The big debate is over; the big question remains. I think most will agree that the mayoral debate last week was one of the best political forums in recent San Jose history and a resounding success. The venue was spectacular, the format informative and—aside from the moderator’s too active participation—the five candidates were impressive.
Even his opponents would say that David Pandori managed to set the agenda and carry the debate. Chuck Reed was focused and clear, David Cortese was likable and homespun and Michael Mulcahy exuded a fresh and polished reform message. Cindy Chavez was tougher to gauge; her performance was low key and full of constant references to “neighborhoods and schools,” sure winners in the “positive” categories. Yet, her laid-back style was not uniformly popular, even with her supporters.
A big moment in the debate came when Pandori, holding center stage, asked Chavez how she could simultaneously be for the neighborhoods and for the development of the Coyote valley with its 30,000 homes—a city the size of Milpitas—thereby draining services from those same neighborhoods. Chavez did not answer or engage, but she may have to in the weeks ahead.
The elephant in the living room is the continuing control of City Hall—under the impotent current mayor—by a small clique of lobbyists and insiders. Future debates will hopefully discuss the correct direction of the city as opposed to the agenda that this willful group of shills is pushing. They are eons apart.
There was a forum on Monday night sponsored by the Northside Neighborhood Association. Unfortunately, much time was squandered in the long, disjointed introduction given about Mercury News columnist Joe Rodriguez, who then failed to even introduce the candidates. It made me long for a Business-Journal moment. Attendance at the debate at the California Theatre should be mandatory for future moderators. Note to Joe: if nearly a decade of writing largely incomprehensible columns on subjects of little interest to Mercury readers has not garnered you an audience, please don’t attempt that Herculean task on a group of people gathered to hear the candidates—and anxious to get home at a reasonable hour!
Once the forum finally got started, David Pandori picked up a lot of steam by asking the rhetorical question: “Who, exactly, in our neighborhoods asked for more liquor sales in convenience stores?” When the blank looks subsided, he pointed out that two lobbyists were responsible. Game, set and license.
The big question remaining for the weeks ahead is: Who is going to step up and mount an effective challenge to the status quo? Four candidates are running on a “reform” ticket, and one on a “half-reform” and “let’s-work-together” one. Expect that to radically change.
Dear Reality Check – you are so knowledgable about this liquor ordinance, you couldn’t be a staffer or Council member – hmmm… perhaps a lobbyist? They have all the answers. More liquor outlets: great idea for this city. Oh, and I do not lobby, nor have I ever – nice try. Since you are probably being paid for your comments, try a bit more research and less attack – maybe your real name too. TMcE
#2 and #3,
“Where was Pandori during the debate on revamping the ordinances that govern alcohol in the city?”
What would the point be. He was not an elected official at the time. so he would only receive 2 minutes before being told to move on by Gonzo.
Hey Reality Check – sounds like you have a lot of research done about the liquor in gas stations – you must be an owner or maybe just a City Hall Insider.
Oh, they will get inspected by the city? Oh great, that solves all the potential problems like the people buying booze and then drinking it on my streets and throwing their trash in my front yard or drinking and driving through my neighborhood.
Doesn’t common sense say that you shouldn’t sell booze at a gas station? I guess that common sense is what we are short on – not places to buy booze.
Continuing problems still exist easy access to public information about our city government and adequate disclosure of lobbyist activities
1) private informational / lobbying meetings and communciations with elected officals and senior city staff to influence them about public policy and land use decisions should be disclosed by both lobbyists and elected officals
2) lobbyists acting as political consultants especially those raising campaign contributions from clients or potential clients and bundling these contributions checks to show the candidate their influence and power so later they have greater access then other residents should be disclosed in routine reports
Some local lobbyists use in their business development presentations that ” we raise more campaign contributions for San Jose elected officials than other lobbyists and that along with our knowledge of city politics and procedures gets you greater acceess and consideration than what other lobbyists can get you”
3) political candidate consultants should not be allowed to later lobby their clients especially if the elected offical has still owes the conultant success fee compensation since this is an obvious conflict of interest
These lobbyist problem areas need to be addressed in local Sunshine / open government / lobbyist regulations so the public can easily access this information
Lobbying is a legal business but the public has a right to know and understand who and when are attempting to influencing public policy and land use decisions with our elected officals
Tom’s analysis is spot on.
But campaigns are more like baseball than football. The debate was not a Super Bowl, but a single game in a long season.
Most fans would like to see their team win every game. But it is not possible. Sometimes teams play their reserves during preseason and sacrafice quality during the season to insure they peak going into the playoffs.
The real question is who has the best team ie. candidate. Can they go 162 games, make the playoffs and win the series?
It would be great to win every game, but four games in the World Series—in any order is enough for any fan.
Reality Check with Gas – Thanks for your information and clarification comments on the gas station / alcohol issue which is widely misunderstood and many times are over simplified in election campaigns by politicians
Public misunderstanding also recently happened with the neighborhood leaders proposal for immediate and widely agreed Sunshine / Open Government / Public Accountability reforms (reviewed by over 40 leaders and publicly available for weeks) that clearly included a community based knowledgeable Sunshine Task Force to look at all the many remaining complex Sunshine issues and proposals and make more recommendations to the City Council in a few months after public meetings so the candidates can discuss the many other important issues as well as city government reforms.
Alcohol sales is regulated by California ABC and state laws that were put in place by liquor interest lobbyists to significantly restrict local city regulation of o-site and off- site liquor businesses except for limited local land use regulations and public safety regulation
Gas Station / Alcohol sales is another example of how knowledgeable and reasonable neighborhood leaders who were very unhappy with the original business community proposal supported by Chamber can work with business groups, community organizations, our very cooperative Police and Planning Departments and our Council members on a decades long problem where state laws that restrict what cities can do and come up with a workable local solution that addresses many of the local issues.
This working group put together by SNI-PAC leadership and coordinated with UNSCC will continue to monitoring and review the implementation, having additional meetings and working with everyone to address the problem liquor stores and gas stations with liquor sales and as necessary propose more changes in local regulations in the future.
The entire San Jose community needs to continue to work together on well known problem areas while remembering that if we have an open government and easy access to public information (local Sunshine Law) we can more easily achieve a reasonable balance between improving our quality of life and public safety / health while increasing our local jobs and sales tax revenues that we need to fund adequate local city services that are currently under funded and under staffed because of decades of questionable public policy and land use decisions many of which were made in private meetings with elected officials aided by lobbyists out of public view
I have to agree with Tom regarding Joe Rodriguez. How does this guy still have a job.
To Rich’s point, yes campaigns are more like a baseball season and less like a superbowl. But candidate forums, especially these small forums are more like sideshows than the main event. The vast majority of voters are not tuned in to these events.
Money and bodies will determine the outcome of this race.
While I’m no fan of Mr. Pandori, I do believe he is taking the greatest advantage of the debates to turn them into free media. Good for him. How far can that carry him?
I sincerely hope that at some point in this campaign the candidates will be forced to discuss more than what’s wrong, and more than their promises to voters, I would like them to show how they will accomplish their goals. Without that element, this campaign season will be all for nothing.
Gas #2-
The Pandori years? That seems to be overstating the role of a city councilman.
It’s amazing that you had an essay full of legal minutiae ready to go at 6:15 in the morning, shortly after Tom shared his view that Pandori is doing well in the debates. The timing is absolutely breathtaking! Did you pound that out while eating your morning corn flakes, or did you just happen to have it in your hip pocket?
It would appear that Mr. Pandori is making some people very nervous. Maybe this election isn’t such a sure thing after all?
The problem with this campaign for mayor so far is all the candidates are vision-deficient. Most are good critics and others can tells us some accomplishments from the past but no one has given us anything substantial in terms of what they will accomplish if elected mayor.
For example, I tried to learn more about Cindy Chavez reading her web site. Not a single page about what she will spend her time working on if elected mayor. Chuck Reed’s site is marginally better. David Cortese’s site is a little better than Chuck Reeds. The last time I visited Michael Mulcahy’s site I did not find much there. I have not had a chance to investigate David Pandori’s web site.
Is it really possible to be a contender for mayor of the 10th largest city with so little to say about the future of our city?
Tom McEnery—Were you even at the Northside mayoral forum? I don’t recall seeing you there.
I agree the introduction of Joe Rodriguez was overly long, but we’re talking an excess of two minutes in a two-hour forum—a forum which altogether was a pretty professional event, especially considering it was done entirely by a group of unpaid volunteers, including Rodriguez, who lives in our neighborhood. The gratuitous potshots are unbecoming, especially since it appears you weren’t even there.
Steve,
The answer to your question is yes.
Tom, excellent, well-deserved dig at Joe Rodriguez. His drivel has been polluting the Merc’s pages for far too long. Oh how I wish Steve Lopez had never left the Merc those many years ago. The readers of the LA Times who enjoy him now would likely not have put up with Mr. Rodriguez for anywhere near as long as we Merc readers have.
