Much has been said about the Grand Prix lately, using words like “swindle” and “shameful” and talking about how it is a huge waste of money. Now, rumblings have turned into accusations that there were some backroom deals made in order to make this event happen. What is really going on here?
In a mass email sent out by Dave Cortese last week, he claimed that: “Now it appears that Mayor Gonzales and Vice Mayor Cindy Chavez cut a secret deal with the San Jose Grand Prix for a $4 million public subsidy for the car race.” This accusation is almost humorous to me—not because it’s funny per se, but because it’s almost as if I EXPECT scandal from this administration. It makes me wonder if it has the same effect on others and whether it seriously bothers anyone anymore. Maybe a small number of people in this city—those who follow San Jose politics like a teenager follows the Brangelina saga—are disgusted and infuriated enough to take action. But the vast majority of San Joseans probably don’t feel outrage, anger or betrayal—they just chalk it up to another scandal.
And, what about all this talk about the Grand Prix itself? I believe that most people think that the Grand Prix is a fun event that has speed, novelty, sun, and cold beer. Others think that it is great exposure for our city to be showcased on a televised sporting event and $4 million doesn’t seem like much to pay for a city starving for cool things to do. And I have to say that, for the most part, I agree with them. Most citizens are NOT concerned how we got the event, but just glad that the event is here at all.
Either way, I think that the Grand Prix is good for the city, and a little inconvenience is necessary to allow a huge event like this to happen. Yes, it cost too much money (OK, way too much money), but sometimes you need to lure events to cities and pay more for them (like a baseball free agent who gets paid more to play for a worse team or in a smaller market). I think the point is that there is still corruption under the surface and this crop of candidates (minus Cindy who, of course, is part of the problem) need to get those sun-worshipping, beer-drinking Grand Prix-goers to look beyond the fun weekend and care HOW that event actually got there. The Grand Prix itself is being picked on, but it’s actually just a symptom of the real problem that needs to be addressed: San Jose needs a mayor that can make smart decisions both honestly and openly—and that is not what is happening in our city now.
The issue is not if the Grand Prix is good or not, the issue is if it was appropriate for public money to be wasted on it. Furthermore, the public money was allocated to the Grand Prix in a shady backroom deal. One of our wonderful mayoral candidates was involved, according to reports. That’s the problem.
I guess the real question would be what if the council voted NO. As a business person. I can just imagine the emergency meetings by the Organizers. Would they have come back asking for just 2 million? Or 3 Million? What could we have saved?
Why did the council roll over so quickly? There is no such thing as a `take it or leave it` offer.
Single Gal,
Stop drinking the Kool Aid.
Not everything is a scandal. Not all negotiations should not be made in public.
The Grand Prix deal is good for the San Jose, even if it was negotiated by Ron, give credit when credit is due.
The process is more important to some than substance—especially on this board.
I submit it is the process that is the problem, not the individuals. Some would say the answer is more process—I support less.
We don’t need more sunshine laws, we need less regulations.
We need to give our leaders the power to do their job, without the restraints of having second guessers, couch potatoes, monday morning quarterbacks and uneducated, ill-informed gadflys questioning every decision they make and claiming not to be fully informed on every detail.
They need to do less paperwork, not more.
Nobody can do real business under the circumstances we impose on our elected officials. Try negotiate a car, while a crowd of people (all of whom have their own opinion) are allowed to chime in whenever they choose.
I’m sure you would here—not that car, it’s too much, it’s not enough, I like it, can’t you get more, what about the other one etc. etc.
Let’s take off the handcuffs.
Certainly,government officials will have to justify their decisions before the electorate and nobody is supporting ‘closed government’. But the best way to end good government or anything else is to over-regulate it.
We have reached that point.
Why keep beating Grand Prix issue – we get it – a bad done deal,too much money but lasts 1 day
Talk about 365 day massive proposed developments – Coyote, Evergreen, Baseball stadium area and North SJ that IF poorly built as proposed will change SJ to LA North and make very bad 101, 87 and city street traffic worst or impossible
FOCUS on REAL issues – bad traffic, uncontrolled development, outdated general plan and no greenprint park plan
SJ has less 1/2 parks required while scrape earth developers like KB and go along Chamber want to continue paying 70% not 100% for park impact fees to make greater profits ( 30-45% ) as we get barely or for many unaffordable crowding infill housing with NO parks
Make SJ better before bigger means – updated general plan and greenprint parks plan – NOT more general plan development exceptions and overcrowded parks like now
Sorry Richard but Single Gal has hit the nail squarely on the head. The race weekend is a fun weekend for the city and probably will bring many people and dollars to the city plus the national exposure. But…………the method about the negotiations, the secrecy, the smoke filled room dealings just doesn’t gel with negotiating for a car sale. You are doing the job for which you are paid for Richard but there are those of us who are not getting paid for supporting a candidate. There are those of us who truly are interested in the well-being of San Jose our home. We wish to budget our tax dollars prudently for the best possible return. Last night’s forum only enforced my decision to not elect Ms. Chavez. She may be a great district council person for her district but she is not the ethical mayor candidate which we need. And Richard, I don’t get any dollars for my opinion now or down the road.
