar, but also in Leadwood, Kansas.

“I am happy that there is a very minimal learning curve for me to understand the needs of Diamond Bar and her citizens and residents,” Lin said. “I am excited about the opportunity and I am certain that I can do a good job.”

Lin said he believes his background in civil engineering will be a boon to the City, since the growing population of Diamond Bar means higher traffic volumes – a topic that he is well-versed in considering his lifelong profession.

“One of the bigger challenges facing Diamond Bar, is, of course, the traffic issues,” Lin said. “Physically, we are located in the center of the L.A. Metropolitan area and traffic from all directions converges and disperses here on our freeways. When the freeway gets congested, traffic starts to funnel through local streets such as Diamond Bar Boulevard, Grand Avenue, Golden Spring and other minor arterial streets.”

Lin said traffic problems will be a major concern of his during his time as a Council member, and that he looks forward to making a cost effective solution that will help commuters and residents.  Lin also said he’s looking forward to working with the local Sheriff’s Department to curb small incidents involving petty theft in order to maintain Diamond Bar’s image as one of the safest cities in America.

Beyond that, Lin said being appointed to the City Council will be a major opportunity and responsibility, and that he is willing to listen to any resident on any matter that would improve Diamond Bar during his tenure on the Council.

“As a public figure, my number one responsibility is to learn and understand every public issue and try to build a consensus to solve the problem,” Lin said. “I certainly welcome comments and recommendations from every citizen and resident of Diamond Bar. My door is always open.”