Reality Check, your tone makes it abundantly clear that your issues with Pandori are personal ones. Your prolific and hateful postings are just so much spam.
As for the mayor’s race, it’s shaping up to be a whole lot more exciting than I thought it would be, thanks mainly to Mr Pandori, who I am not yet ready to commit to supporting as it’s far too early in the campaign. But the more interest this race can generate among the electorate, the better!
Anyone see Mulcahy and Lew Wolff last night having a jolly ole time at the A’s game? Hmmm? Now, about those damn Giants territorial rights to our great city…
If Mulcahy can work out a deal to bring the A’s here before he’s even mayor, you can bet he’s going to corner the baseball vote.
If this can end up being about two “outsiders” who leave current members of the bungling Council in the dust we just might have some excitement in this town’s political future.
Don – The wonders of technology can allow me to watch/listen to a Mayoral debate and not miss the NCAA Basketball Finals – or a Shark game. One must have priorities. Nice job on the debate, Don, just scrub the moderator for one who lets the candidates be at center stage. Glad that the Northside keeps getting better and better: it’s a special neighborhood. TMcE
Local Liquor Sales to Expand
—By Frustrated Finfan—
In response to the remarkable success that followed the recent revision of its alcohol sales ordinance, the city council will next week consider expanding the rule change to include other businesses. The proposed enhancements were revealed during a rare and surprisingly candid press conference held by mayoral candidate Cindy Chavez, who introduced to the press a member of the business community.
“To those of you who don’t already know him, I’d like to introduce Mujibur Vrozenoveltee, a cherished member of our business community.”
“Thank you, Lady Mayor. First of all, I would like to say that after crunching the numbers, I believe that I can increase my profits 9000% by selling hard liquor from my fleet of ice cream trucks. This will allow me to finally achieve my dream of building an oversized and unsightly mansion in the hills above Fremont. Obviously, I am very excited about this new law.”
“Mujibur, did you forget to mention something?” prompted the vice-mayor.
“Oh yes, and it will provide me with the funds to fix my trucks so I can sell frozen treats that are actually frozen. Here, please, I have brought Eskimo Pies for everyone.”
“I meant the part about the neighborhoods…”
“Oh yes, I want to help protect neighborhoods by selling alcohol, just like the gas stations now do. And, uh, I am looking forward to a level playing field for my business so I can compete with others. Like my fat, stupid brother-in-law Ravi. And also BevMo.”
“As you can imagine,” interrupted Ms. Chavez, “for those of us dedicated to safe neighborhoods and good schools, the chance to responsibly make alcohol more available to our residents is the chance to practice good government. Not only will this program relieve our citizens of the necessity to leave their homes and drive to a package store, bar, or gas station for their liquor, but the expansion of the ice cream fleet will also create more low-skilled jobs for our many low-skilled high school graduates. Mr. Vrozenoveltee anticipates hiring additional drivers and warehousemen and, for the first time ever in his industry, a state-certified smog repair technician. Also, from a tax revenue perspective this new program should perform on a scale equal to or exceeding that realized by an earlier council’s expansion of local gambling.”
When asked by a reporter about how the new revenue will be used, Ms. Chavez said, “If elected mayor, I look forward to the opportunity to applying these new funds to programs addressing the substance abuse, gambling, and other issues of the family that are the root cause of so many of the problems in our neighborhoods.”
Caught up in the fervor as he wiped the ice cream from his chin, Vrozenoveltee shouted, “I’ll drink to that.”
FinFan you forgot the rest of your unfunny comments in the interest of fairness which you seem to lack
Mulcahy will propose selling hard liquor plus beer at A’s games
Pandori will authorize alcohol at court trials
Reed will have alcohol at City Council meetings to liven up the 2 minute comments
Cortese will have alcohol at all community events
with enthusiastic support from the Chamber who with downtown business association proposes alcohol sales from pushcarts in downtown to liven up our cultural events and Saturday nights
Weak attempt to use a unfunny comment as a political attack on Cindy about a serious problem in San Jose
Tom
How did you watch / listen to Northside Mayor’s debate without being there? Was it recorded or broadcasted? Can you make a copy available?
#4 Dan Sturges—Courage because a name is attached to a post. Let’s save that word for police officers, firefighters and the troops.
#5 Lord Mayor—I do not lobby and nor have I ever…what a whopper—better tell anyone around you to run because the lightning bolt from up high could come at any second. A small excerpt from the Merc that dispells your denial:
OUST-SHICK TALK CARRIES MORE BITE THIS TIME AROUND San Jose Mercury News (California) September 14, 2003 Sunday MORNING FINAL EDITION
…Shick said that she was aware of a Sept. 4 meeting at Blake’s restaurant where key business leaders—including Knight Ridder chief Tony Ridder, ex-mayor Tom McEnery and downtown developer Lew Wolff—met with council members Pat Dando, David Cortese, Cindy Chavez and Chuck Reed to voice their concern about the state of downtown—and about the current redevelopment agency chief.
“They interviewed the prospective mayor,” Shick sniffed.
Sources say one subject that came up was Shick’s performance.
“There was a whole bunch of topics discussed. I wouldn’t single one out,” said McEnery, who swiftly ended his call with IA.
What time are confessions at St. Joes?
Aer you trying to tell us that you never spoke to either Dando or Pandori while they were on the council and pushed an issue—lucky you are not under oath—
#6 J. Walker—no wonder you and yours lose on many issues. Pandori could have done a whole host of things in addition to speaking for 2 minutes at a council meeting if he felt so strongly about the alcohol ordinance. It would have been interesting for him to be on the opposite side of Mothers Against Drunk Driving on this issue because they endorsed the council strengthening the city ordinance. he could have used his persuasive powers to make substantive arguments why MADD got it wrong, he could have attended the numerous planninc commission meetings ,city council hearings, neighborhood meetings and voiced his position, he could have written an op ed piece or letter to the editor stating why MADD and this council got it wrong—he did not because he has been checked out on neighborhood issues for some time or maybe his lobbyist political campaign consultant told him not to????
More to come…
Moving right along.
#7 SJ Downtowner—If you take the time to read the actual ordinance that was passed you will see that it is the toughest restriction for the placement of off sale alcohol locations in the State. This is why Mothers Against Drunk Driving endoresed the ordinance revision—there is a 7-11 downtown that sells gas and alcohol now and there will not be another one in or near the core because the new ordinance is so restrictive and has so many protections in it. No offense but I will take MADD’s opinion on this one over yours.
#8 Ed Rast—you were hands on with the ordinance revision and demonstrated what most on this site could do if they learned to play well with others. Keep up your work on transparancy, it is important. Hopefully Mr. Pandori will explain his arrangement with his lobbyist campaign consultant and how he can say one thing yet do another on lobbyists.
#12 Mal Content—hey I am an early riser what can I say. I type quick, when you face Reality and use facts a post does not take so long…you should try it sometime.
#16 Mark T.—Reality hurts sometimes—If it is hateful to post facts than I am the King of Hatemongers—Pandori did some decent things over his 8 years on the council but he was not a citywide leader on issues of substance and he is being hypocritcal by railing against lobbyists and then turning the keys to his campaign over to Richie Ross, Ubber Lobbyist and a walking conflict of interest…oooooh how hateful.
#20 Frustrated Finfan—You are scary.
What has generated all this angst about alcohol sales?
FinFan—U a piece O woyk!
Well well well we have a new bully wasting no time in claiming a big chunk of territory on this blog. Finfan, I smell a showdown with Mr. Reality. At this rate he’s bound to push the right buttons in short order. I’d say the rest of us could make wagers on who would win but the “reality” is, we all know who would end up with a heapin’ helpin’ of humble pie.
And I accept no responsibility for any resulting melted monitors.
BTW, hasn’t anybody on this blog seen “Crash” yet? As my 80+ neighbor said to me, “if you don’t see yourself at least somewhere in that movie you’re not being honest with yourself.” Finfan’s takes flack for putting the “Crash” spin on things here. PC or not, That film didn’t pull off a best picture upset win for nothing.
Re # 18 – Mark T., Pandori is only an “outsider” because he’s been off the Council for several years. So, don’t paint that type of picture about him at this point. Let’s wait and see how the campaign goes.
SJ Downtowner,
People drive to the liquor store to buy beer/wine. People drive to the grocery store to buy beer/wine. People drive to the convenience store to buy beer/wine.
What is wrong with driving to the combination gas station/convenience store to buy beer/wine?
Also, I never said:
Doesn’t common sense say that you shouldn’t sell booze at a gas station?
I’m not in the habit of making nonsensical statements. That’s finfan’s job.