As a former CFO of a corporation with a predominately unionized workforce of more than 1200 employees I find it absolutely ridiculous that the Mayor and many of his fellow council members voted to increase the value of the garbage contract that had no stipulations in that contract for increases due to rising costs. Those who who voted for lack basic business acumen.
Nor Cal obviously knew that had an expiring collective bargaining agreement. They had the opportunity to blend the expected labor costs over the term of the contract. Apparently they must have wanted the business badly.
My company would never have entered a multi year agreement unless we felt comfortable with the costs or added clauses that specified a pass through of production costs. Either Nor Cal has inept management or they were assured that they could rely on the city at a later date.
From my past experiences I would assume the garbage company during negotiations told the union that their was no room for wage increases and used the city as the main excuse. The union not liking this scenario would use their muscle to threaten the company and at the same time contact the customer(in this case the city) They would target the mayor, the council member in the company’s district and those members destined for their endorsement. It happens all the time. It is common knowledge that labor unions keep city officials apprised of these kind of situations.
I dont think the mayor would have stuck his neck out unless he was assured he had the votes well before hand.A contract is a contract. The city had no obligations. Therefore something else drove this deal. It had to be political. There is no other valid explanation.. Why do you think they stopped the investigation? The political hopefuls with union endorsements could not afford to turn their backs on the labor council. So they turned their backs on the citizens of San Jose.
We are beating a dead horse, but unfortunately it is still necessary or we will all end up thinking that Rich is correct. Only Rich could liken the gift of $4 million in public (our) money to negotiating for a car. I agree, when I am spending my money I don’t want an audience assisting in the negotiations. When someone else is spending my money (like the Council) I certainly want to be involved and I want to know exactly what is going on.
If Rich’s thought process prevails, current SJ current would actually seem like an open government compared to what Rich advocates.
This issue should continue to be discussed, along with the other important issues raised by #5. We should keep talking about the scandals of the GonzoChavez and never forget what they have done to our city. Never.
#4 R.R.
Once again “IT IS ABOUT AN OPEN AND HONEST PUBLIC PROCESS” You and Cindy have made it clear that you feel Cindy’s part with Ron G.in the NorCal and Grand Prix dealings were acceptable behavior. Now it is up to the Grand Jury,D.A. and the voters to decide if they feel the same way. All you do is shift the blame and point fingers. Rich, since you have refused to give us any insight to what part Cindy did or didn’t play in the Norcal Sandal let’s talk about other issues. It is clear you are not willing to add anything of value on this one.
Dan,
There are no smoke filled rooms, we got banned smoking years ago.
And you are right not to take any money, now or in the future, for your opinions.
#7 jerry RIGHJT ON!
#7 – Welcome to the my world. You got this one right. Do you think Cindy will ever come clean on this?? Maybe when the DA’s investigation is completed? Will Rich ever see anything wrong in what was done? And just wait until the rates go up even more when the new contract is approved. Welcome to San Jose—Where garbage is gold.
Voter,
A typical uninformed response.
Your money is everybodies money. If you get to say where it goes, I can get an equal say, as does every other person in San Jose—informed or not.
Then we can accomplish nothing at a great cost to everyone.
Your gift is my investment.
Iagree with #7 ,and not with #4,and whats with the kool aid?
I agree with #5. With all the media ads and slick mailers coming out for the Mayor’s race and Measure A real soon, it’s important we keep these issues in the public light as much as possible. The more we talk about them here and to random strangers, the more likely we can actually get the Mayoral candidates San Jose desparately needs.
As for the Grand Prix race: SCVTARU had issues with the current course last year and how it impacted the light rail line. Given the last-minute $4 million “subsidy” that could have been used to keep senior centers open, I plan on boycotting the Grand Prix (and downtown SJ) this year like I did last year. As a motorsports fan I plan on taking my racing needs to Laguna Seca in Monterey or Sears Point in Sonoma.
The activists who plan on attending the Grand Prix might want to put up a display showing how money for the Grand Prix (secretly) came from money needed to keep senior centers open.