Clueless Reality – Lobbyists! That’s someone who could not find William St. Park or the Coyote Valley w. a map and a week of looking. Often they are former staffers or ex-pols who cash in on public service. Fire Schick! Damn right I told Council Members, waiters, ushers, and anyone who would listen. Cindy Chavez pulled the trigger to her everlasting credit. I think achievement should be rewarded and incompetence held accountable. Got that, Brownie. TMcE
Dear San Jose:
I agrees with #8 on the lobbying issue. The San Jose public has a right to know who’s behind big issues and crucial votes.
One of the questions asked at Monday night’s mayoral debate had to do with the Earthquakes soccer team and the prospects for bringing them back. Recently, I read about one of the MSL teams back east being up for sale for $20 to $25 million. (No deal went through). What the heck was the current administration doing with a plan to commit $80 million to build a new stadium when the value of the franchises is so low. Secondly, if San Jose so desperately wants/needs soccer, wouldn’t it have been cheaper for the city to just by the darn team and have them play at Spartan Stadium?
And speaking of stadiums, I don’t understand how it was lawful for the city/RDA to spend money on an EIR for baseball when there is a city ordinance that expressedly states that there must be voter approval before any public money is spent on a sports facility larger than 5,000 seats.
Pete Campbell
Wow Reality Check. You are agreeing with Ed.
When is your candidate Cindy going to show us who is behind her bundled contributions checks? I thought you were from the sunshine state. Cortese took the high road. Why didn’t you just put Dennis Martin and other lobbyist on stage with Cindy at the campaign kickoff? Really, let’s be completely open about our lobbyist.
The question as to where Pandori was during the past 8 years is an excellent one. The question as to where he was during the many discussions on gas stations and liquor is even more interesting. Two minutes? Try months of work with community and business as well as interested parties such as MADD.
If he wasn’t interested in the gas station issue until the election what about the work on Megans Law, couplets, downtown business, the CIM project, late night business hours, SNI, and the multitude of other things that Chavez has asked her constituents to participate in? Heck, has he even participated in a single tree planting or litter pick up?
Chavez believes in participative government – that would mean those of you grousing about everything need to stand up and be counted by working on the issues which face your community. Not just throw stones at the one candidate who has been working continuously since elected.
Pandori is like an angry poppet who isn’t getting his way, the more wound up and cranky he gets the less the average voter cares about him.
And, no, I do not now nor have I ever worked for any government office, not paid by any campaign, not a lobbyist by any stretch. Couldn’t afford low government wages nor stand the random abuse of the Pandori-ites.
I think you are wrong about how people will tune out the “toughness” or anger as you call it of Pandori. I think people are angry and they are sick of people like Cindy who gloss over the problems of Ronny G’s tenure
About this lobbyist thing. I came across this:
“San Jose City Council members who leave office in January can immediately turn around and use their influence at City Hall to shill for private interests—maybe developers, or businesses angling for city contracts.
Councilman David Pandori proposed some broader ethics reforms for later study, but he said the lobbying ban should pass now because it filled an obvious, gaping hole in the city’s current law and because it’s common in other cities. Only Councilman Jim Beall agreed. Mayor Susan Hammer and the rest of the council, with straight faces, pretended not to know right from wrong and ordered more study.”
This was in 13 years ago. If the public had been more informed as to the influence peddling that was allowed under the Mayor and council, it would have stopped a decade ago. Now, people are informed and can see improper lobbying does occur.
Here’s the full article:
http://bettersanjose.com/news_story.cfm?news_id=64
#24 Gas
RE: your response to #12 – Uh huh. It’s even faster to do a post using info a nervous campaign staff put together after the dark horse pulled away from the pack. Or so it would seem.
While a discussion of selling booze at gas stations may be instructive it misses the point. You haven’t disputed the real issue raised by Pandori. He claimed was that liquor lobbyists were able to influence the city council vote to overturn the city’s ban on alcohol sales at gas stations. True of false? So far I haven’t heard any hot denials out of City Hall.
By the way, since you like facts here is an interesting article on MADD that came back on a quick Google search: http://www.alcoholfacts.org/CrashCourseOnMADD.html. It kind of makes me wonder how much credibility to give this group’s endorsement of SJ’s gas ‘n guzzle ordinance.
#2, no pun intended. Sometimes I have gas too, I just have to watch what I eat…
In response to #31, Pete Campbell: Building a “soccer stadium” in downtown (or anywhere) in San Jose would be of great value to the city, far in excess of its costs, which are quite minimal relative to a baseball stadium (or a new city hall). Not only would a re-born San Jose Earthquakes professional team find a home there, but so too probably would the San Jose State football team (in need of a new home), the Silicon Valley Football Classic (currently defunct for lack of a venue), and numerous world class soccer events, such as both men’s and women’s World Cup qualifiers, international “friendlies” among club and national teams—the cumulative effect of which would make the Grand Prix look like a tiddlywinks tournament.
A downtown San Jose soccer stadium would immediately be THE premier soccer venue in the United States, which would as a consequence raise San Jose’s global profile tremendously. Soccer is the world’s favorite game and an integral part of the global economy, and its growth as a spectator sport in the U.S. has been exponential in the past 20 years. (More Americans are attending the World Cup in Germany this year than nationals from any other country.)
A soccer stadium is already part of the “billion dollar vision” for downtown San Jose being explored by corporate and arts leaders. If we’re serious about revitalizing downtown, we need to take the idea of a futbol (i.e., soccer) stadium seriously, especially considering that the needed investment is really quite small.
#38: Should the City of San Jose fund the shortfall in profits for a soccer team to be in San Jose like they did for Race Cars?
#30—Tom—Tommy—Tomas—Thomas—The Tomster, Relax, get ahold of yourself, you have finally come out of the closet and admitted you have lobbied for the ouster of a City appointed official. Good job. Did you register as a lobbyist or post a notice of your secret meeting with 4 city council members as described in post #23 above so the public would know what went on behind closed doors—of course not—rules apply to everyone else not the Lord Mayor and now admitted lobbyist.
Everyone knows you have lobbied for subsidies and grants and low interest loans for your downtown properties but I don’t want to pile on right now because you came clean. I agree, let’s give credit where credit is due, good job. Now Pandori can have two lobbyists advising his campaign, you and Richie Ross!
“Common Sense” – guess that you think that it is all about you. I meant that one possessing common sense would think to not to sell booze at a gas station. Guess that you don’t live up to your name.
As for Reality Check – I don’t have time to argue with you on all of your “stats.” I don’t want anymore liquor stores in my neighborhood, I don’t care who endorses it. Why the hell are are even talking about liquor and gas stations? Can we move on to some more pertinent issues?
And I will take Malcontent and Finfan and Mark T over you anyday so thanks for lumping me into your rebuttal. You may have run out of rebuttal cards though…
#32 Gary,
After reading your post the only state I am in is a catatonic one—What are you talking about Willis?
Yet I understand, with the Lord Mayor admitting that he is a lobbyist it must have thrown you for a loop. Big news. So regroup and give it another try, unless your state of mind is not ready to post again.
Oh ya, has Cortese given back the checks he has cashed from lobbyists and their clients. He made a big announcement at the debate, when will that 40K be heading back to his donors?
#36 Mal,
You want me and others to look at an article from MADD that purports to support a point you are trying to make and then discredit the very organization, MADD, that wrote the article. Do you work in the City Planning Department.
MADD worked on this issue for close to 3 years and the statewide organization supported the strengthening of San Jose ordinances that govern alcohol. Reality!
Look, if you take the time to read the outcome of the good work of Ed Rast and other neighborhood leaders on an ordinance that is the most stringent regulation of alcohol in the State of California you will see for yourself that the city is much better off.
And if lobbyists helped with this ordinance, get their names and refer them to one of the Mayoral candidates so that they can hire one of them to help manage their campaign. Was McEnery one of these lobbyists?
Gosh, what could one expect from an entrenched City Council person, RonGon’s protege, Cindy?
Yes, I did say fire Schick – I’m glad someone listened, years too late though. There is a distinction between encouraging accountability and lobbying. It seems to elude you. I am glad that Del B. and Brownie also were canned, the former with a bonus – odd! I wish I could wish Rumsfeld gone also. The principle is accountability & competence. Lobbyists are shills and fixers who thrive in the shawdows or with fake names, Mr. Reality. I am sure you know many, but thanks for the “spin” and distortions – nice try. TMcE
Here we go again. I wonder if SJI is going to register itself as an independent expenditure campaign for their boy wonder Pandori?
More liquor in neighborhoods—-please. The new ordinance on Alcohol is the most restrictive in the state, period. It does not just govern gas stations it governs how the city will regulate alcohol and provides for the most stringent enforcement and guidelines anywhere. No longer will the city have to wait years and years to deal with a nuisance alcohol outlet as it did during the Pandori years.
Scenario #1
Current gas station with a mini mart that sells beer and wine. No problems in the past with crime, underage issues, etc. They want to revamp their station so it looks like those in other cities, you know, new, well lit, more pumps, clean new bathrooms, convienience. To be able to invest millions and create construction jobs, and bring new tax dollars to the city they have to agree to: not sell malt liquor, not sell fortified wines, no hard liquor, no .375 bottles, provide a mandatory training for their clerks on a host of issues including underage drinking—id check—state and local alcohol policy—etc., no signage in the windows or at the pumps promoting beer and wine, they must pay into a self funding inspection program where the city will perform random inspections to ensure compliance, no single can or bottle sales, they must have adequate lighting, remove any graffitti in 48 hours, and be responsible for not creating any crime within 300 feet of their business. The list goes on and on. These are mandatory non-negotiable requirements, now the Planning Commission and the City Council can add any additional requirements they deem sufficient to level the business playing field for gas stations and to protect neighborhoods. Notification requirements for neighborhoods was increased and this is for an existing gas station that already sells beer and wine and has had no problems with crime. Residents get a new station with all the amenities and the business gets to make more money.
Scenario #2
A new site is proposed. The ordinance makes it virtually impossible to build a new station with beer and wine unless of course you meet the following mandatory requirements: can not be situated where there are 3 other alcohol outlets within 1000 feet, can not be in a pre-designated high crime police beat building block, can not be situated within 500 feet of a school, community center, library, hospital, clinic, day care facility, park, and other sensitive locations, can not be in an area that is already overconcentrated, a Safe Neighborhood Initiative area. You then have to agree to all the mandaroty conditions in Scenario #1 and then the Planning Commission and or Council can add other conditions as they see fit.
There are new notification requirements so that no suprises happen and the neighborhoods are engaged early. For all the reasons listed above this is a good pro business pro neighborhoods compromise. That is why Mothers Against Drunk Driving endorsed this new ordinance. That is right the organization dedicated day in and day out to stopping drinking and driving, Mothers Against Drunk Driving endoresed the new ordinance.
Pandori had all sorts of problems with alcohol in his district, Charlie’s Liquor, Paula’s Bar, the Oasis nightclub. He reacted to these problems admirably but he did not try to promote a solution on the front end and did not try and solve the problem citywide. This council did.
Oh, and by the way with lobbyists controlling city hall why did Pandori hire one on the cum to advise him and help him get elected. The real scandal here is hypocrisy and how Pandori’s first decision as a Mayoral candidate was to hire Richie Ross, who is a walking conflict of interest, as his campaign consultant. I think I need a drink.
Where was Pandori during the debate on revamping the ordinances that govern alcohol in the city? This will by and large be the same council he will have to work with as Mayor so why did he not use his power of persuasion to move the council in another direction? Because he can’t, he is incapable of building consensus and has been checked out for some time on neighborhood issues.
He had close to 3 years to impact the new ordinance, where was he? Maybe he was helping McEnery fill out his lobbyist registration form so he can comply with the law. Who knows?
Tom, I agree with you on many points. In the last blg you mentioned using your own name which I think is a matter of courage. I can imagine a discussion with Joe Rodriquez leading it. Joe was originally hired by the MN to be their token hispanic, spanish speaking writer. We don’t read too much of him anymore with his name on it. They moved him to the editorial pages which was a questionable change. I have debated Coyote Valley with a well know blogger here in this venue. You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned Chavez was supporting 30,000 homes, the size of Milpitas. Homes don’t support the city, retail and industry do. Let’s see some more real names on these threads. Don’t be ashamed of your ideas.
Everyone who cares about San Jose is a lobbyist, hence my point.
The Mercury News editorial board are lobbyists. The Chamber of Commerce is a lobbyist group, as is the Labor Council, and the Downtown Association.
City Officials lobby County, State and Federal Officials. County Officials lobby City, State and Federal Officials. The District Attorney lobbies the Board of Supervisors, as does the Assessor, Sheriff, and Public Defender.
Now we can all go to a Lobbyist anonymous meetings and admit our addiction to social change.
People call me a lobbyist, I prefer community relations specialist because I lobby the electorate. But, alas, you outed me.
If you are not a lobbyist you don’t care and have never cared about an issue before City Government. That’s why regulating lobbyists is bad for government—to paraphrase a well known historical figure—let he or she who is not a lobbyist cast the first stone.
Now maybe we can talk about issues instead of lobbyists. It is the issues we lcare about that determines our politics. The things we lobby for are the things that are important to us—whether we be citizens, groups, bureaucrats, elected officials, consultants, advisors, staff, neighbors, columnists or just plain folk.
Regarding alcohol sales at Gas stations. I own a gas station and unfortunately the only way we can compete in the marketplace is to add food and beverage sales to our business.
In the last 6 or 7 years our business has changed because of changes allowed by government. We don’t have many choices of gas suppliers as in past. Prices and charges by the gas companies have increased with little hope for us to find other companies do business with.
We only make about 10 cent per gallon regardless of price gallon gas. So selling car wash service, oil change, food and beverage very important. Alcohol sales very important to my future.
I came here only 12 years ago and love american dreamer. I raise my kids to bee great poeple one day.
Re # 57 – Thanks for asking Shelly. I’ll comment on Council member Cortese. He has demonstrated a willingness to listen and INVOLVE members of the community to try and resolve issues that we are faced with. One of the cornerstones of his community involment was a Task Force process that he established (during his first term in office) in order to deal with traffic issues and a LACK OF amenities in Evergreen. Different community based organizations / groups were brought into the process in order to have some say before any additional new homes were built on available land. This was working until Mayor Gonzales saw it as an opportunity to get back at Cortese for speaking out against his unethical approach to city government. It was at that time that Mayor Gonzales enlisted other members (followers) on the Council to undermine this community process. The process is still in place but only half of the (new) Task Force members are directly from the community.
Coucil member Cortese has demonstrated he isn’t afraid to speak-up when he feels something wrong has been done and unfortunately in the world of politics that doesn’t always lend itself to making friends. If you want the truth and honesty (which some voters in San Jose are showing they do not, but who they are supporting) along with a number of other qualities, then you need to take a long hard look at electing Council member Cortese as our next Mayor.
I’ve lived in San Jose all my life (and in Evergreen for 11 of those years) and I believe Council member Cortese truly cares about making San Jose a BETTER place. “Actions speak louder than words”.
Forf those ignorant folks like me—who is Justin Schall?
Rich R #51—a first, I totally agree with you on that one.
Banning closed liquor sales at gas stations is another excessive, unnecessary law.
People usually drive to the grocery or liquor store to get their booze. They are no more likely to illegally drink coming out of Rotten Robbie as they are Safeway.
Open containers in a car is still illegal as is drunk driving. Not selling liquor at gas station does nothing to discourage drinking and driving. It simply hurts honest businesses.
I am sorry Gas Station Business if that it true but that still doesn’t change my opinion. It is like the certain restaurants downtown who weren’t doing well as a restaurant and then turned into a nightclub attracting whoever would pay for drinks – it is what they feel that they need to do to survive but it does not make it right.
As for lobbyists, I think that I have to agree with Rich Robinson on his post #49. I consider a lobbyist to be more of a mercenary – pushing through whatever their client wants without knowing or caring about the issues themselves and how they affect the city just to earn a buck. Once again, it may be what people feel that they need to do to survive but it doesn’t make it right.
“Now maybe we can talk about issues instead of lobbyists. “
No dice Rich.
This election is about nothing if it’s not a referendum about lobbyists and special interest influence and CH ethics gone AWOL.
How about a challenge to the candidates? Serious about open gov’t and sunshine laws?
Then the candidates should walk the talk and tell the public who their hired guns and big donors are and let the public sort out which candidates are serious about transparency.
#60 count me as one of those who would like to know who is Justin Schall—
#59 Cortese is doing an admirable job of trying to pull together many factions in Evergreen and is doing his best to build a consensus where everyone can walk away feeling good about the outcome. It has been difficult at times but he is no quitter. Housing and development are always tough issues to deal with, as is traffic. It will be interesting to see what the end product of his task force will be.
So, I’m new to this whole blogging thing, and I attended the debates on Monday. Kudos to North Side, what a great neighborhood! I have little personal experience with Pandori as council member as he was in office his last year when I moved downtown. Kept referring to hmself as a lame duck at meetings. True at that point back then.
For Cindy, I can point to a whole slew of improvements that are concrete, have improved the quality of life for me as a downtown resident. Parks built, Luna Park, Horace Mann, couplet conversion (my personal favorite) tougher liquor sale policies, SNI, Megan’s law task force, etc etc.