13 – And to think all this time I thought I was supposed to have a role in my government. Silly me. Thanks for setting things straight, Rich. I’ll try to do better in the future.
Rich,
I’m amazed at your commitment to Cindy. I know you don’t live in D3 and you are not even a SJ citizen, but going to the same school as Cindy shouldn’t warrant this level of loyalty.
Were you hired by Cindy’s campaign? What are you getting out of it?
I also can’t wait for the DA’s report so we can move on to other topics and candidates. For example, Cindy’s relationship with developers is about to do serious damage to parks funding in this city. Strangely this same group of stake holders that are pushing to kill the parks ordinance changes are also backing Mulcahy. Yeah, yeah, I know… they are not lobbyist, well… not all. Funny also, once the city received the objection letter from the lobbyists, Mr. Doyle once again yanked the agenda item out of the public discussion and into the back room.
P.S. Don’t bother looking for the letter, it’s not public.
“We need to give our leaders the power to do their job, without the restraints of having second guessers, couch potatoes, monday morning quarterbacks and uneducated, ill-informed gadflys questioning every decision they make and claiming not to be fully informed on every detail.”
– Richard Robinson
To do their job –
At a time when a deficit looms even after cuts to basic services, “the job” of the mayor and city council is fiscal responsibility. The question of whether to invest four million dollars on any venture, let alone one that was supposed to pay for itself, was not one to be manipulated and decided behind closed doors.
The restraints of the second-guessers –
By the time most of us “couch potatoes, monday morning quarterbacks and uneducated, ill-informed gadflys” became aware the subsidy debate had officially started the checkered flag was already waving. Never even had time to second guess (or even grab a beer). Even our elected first guessers on the council—at least those not named Gonzales or Chavez—found themselves restrained by the methods used to broker the deal.
Had the designers of the new city hall listened to Mr. Robinson, his favorite leaders would now be issuing brazen edicts safely behind a moat.
I disagree with Rich Robinson’s post #4 on so many levels that I don’t even know where to begin! I don’t know how people can spin things the way that he can….he is unbelievable.
He says “Nobody can do real business under the circumstances we impose on our elected officials. Try negotiate a car, while a crowd of people (all of whom have their own opinion) are allowed to chime in whenever they choose. “
Umm, yes, we can, as taxpayers and constituents. And with the judgement that has been shown by our elected officials, I think that we are right to do that. The city does not do “real business” anyways. If they did, they would all be fired and the city would be bankrupt.
Hey why loyalty,
Great piece of unattributed and unsubstantiated accusations.
Not a whiff of business from Cindy—so why do I support her?
Character. Despite all the attacks, she is one of the most honest and decent people in elected office.
I’m hoping the DA report comes out soon too—so you can all call for another investigation—its been too long.
Hey Voter,
Get elected, appointed or get a job. Yelling from the middle of the mob is not always the best way to participate.
#3 Asks a great question. Why did the council roll over so quickly?
Gonzales presented the deal not as “Take it or leave it,” it was more like “Don’t even think about it, just approve it because I SAY SO!!!”
Of course we now know that Sunshine Cindy, who joined in the Greek Chorus of complaints about the last minute nature of the deal, worked with Gonzales to arrange for the surprise Grand Prix subsidy. After her mumbled protests she, and the council majority, rubber-stamped the $4-million giveaway under the watchful eye of Mayor Norcal. Could the race have been subsidized for less? We will never know. The council took the opportunity to pursue that question.
So I guess the answer to #3’s question is: The fix was in, the deal was already done and there was never supposed to be a public process.
20 – For a know-it-all you sure don’t know much and you don’t know a thing about me. I have (and am) been very involved as an employee, as a volunteer, and as an appointeee. You can shoot your mouth off all you want about Cindy—it doesn’t matter how nice she is—those of us with personal experience know otherwise. Short of a criminal indictment, you will still sing the same song. It doesn’t matter to you since the ends always justify the means in your world. Those who don’t have their heads in the sand know how involved Cindy has been in the wide variety of scandal, misdeeds, etc. Has she pushed the legal envelope? We’ll see. Has she pushed the ethics envelope? No question, but that doesnt’ matter to you. You will probably still blame the system even if she got into legal trouble.
So, get used to me and many others yelling from wherever we want. Yours is not the only opinion that counts. But please keep writing your cute comments—they give the rest of us such an easy target.
Dear Voter,
Thanks.
Maybe if you used your own name, came out from the shadows I would become more aware of your credentials to opine on such weighty matters.
Again, if the goal is to put honest people in jail—count me out. I may disagree with you politically, but it should not ruin your life—or mine.