So, since I am a neighborhood person, and that is my priority, I like Cindy. I think she has built good coalitions, I think she has had a responsive office, and working on my 13th ST NAC has been invalueable. Thru it I get results from the police, code enforcement, redevelopment, parks and rec. You name it, almost every agency has become more responsive to neighborhood concerns than ever before. I credit her for that for so many reasons.
Can anyone enlighten me as to concrete improvements Mr. Pandori made during his tenure for my down town neighborhood? I’d like to compare.
Oh and Mr. Mc Henry, I am not a paid staff person for anyone’s campaign. Just looking for information.
Call me, Tom, Cate, and nice post. We’re all new to blogging. I really like the couplet conversions too. Nice job by Cindy. I agree that many neighborhood projects have been done by her and she should feel good about them. Oh, and you didn’t have to pt. out you’re not a staffer/lobbyists: it’s obvious – you are too sensible and unbiased. Thanks, TMcE
Justin “Reality Check” Schall,
Frankly I have always lumped Tom in the same group as Mulcahy, but if you trying to connect Tom to Pandori, then we must not forget Cindy Chavez was a former aide to Supervisor Ron Gonzales.
Back to our discussion about your candidate TAKING money from lobbyists, remember this article?
Chavez top recipient of lobbyists’ campaign donations
The lobbyists who reported raising money from third parties for Chavez were:
• Don Cecil and Muffie Meier of Public Affairs Associates. Cecil listed his only city client as ChevronTexaco, which was among the companies that benefited from a council decision last year liberalizing rules for the sale of alcohol at gas stations. Meier listed the Bay 101 cardroom and Cadence Design Systems. Public Affairs Associates is led by former Chavez campaign consultant Ed McGovern, whose clients also include Norcal Waste Systems, the city garbage hauler that benefited from the council’s controversial 2004 decision to add $11.25 million to its contract.
• Tom Saggau and Dustin DeRollo. Saggau and DeRollo, a former aide to Mayor Ron Gonzales, have a long list of clients, including downtown bars, the oil company BP North America and major developers with interests in Evergreen and South Almaden Valley.
• George Shirakawa. The former city council member represents many of the same clients as Saggau and DeRollo.
• Kerry Williams. Williams represents housing developers who own property in Coyote Valley.
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/13762598.htm
Looks like Cindy’s platform is Gas stations, Cardrooms, Norcal, Evergreen and Coyote Valley.
It is great to have folks like Cate and the gas station business owner post about their experiences. I hope more people like them step forward. It seems like we have focus on Chavez and Pandori – does this mean the other guys are not in the race? Or, the only people posting are downtown residents? We don’t seem to hear much about them…
In regard to the trash talking on the site – we could bash every candidate – that’s easy to do. As many other posters have pointed out, it would be great to hear about the candidates and their vision for the San Jose as a whole. It’s nice to dream.
schall is cindy’s out of town campaign manager like pandori’s ross who has been here for a few weeks probably having a hard time getting around san hoze and would not know local politics or past votes details wihout help
when was this bash cindy only blog turnaround is good politics debate
cortese’s actions working for community speak louder than other candidates words go dave
Trunaround #62: Thanks for the 4-1-1 on Schall. Is he from Sacto., or the dreaded L.A.?
he’s from the Clinton White House (see cutting edge restaurant article).
Just do a google search with quotes: “Justin Schall”
Plenty of info.
Just do a google search with quotes: “Justin Schall”
He’s from the Clinton White House (see cutting edge restaurant article).
#63, 64-5—We Schall Overcome this obsession with Ms. Chavez and her handlers—While you google Schall remember to google:
Lisa Poelle—Mulcahy’s Bankrupt Calpine Lobbyist, and revolving door participant (she worked for Powers)—
Vic Ajlouny—Chuck Reed’s consultant—current registered lobbyist in San Jose—
Richie Ross—Lobbyist and campaign consultant to Pandori—
google away…but let’s be fair and check out all of the consultants—There was a Mercury News editorial not long ago that said the editorial board would take into consideration who a candidate hires to manage and consult on their campaigns—I hope they do take into consideration this factor in determining who ought to get the nod.
Like Cate, I live in D3 and am very familiar with Cindy’s accomplishments. I thought I’d share a few of them from just within the strong neighborhoods initiative area where I live. The successes listed are the outcome of collaboration with many city staff and departments – none of which would have been possible without Cindy.
I first met Cindy after she took office, at the first of her annual Neighborhood Summits where she also created the opportunity for neighborhoods to meet each other and share information and strategies for successes.
There are many successes not listed below, the most important of which is that Cindy encouraged us to dream about where we could take the downtown and asked us to work hard with her to make it happen.
Physical
• O’Donnell’s Gardens Park at Sixth and William – completed December 2005
• Neighborhood Block Grant Program with grants totaling nearly $300,000 for neighborhood homes and businesses
• Residential Permit Parking
• Collaboration with SJSU on scale, placement and design of new dormitory housing
• Intersection improvements including, landscaped bulb outs, raised/stamped/color crosswalks, narrowed street
• Neighborhood Cleanups
• Gateway Beautification projects
• Urban reforestation
• Ongoing Façade Improvements
• Alleyway rehabilitation completed: 7th /8th and Margaret/Reed and5th/6th and Margaret/Reed
• Tree Trimming completed for University Neighborhoods for the first time in 25 years
• Neighborhood anti-graffiti patrol
• Street light replacement on S. 9th/William, 10th bet William/Reed, S. 8th/William, S. 8th/Reed, S. 6th/William.
• Stoplights installed
• Stop signs installed
• Street Cleaning implemented for SUN
• Installation of trash receptacles at Seventh/Reed, Sixth/William, Spartan Market
Social
• Successfully bring City Year San Jose/Silicon Valley team to University and Washington elementary schools
• Creation English as a Second Language class for resident volunteers, pilot program
• Three successful Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications
• Six years of successful Family Giving Tree projects which has grown to serving more than 350 people and providing gifts to more than 150 children annually
Copied from Cindy’s web site.
Justin Schall
Campaign Manager
Ju****@Ci***************.com
I don’t want to diminish the things that Cindy has accomplished for the neighborhoods. She has done good things and is a good person. However, I believe that in the position of mayor, you need to have vision which is something that has seemed lacking in the current administration. Looking at the big picture in San Jose, what is the vision of our candidates? It is very worthy to help fill potholes but we need someone who will give direction to our city and I am not sure if she has demonstrated that she can do that.
Lisa,
I’m wondering howyou feel that the current City Council can say they are for existing neighborhoods when they propose to expand so rapidly in Coyote Valley and North San Jose.
They are moving forward to put tens of thousands of homes out in the green area of south San Jose, which had previously been preserved.
Doesn’t it concern you that this would dilute the budgets used to for neighborhoods like yours?
So Mr. Justin Schall you have been identified as the Gassy Reality Check. Tom McEnry had every right to ask for Ms. Schicks departure from city government in a “secret meeting.” All personnel sessions are, by nature, confidential and should be held behind closed doors. Your diatribes make me want to quit reading this blog because all you are doing is try to stir up the s—-. It seems you are anti everybody. Until you deny that you are Justin Schall we will all come to the same conclusion of who you are.
Yeah, I googled “Justin Schall” and found a lot of sites with no real content. Hhmm, isn’t that appropriate?
Justin “Reality Check” Schall,
Now I understand your complement to Ed “Keep up your work on transparency, it is important.”
Was it your idea to hold this exclusive meeting at Cindy’s home on “open government”?
http://www.metroactive.com/metro/04.05.06/sunshine-0614.html
I live in Cindy’s district and I didn’t get a notice. Where do I sign up for the next meeting, here? http://www.cindychavez4mayor.com/contribute.asp
#69 SJ Downtowner: The role Cindy played as our Councilmember in getting done the things her constituents asked for is the job of the Councilperson. I listed a few of her accomplishments because it is indicative of the successes she has had in D3 – and because it demonstrates her abilities to build support within multiple city departments.
Fixing potholes and putting in stop signs is what the Councilmember is asked to do. She’s done that and much more. Along the way I believe she has developed in the ways that will make her an equally accomplished Mayor.
She shared her vision of a vibrant San Jose and is creating neighborhoods and business districts which help get us there. Building coalitions, working collaboratively with diverse (and sometimes less than cooperative) groups/people and delivering product – she’s been successful and will continue to be successful.
#72: Gary, I was also at the meeting at Cindy’s house along with dozens of other folks. Dan Pulcrano’s rendition of her living room is lovely but hardly accurate. Love you, Dan, but maybe you were at a home closer to your own? The four councilmembers invited a cross section of their constituents to a brainstorming session. Hardly a secret closed door meeting. There were a few faces I knew and many I did not – I’m not sure how meeting with constituents has become so surprising.
At the Mayoral debate at the Cal Dave Cortese waxed nostalgic about a meeting he held in his office at city hall with 3 well known developers – while blowing up because Cindy didn’t invite him to her home. I certainly hope that constituent meetings happen for each of the Councilmembers – otherwise I would wonder at who they think they’re working for.
If you’re interested in participating in getting things done in your n’hood simply show up at your n’hood association meetings and volunteer. Before long you’ll find you have more on your plate than you anticipated and are either fulfilled or exhausted or both. Either way, your n’hood will be a better place for your participation. If you’re not sure what n’hood you’re in call Cindy’s office – she knows them all.
#41 SJ Downtowner—
Agreed, less alcohol outlets the better. The new ordinance will strengthen neighborhoods to say no. Read it someday.
And I will take Reality and Truth over anything else.
#44 Tommy—so you lobbied but it does not count? What about your 900k 3% loan and the 200k city grant, did you not talk to anyone about this with the city or did it just magically appear on an agenda and get approved. Come clean man it will be good for the soul. You shilled for the city hand out to fix your buildings, you lobbied, period.
As for a fake name, here you go again—one set of rules for you and yours and another for everyone else. As a founder of this site you allow Single Gal to post every week—with a fake name—hypocisy Tom, that is the intended victim of the Reality Check with Gas.
Well, well, Mr. Reality or Mr. City Hall, such a fountain of misinformation. When “sanjoseinside” has our Mayor’s Debate, how about showing up, paper bag on head, and we’ll debate these excellent pts. of yours. No, I don’t think you’ll come out of the dark, but keep up the distortions, maybe you can get a bonus from your employer – or a success fee. TMcE
Tommy—you got me, how did you know, yes I am the Unknown Comic from the Gong Show, bag on head and all. Did you lobby for the city hand out to fix your property or not? Don’t make me post the Merc article that details the $900K 3% loan and the $200K grant to fix your property. Who did you talk to and why did you not register? Are you Single Gal?
Where is the misinformation I have posted? Don’t you have someone to lobby?
Lisa –
I don’t doubt Cindy’s ability to work with groups of people and get those little things done that mean a lot to neighborhoods. My point is: You need to have the money to fill in those potholes and I don’t mean getting handouts from the state or fed govt and that takes more big picture thinking.
For instance, how much money did the city lose on conventions and on construction costs but putting up that convention center tent? Not that it is all her fault but pushing for that would have shown some vision (though any citizen in the city could have told you that they should have done it.)
Cindy has given you results in your neighborhood and you are rewarding her with your support, I understand that. I guess that I need to see her vision for this vibrant San Jose before I am convinced that she should be Mayor.
Lisa,
For the record, I participated in the neighborhood long before SNI, before most of D3 was declared blighted, and before the city was using eminent domain to expand the downtown core.
I know you were the camerawoman for Cindy’s kickoff and you are working on her campaign, but are you saying the neighbors supporting other candidates were invited to this exclusive meeting at Cindy’s house on open govenernment? I agree Cindy has done some nice things for our neighborhood and of course council members should hold meetings with their constituents, but if she is going to draft a plan for open govenernment, the meeting should be open. Don’t you agree?
Did Cindy also consult you on the Grand Prix before she made the vote to spend $4 mill?
Cultural Affairs released the grant awards for the city wide festivals this week. Our favorite Bark in the Park got $12 thou, Tom’s Cinequest got $25 thou out of the $50 thou they asked for. Overall the city spent $365,951 on 30 festivals. This means the current administration spent more than 10x on the Grand Prix than all other city festivals combined with no notice. Do you agree their spending habits?
I guess in answer to Sj downtowner, what would it take to demonstrate a clear vision for SJ? What I have to go on is a record of what a candidate has done before. 1. Has that candidate produced concrete results? 2. Has that candidate built coalitions and an atmosphere of trust with opposing constituents? 3. Is that candidate skilled at taking a no /win situation and turning it into a win /win situation? 4. Does that candidate and I share a common political philosophy? 5. Has that candidate had an open and responsive office?
With Cindy, I can categorically answer yes to every one of these questions and back them up with examples. Lisa presented a list of concrete accomplishments big and small. #1. Take the SNI, Cindy built a mountain of cooperation between all sides on this issue. #2 On city Hall, instead of fighting against the move loudly, knowing she’d lose, she worked to secure a better school for my neighborhood, a traffic study which gave momentum to the couplet conversion now coming to fruition. Historic houses slated for demolition were moved and saved. Community input was required on garage issues. #3 We do share a common general political philosophy #4 her office has been open, friendly and without a doubt responsive to every issue I have brought before them. #5.
Do I agree with every vote she has made? No. Has she done things that upset me? Yes. And she heard about them and always aske me to a meeting to fix the problem. My will may not have always been done, but I am certain my voice was heard.
As for a vision, well D3 has been an openly neglected part of SJ for a long time. In a sea of Mc Cookie cutter housing developments with zero lot lines, mine is a neighborhood with magnificent architecture, history, culture, and diversity. My own house is over 120 years old and was the home of Clara Foltz, California’s first woman lawyer, I have recently found out. And nearly every house around me as a story as cool as mine. But for nearly 40 years, City Hall has turned a blind eye to this amazing asset and has allowed it to fall into such neglect as to be the dumping ground for parolees, sex offenders, traffic, graffiti gangs and drugs.
As far as I can tell, Cindy has been the only person in office who looked at my neighborhood and saw it for what it was supposed to be. This should be a beautiful, pedestrian friendly, multi ethnic lively, safe, urban neighborhood that uses it’s corner stores and walks to the downtown restaurants. It should be a neighborhood where all manner of bicycles, pedestrians, scooters, skateboarders are out on the streets actually talking to each other in whatever language they use. It should be a neighborhood where the community hospital cares for our elderly, and where the neighborhood kids walk safely to their neighborhood schools. It should be a place where we know each other’s names, where the front stoop is akin to a neighborhood gathering place and soap box, in my case. Now that, for me, is vision.
And when i asked for Mr. Pandori’s record, the answers to these kinds of questions, backed up with examples is what I want to know. Who is hiring whom for their consultants, who voted on this or that, well, there is no poliltician whose voting record I completely agree with. I want to know if i disagree will Mr. Pandori listen to me? Does he see in my neighborhood what I see? Will he bring opposing factions to the table? Will he bring me concrete results? For that matter will Cortese? Reed? Mulcahy? I sincerely want to know.
And on an aside, Mr. Mc Enery, this is fun! I like blogging! I’ll call you Tom when we meet for coffe some time. Cafe Aragon is a great little cafe opened up in Luna Park. I’ll buy you a latte.
Cate
Cate – nice post and wonderful vision of your neighborhood. Swift said that “vision is the art of seeing the invisible.” You see it; Cindy too; Pandori also. I love these neighborhoods. Elections do “not” have to be repulsive and full of lies. We can do better in San Jose than descend into the lies and distortions of the lobbyists and hacks- it’s our city and we should be passionate about it, but with some calm and reserve. Resist the apostles of hate & abuse. I’ll take you up on the coffee. Too bad, Clara Foltz couldn’t join us. TMcE
Cate #75: Of course it didn’t hurt in getting your neighborhood revitalized that Cindy lives in your neighborhood.
I appreciate your blog Cate and am glad that your neighborhood is doing well – thanks to Cindy and you and your neighbors. I guess that the role that you say that Cindy had been filling is that of a good councilperson and I am not sure if all of that neccessarily translates to a good mayor.
With the word “vision” I mean big picture items: the arena, getting companies to locate downtown, even moving City Hall downtown. Things that help shape the face of our city and help drive our tax and revenue bases.
Believe me, I think that the neighborhood issues are very important but I know that the big items are what pay those neighborhood improvements.
We are fortunate to have 5 different candidates with differing backgrounds and ideas. So we will see who shares your thoughts, mine or something totally different!
Hi Gang,
Heard a rumor I was posting on this site. Hate to disappoint but it wasn’t me.
This will be my last post – really wish I had more time to chat, but only 60 days until the election and a ton to get done.
Have fun.
Justin Schall
Campaign Manager
Cindy Chavez for Mayor
In response to #79, John Michael O’Connor: Cindy Chavez does not live, nor has she ever lived, in Cate Schroeder’s neighborhood. Schroeder lives in the Julian St. James neighborhood near downtown. Chavez lives in Naglee Park. Before moving to Naglee Park, Chavez lived in the Horace Mann neighborhood. Both of Chavez’s neighborhoods are nearby Schroeder’s but both are distinct not only in geography but (for different reasons) in socioeconomic circumstances from Schroeder’s neighborhood.
To the broader innuendo suggested by O’Connor’s post, namely that Chavez favors her own neighbors over others, Chavez has been supportive of all neighborhoods downtown and as far as I can tell hasn’t played favorites.