Keep yelling from the middle of the mob and I’ll continue to write cute comments.
Well, I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. The Grand Prix is not my form of entertainment. An event that spews as many toxins into the air as possible (while ironically supporting cancer research?), is not organized to be cost effective and self supporting, does nothing to promote downtown businesses, removes parking lots from use for months and still wants more support from SJ needs some work. What also needs to change is the idea/habit of staff working on an issue, not releasing their work product and dumping it onto the Council in a last minute way, allowing for no thought or public input before it comes to a vote.
Dear San Jose/Single Gal:
I beg to differ with your assertion that, “most citizens are not concerned how we got the event, but just glad that the event is here at all.” Most of the people I talk to would like to see the government pave neighborhood streets instead of paving a race track for a bunch of millionaire race teams to speed around for one day.
Look, I’m not against having a car race (few people are). It’s just that we were promised the first year that the initial outlay would be a one time payment only. (Remember?) And, my understanding is that the promoters of the race were not required to show their books to the public to justify the additional $4 million. (Am I wrong here?)
Last Sunday, the Merc reported that we’re going to have to close a number of community centers. Why not cancel the $4 million subsidy and use it to keep all of the centers open? As a city, we can ask the Grand Prix promoters to charge more for their tickets, or, we can tell the seniors at the Alma Center that there’s no such thing as a free lunch! I for one, would rather take care of the seniors.
Pete Campbell
Finfan, congratulations! I agree with you 100%. Jerry Benjamin, the same for you. Now Richard Robinson, are you as vocal about your own city politics as you are San Jose. If you are not getting paid for campaign advice and endorsements for a San Jose election, I wonder what your motivation is. Which of our neighboring municipalities have the pleasure of your advice? Will you be out of work after Ms. Chavez loses the election?
Is it true that all San Jose residents get 2 free tickets to the Grand Prix? I heard this was another secret deal worked out to take the heat off GonzoChavez to show residents that they are actually getting something for their money. Could this be true or is it just a possible topic for one of John’s Friday columns??
Rich—Just when I think I’m done writing for the day you come up with another one. Who said anything about putting honest people in jail??!?? If someone breaks the law and is convicted they should pay the price, be it jail or a monetary fine. Disagreement is fine—violating the law, the city charter, or other codes is not. Violating the public trust, may or may not be a crime, but it sure should end your public career. Simple mistakes are one thing—calculated attempts to circumvent process, violate the city charter, etc. rise to a higher level and should be dealt with accordingly.
Voter,
Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Jesus Christ, Nelson Mandela, and Cesar Chavez all did time.
Read the Mercury News, honest people do go to jail—especially under our current District Attorney. He is more interested in his batting average than justice.
We have too many laws. There is not a single person who has not violated the law.
In politics, you will violate the law regardless of your integrity because there are too many rules, too many contradictions, the law makes you responsible for the action of third parties, and finally, the law is used by your opponents to discredit you as a human being.
Even if you didn’t break the law, an investigation can ruin your reputation, your bank account, your relationships, and your ability to conduct any type of business.
When the investigation is over, if the mob is not satisfied, they ask for a new one and the process begins again.
Is the fact you don’t want to be investigated the reason you hide behind pseudonym? I can understand that fear.
Finally, you may disagree with Cindy. You may not like her politics, methods, or decision making process. But she is not corrupt and shame on anyone who continues to use innuendo to try and support such claims.
Voter (#28),
Way to go! We need more Voters like you.
Wondering 27,
Yes the two free tickets are good for the monday races of the event.
Call the Mayors office to sign up!
#23 R.R.
You are critical of Voter for not letting us know who he or she is. Please do the same for yourself. Give us your” credentials” as you call them. First of all are you a citizen of San Jose? If so in which district do you live? Who has payed or “given” you money over the past four years? What do you do for a living?
R.R.
SAVE IT!
It is clear from several of your past blogs you don’t even know the difference between the Rose Gardens and Willow Glen. You are clearly an out of town mouthpiece for Cindy.
The simple solution is to put the right person in that position ,DAVE PANDORI, Otherwise you might as well just leave it the way it is….
Rich – I won’t prolong this any further than to say you and I see the world VERY differently.
If only closed minds came with closed mouths.
Wow, must of struck a nerve.
Here is my San Jose Bio.
I went to Country Lane, Rogers Middle School, Prospect High, San Jose State and Santa Clara University Law School.
I ran, at the age of 20, for San Jose CityCouncil in District 1. I was thoroughly rejected by the voters.