Let me tell a story about the sort of person Chavez is. Chavez in 2001 helped my neighborhood, Northside, re-name our local branch library for a wonderful longtime neighborhood activist, the now late Joyce Ellington, who helped obtain the library with federal funding in the 1970s and who was at one time chair of the city’s library commission in the early 1980s. Renaming the former Empire Library wasn’t easy to do, especially since Joyce Ellington, in ill-health for a number of years before her death last August, was still alive at the time. But Chavez got it done. The remarkable thing about it was that Joyce Ellington had back in 1988 endorsed Chavez’s council opponent Tony West and Ellington even appeared smiling in West’s campaign flyers; it was an important endorsement and once Chavez would dearly have loved to have had in a tight race because Ellington is a revered figure in my neighborhood and across the city. As payback, a typical politician would have squashed any subsequent suggestion of honoring Ellington (which, by the way, Joyce never asked for). But Chavez, who as I’ve said doesn’t play favorites with neighborhood folks, never let Ellington’s prior (misguided, in my view) endorsement of Tony West get in the way of doing the right thing by Ellington and my neighborhood.
Don – nice piece of history and a good synopsis of an honor for Joyce, one of the people who made Northside “and” San Jose such a special place. She helped me a lot, and even walked precincts for me 2 or 3 times: she was the best. Cindy in doing so, showed the non-vindictive, anti-take-no prisoners politics that will serve her well if she is elected. We have painfully seen how the other works. One small point: if Joyce was for Tony West and believed in him, she was not “misguided”, just an honest disagreement. We can have those still, and not attack/denegrate everyone else. I am sure you agree w. that. TMcE
#78 Joe Bentley,
Constituent meetings are what elected officials are supposed to do. The more the better. Because you were not invited is maybe because you don’t live in her district anymore—Schroeder, Jensen and Gagliardi give concrete examples of real objectives being met and of an elected official listening—we need more of that, not less. And the last time I looked I never saw Bark in the Park getting national exposure and bringing in millions of dollars to our downtown economy as will the SJ Grand Prix.
Tom—
I certainly didn’t mean to denigrate the late Joyce Ellington by saying she was “misguided” in endorsing Tony West back in 1998. I consider Joyce to have been a good friend (I spoke at her funeral and have nothing but the utmost respect and love for her memory) and I merely meant to convey, as you say, honest disagreement which reasonable, and good people, sometimes have. (Tony West was a good man after all.) I will say that following Cindy Chavez’s election to the council, many of my neighbors, I believe including Joyce, came around to become backers of Chavez.
Sounds like that library was a good example of Cindy not holding grudges and working in the neighborhoods – she does do that well. However, no one is mentioning the gorilla in the room: her relationship with Ron Gonzales and possible connections to the Norcal deal among others. She was close with him for years and only recently started distancing herself. Does that worry anyone else?
As for Tony West, he was the best candidate to not get elected. It is one thing to lose to Cindy, another good candidate, but Manny Diaz? We have the same possibility with Manny and Sam Liccardo. Lets not make the same mistake twice.
Don # 81: Thanks for the correction. Duly noted.
#78 Gary: that’s fantastic that you were active in the ‘hood before SNI. I’m really awful with names so if you’ve continued your praticipation that’s wonderful. It takes the support of many constituents to ensure a balanced perspective.
wrt being the camerawoman. I doubt you’ll believe me but I’m actually fairly shy and in situations where there are so darn many people I find that keeping the camera busy helps me to remain settled and calm.
So, yes, I was taking pictures – more out of self defense and certainly not because anyone asked me to. In case you’re wondering I’m just a lowly volunteer on the campaign and holding the camera helps me more than it helps her. I shoot a lot because that’s how I was trained. I’ve shot n’hood meetings, CDBG meetings where neighbors were presenting grant app’s, family weddings, permit parking issues and pretty much anything in between.
I would like to think I’m not bad with a camera and have been fortunate enough to have participated in a show or two.
I’ve been asked by a friend to do a slide show for the seniors at Billy de Frank of my last holiday – give me a holler if you’re interested in seeing them.
I heard about the Grand Prix the same time everyone else did and, yes, Cindy heard from me on that topic. I don’t know if I would have supported the Grand Prix if I had known all the information but I certainly didn’t support the manner in which it was presented to Council. Neither did Cindy.
I am very supportive of the arts and it saddens me deeply that many well meaning people don’t seem to understand the power of art in shaping intelligent, thoughtful young adults. I’m delighted you are a fan of BARK! – even without a pooch I think it’s the most fun you can have surrounded by puppies. I hadn’t even realized BARK! applied for funding but am happy to hear they received their request.
I’ve served as a commissioner for San Jose for the past 7 years on the Community Development Block Grant steering committee – each year we receive less funding from HUD – each year fewer fantastic social agencies receive less funding as a result. We seem to be unable to help the Fed’s understand that what is low income in Iowa is way below extremely low income in San Jose.
#85 SJ Downtowner – Tony West is probably a very nice guy but Cindy won our hearts and then proved she was the right person for the job time and time again. This may surprise you but I’ve already endorsed Sam. I think he’s down to earth, honest and hardworking. I’ve already told him the numerous things that Cindy did and that I expect him to continue doing once elected, including pot holes and stop signs.
As an aside, Cindy and I also do not share a neighborhood – I live in the South University Neighborhood.
SJ Downtowner, #85: I agree, Tony was the perhaps the best candidate in recent memory not to get elected to city council. As for the current downtown city council race, I’m supporting Sam Liccardo, as it appears you are.
SJ Downtowner (#85), congratulations for keeping the cross-hairs aligned. Cindy Chavez may be well-intended, personally charming, and attentive to the nuts and bolts expectations of her constituents, but when she was confronted with a test of her integrity and commitment to the rule of law—a chance to demonstrate real leadership and come up big on behalf of the people of this city, her decision was to instead act like the mayor’s little cupcake.
Every single day, important work is done in this city by dedicated employees and managers answering to the needs of the citizens. And though I am appreciative of their efficiency, I don’t confuse their day-to-day efforts for political leadership or a reason to overlook an act of serious malfeasance. That our vice-mayor is responsive and fair-minded does absolutely nothing to remove from my memory the image of her and her mayor exchanging whispers, avoiding straight answers, and pretending not to notice that the city they were sworn to lead was quaking with a scandal of their own doing.
“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.”
– Peter F. Drucker
Congressional Medal of Freedom Recipient
How on earth could Cindy quietly sit next to Ron Gonzalez when he attended, chaired and voted during the BART ‘‘Policy Advisory Board’’ meeting two weeks ago?
She even knew he was going to be there before the meeting even began. This brings new meaning to “letting everybody have a place at the table!”
Can anyone explain this?
Just gotta say, nobody in their right minds would say that the Julian St. James Neighborhood is a revitalized neighborhood. It is a much improved neighborhood over the past 7 years, since the SNI process has been in place. Before that it was a neighborhood in pretty severe neglect. Understand, I moved into my neighborhood when Mr. Pandori was my council person. Back then, like I said he was in his final year and considered himself a lame duck. I honestly couldn’t tell you what vision he had for my neighborhood. I don’t know what he did for his constituency while in office, I don’t know how responsive he was, if he reached out to political adversaries. What were his goals for the downtown neighborhoods, and did he reach them? What was his plan for the traffic issues, the gang, drug, blight issues we faced then in droves back then? Did he see these downtown neighborhoods as an asset or did he ignore them? did he have any missteps, make any mistakes? Honestly, I wasn’t tuned into neighborhood issues then. I had just moved into a 100 year old house with peeling paint and a baby on the way. So, what say you Pandori supporters? What concrete results did he acheive for my neighborhood?
As for Cindy ( and I use her first name because I know her) she wasn’t merely a government employee responding the needs of her constituency. Because of her, nearly all of the government “pencil pushers” we all come to loathe became more responsive, more efficient and even in many cases paertners with the neighborhoods. The Police, Code, SJRA, parks and REC, to name a few. Even some would argue the DOT is even better. Not me, but others. So it’s admirable she did her job well for her citizens. It’s admirable she reached out to poltical adversaries, It’s admirable she made our local agencies better at partnering with the community. It’s admirable she listens to people who disagree with her or who are even angry with her. It’s admirable but……….. is what you will say. She needs to……………. There seems to be an expectation of Cindy for a perfect voting record, perfect political allies perfect political steps at every turn. Well what of the vision of the other candidates? What of the responsiveness of the other candidates? What about the coalition building of the other candidates? have they performed as well? Have the gotten results, Did they have no political missteps? The debates didn’t address these issues. This blog seems to be the best forum for that kind of discussion.
Andbody?
Cate
# 89 frustrated finfan—in your first paragraph you post: “…but when she was confronted with a test of her integrity and commitment to the rule of law—a chance to demonstrate real leadership and come up big on behalf of the people of this city, her decision was to instead act like the mayor’s little cupcake.
What are you talking about, she authored the memo calling for the censure of the Mayor and voted to censure the Mayor for his Norcal deal, she voted to remove him from his committee assignments and other board assignments he was appointed to and supports the Grand Jury probe that is ongoing to determine if there was illegality—so again, what are you talking about?
The Cindy haters can only talk about one thing, supposed back room deals in smoke filled rooms with special interests/lobbyists yet can point to no specifics—I am sure she was on the grassy knoll in Dallas, and was it not Cindy that stole the Lindburgh baby, she created the bermuda triangle, and she was married in Area 51, and of course she is bigfoot—enough with the wild accusations, myth and conjecture and deal with facts—she has delivered on a participatory process that has improved neighborhoods in her district (SNI), she has led on city wide issues such as her Megan’s Law Task Force, she is a fighter for social justice (Children’s Health Care) and can bring business leaders to the table to strengthen our city’s ordinance governing alcohol outlets. Real stuff, nothing made up. Did I forget to mention that she has not hired a lobbyist to run her campaign?
I’m still confused as to why allowing beer sales at more gas stations is a good thing?
Here was a perfect opportunity to show her leadership:
How on earth could Cindy QUIETLY sit next to Ron Gonzalez when he attended, CHAIRED and VOTED during the BART ‘’Policy Advisory Board’’ meeting two weeks ago?
She even knew he was going to be there before the meeting even began. This brings new meaning to “letting everybody have a place at the table!”
Did she feel uncomfortable to question him?
Did she show leadership here?
Anyone?
I am not a Cindy hater – let me get that out there. You can list all of the good things that she has done in the neighborhoods and partnerships that she has forged – all good – I am not trying to discount that.
However, the voting she did on the censure and other moves just happened recently and I believe that she voted to stop the Norcal investigation which should have been a crime in itself! That doesn’t seem very forthright to me. I think that she is being portrayed as able to do no wrong and you just can’t polarize things like that but wait – this is politics.
Obviously, David Pandori lives downtown and I would have to say that every neighborhood downtown is mixed with good and bad elements. So I don’t think that you can say that he doesn’t value those neighborhoods when he is a part of them! I don’t know how you couldn’t value them when you have neighbors like Lisa and Cate are working hard to improve them. Downtown is so much better than it used to be probably due more to the residents (and high housing prices!) than government. Give yourself some credit!
Like I said, the candidates are polarized where Cindy is for the neighborhoods and for some reason that makes Pandori not for the neighborhoods? He is a DA so I would think that he has a good handle on what kind of trouble we have to deal with in our neighborhoods and I think that he is the only candidate that has really made dealing with gangs a major point in his campaign.
So, listen to some more debates and hopefully you can hear Pandori talk more about his plans for the neighborhoods. I just think that he talks more about big picture – crime mostly – and not the warm and fuzzy stuff that Cindy does. Different ideas and different styles.
#93 Reality Check – enough with the lobbyist stuff – I think that those in glass houses should not throw stones. How about accepting lots of $$ from lobbyists? Oh, I guess that is different somehow.
Reality Check with a Buzz (#93),
Where does one learn to so handsomely package so suspect a stew? Was it by serving the needs of scoundrels or did you once intern at Dinty Moore?
Your post is a masterpiece of deception. But rather than dissecting your argument with a tedious recitation of grand jury findings, million dollar mysteries, a mayor lashing out wildly, a city manager gone catatonic, and Cindy’s months of hardly seeming to notice it all, I will, inspired by your third paragraph, apply your arguing strategy to the defense of a murderer of recent infamy.
“Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, I can’t imagine what it is the prosecutor is talking about. Scott Peterson guilty of murder? Did we forget that it was he who first alerted the authorities; he, who begged the public for its help; he, who worked night and day searching for his missing wife? Who was it who shed the tears, sought the comfort of his family, and first introduced us all to Lacy, the beautiful, young, mother-to-be?
“The prosecutor raises many questions about my client’s actions and whereabouts on the day Lacy went missing, yet he can point to no specifics—no crime scene, no murder weapon, no jailhouse confession. Enough with the wild accusations and conjecture, lets deal with facts: Scott was a loving husband, an excited father-to-be, a good provider, a treasured son-in-law, a trusted neighbor. Unlike the prosecutor, I don’t have to make anything up—this is real stuff!”
You asked me “what I was talking about” and then time-warped the vice-mayor’s response to “what I was talking about” as deftly as a con man moving a pea in a three shell game. If Cindy Chavez now claims the high ground in regards to this scandal, she got there very late, and only after noticing that the low ground upon which she’d sought refuge had turned into a killing field of careers.
I get that you Fin Fan don’t like Cindy and you point to her relationship with Ron. SJ Downtowner you point to what you believe is her lack of vision. Fair enough. Yet, while you keep her in the “crosshairs,” you fail to answer my question. Let me be clear. I used to think I rode the coat tails of some very committed community activists. But the more I know my friends on the 13th St. NAC and in the UNC and in Naglee Park the more I consider myself a boil on the heiney of the ploebicyte who rides their coat tails. I am by no means a major player in down town neighborhood politics.
From my perspective and it is an admitted limited one, Mr. Pandori has the luxury of a vision. I have never come across him in any meeting regarding down town issues. I know of no board he sat on in the last eight years, I know of no cause he advocated, no process he lead, nothing. He spoke so passionately about shaming HCA into better health care for the down town. Does he attend the Save the Medical Center Coalition meetings regularly? Has he supported Roz Dean with time and free legal expertise? He spoke of his disdain for the crime statistics, did he work on the Megan’s Law Taskforce with the police? Does he organize anti crime meetings in his neighborhood? Does he go to his neighborhood SNI meetings and speak regularly with the police on issues facing his community?
I also have no idea of Mr. Pandori’s record as my D3 council member. He spoke eloquently of the liquor laws and gas stations at the last debate, When he led my district, was this a cause he took up? What were the alcohol sales laws under his leadership and how did he change them? He is not sold on the SNI process. What was his way of empowering neighborhoods to work together for a common cause? He is angry about the sunshine laws. Did he advocate sunshine laws while he was in office? Whom did he work with? What coalition around this issue did he build? What were his priorities while in office and did he meet his goals? Waht was his vision kfor D3 then and how does it match his vision now?
Like I said, I really don’t know the answers to these questions. I would and would appreciate supporters of Pandori to share what they know. Fin Fan, SJ Downtowner, what causes did you work with Mr. Pandori on and were they successful? Did you partner with him and Cindy’s office to get results? What call to action did he inspire you to take in the past 8 years? Was there ever a vote Mr. Pandori took that angered you and how did he respond to your concerns? What did he vote on that you liked?
Please understand I am not attacking, I am willing to listen and compare.
Cate
#95—Your last paragraph talks about money from lobbyists and it underscores what you must think goes on with elected officials—Here is a great article that ran in the paper just this week and a quote that is on point:
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/14276611.htm
“If they think that anyone can influence me for $500, they should give me money, too,’’ he joked.
If your premise is accurate then they are all for sale, getting services for free from a lobbyist, like Pandori’s consultant who on his last reporting form had not been paid, or structuring a contract with his lobbyist where nothing is paid up front but a huge win bonus (success fee) is paid if elected somehow is ok but getting a $500 dollar check from a lobbyist will buy influence. Please, if all it took were a few checks to get things done in any city there would be a lot of retired lobbyists.
I have heard Pandori talk about what he is against, planning, mind you, planning for development in Evergreen, North First Street and Coyote, against paying police officers a wage where they can afford a house in the city they patrol, against a stricter ordinance on alcohol sales in the entire city—what is he for, I am waiting to hear something beyond an endowment…..
frustrated finfan,
Of course I knew what you were talking about, it is what you and many other conspiracy theorists talk about on this site day in and day out, let me see if I get it right; “back room deals, behind closed doors, with special interests and smoke billowing out the windows, where there is a secret pact, sort of costra nosa style, to rule the world by joining the trilateral commission and getting city memo’s out the day before the vote”.
Voters of this city will evaluate the whole package of each candidate and neighborhoods trump everything and there is no better advocate for neighborhoods than Chavez, period. Opine on about conspiracy and your whodunnit fingerpointing and avoid Reality.
I thought your first paragraph was hilarious. I love the Dinty Moore. Oh and did I mention that Pandori, Mulcahy, and Reed all have lobbyists as their campaign consultants/managers? Why don’t you dip your french bread in a little of that—hypocrisy stew?
#87 Lisa – No, I am not surprised that you are supporting Sam and I am glad that you are! I am not criticizing your support of Cindy in the past or the present. You seem to be fair minded and are rewarding efforts that Cindy has put in your neighborhood with your support which makes sense. I guess that I am just asking you and others to look beyond your neighborhood into the other issues in the city where I don’t feel that Cindy has been up to par in the areas of leadership.
#89 Finfan, hope that you and I aren’t in minority.