I worked for Tom McEnery for Mayor, for Jerry Estruth as a City Council Aid, and have two proclamations from San Jose for my volunteer service.
Currently, I do, currently, live a block away from San Jose in Cupertino for purposes of marital bliss, but would prefer to be annexed to San Jose as Cupertino has become something of a joke, politically.
But my roots are clearly in San Jose.
It is interesting that those who disagree with me wish to discredit me on the basis of my economic interest (I have none in this race) or some other reason that would make me ineligible to engage in the debate.
This is what politics has become—a gotcha game. Can’t discredit the message—go after the messenger.
Many on this board want to perpetuate the myth that elected officials are evil and the self-rightious voter is the answer.
I say walk a mile in their shoes. The answers are not simple, they are complex. They system is broken, but it is not the public servants who broke it, the people did it themselves.
The voters have the power to change the system. But more new laws are not the answer, they do not work
It will take a concerted, coordinated and cooperative effort to bring our City back. Others may grandstand, but the real work is in finding real solutions to the problems we face.
If ethical conduct is your issue, then Cindy is your candidate. If you prefer grandstanding, there are four other candidates tripping over themselves to be more self-rightious than the others.
Just my view, but I think I have provided plenty of evidence for it. If you still disagree, it is your right. But my hope is that by at least not going along with the pack others will have the courage to not only respond, but think about the decision they are about to make.
One belief I have always had, with the possible exception of GWB, is that no matter who is elected, we need to rally around that person.
Campaigns are a game of winning and losing. Government is the business of making decisions in the best interest of the people.
The majority of people are not always right.
Democracy without limitation is simply a dictatorship of the many over the few.
This country was based on elected representation. We have lost that ethic. Instant communication and a level of scrutiny no one should have to bear is the price one pays for public service. It is wrong.
It is time we knew our enemy, it is us. If we do not change our elected officials will not change and the system will strangle itself.
Rich,
If I get you correctly – my money is your money and vice-versa? In that case, the next time I see you don’t be surprised if I take your wallet by force. After all, your money is my money and everybody elses, too.
By the way Rich – you remind me of what an old poli sci prof told me about people who believe in totalitarian forms of government (ie: Marxism, Socialism, Communism et al)
“You’ve must be pretty smart to believe in something so stupid”.
To Richard Robinson:
You offend me sir. I am an average citizen, an hourly employee, gov’t contractor which precludes from further identfication, as it has been suggested bymy employer, the contracting company to keep a up a low profile but that is another issue, a non college graduate, I guess you would call me “Uneducated”. Well FU, I may not have a degree but I’m nobody’s fool. I have read through several threads on this blog where you refer to me, us the citiizens, as uneducated people who don’t know what’sgood for us. Again FU!!
What makes you think you and your bosses are better than the rest of us “car negoiators”. In terms of a successful life I think you’ve missed the boat. What is success? Having a family , home, good children with dreams, friends and family that love and respect us is how I, we , measure success. I pay my morgage, taxes and insurance, a regular guy. You seem to think of it in terms of wins and losses, deals and compromise.
Get over yoursleves!!
Why is it that “sunshine” can’t/couldn’t be brought to issues like the grand prix. By the way I liked it, went 2 days, brought my own food and water though. It is that kind of attitude that really pisses me off. Yeah, it would / might have bee tough to get through if the issue of the subsidy were brought forth earlier but I. we, should have been able to voice an opinion.
It is this attitude, Tyranny?? I don’t what it called when the leaders of our republic fail to listen to masses they represent, that I can not tolerate.
Your opinions and voice have prove to be very valuable to remind me, us, that we are responsible for our goverment. That I, we, should not sit still will self servering autocrats, like you, direct the course of our lives and city.
Again FU for thinking you and those you represent are above those of us for whom you seek to represent.
You just don’t get it.
Drink your Kool-Aid.
Saint Joe the citizen
Rich,
While I usually disagree with your opinions, I have always respected the positive tone. I was surprised however to learn that you do not live in the City of San Jose yet even while you admit that, you call it “Our City.”
It isn’t your city at all. I know you may do some business here and have lived here in the past but that doesn’t count. People in your city don’t take my opinion seriously. You choose to live in a city that is devoted to extreme NIMBYism. How about getting involved there and publicly challenging the NIMBY views that have taken hold.
That would be a real contribution to the region. Telling San Jose voters how to manage their affairs isn’t. It’s just another example of: “do as I say, not as I do.”
It is my understanding that no other city pays a single dime to have a Grand Prix race on their streets. So why did our mayor and vice mayor feel the need to give the promoters $4.0 million to have the race in San Jose?
If they are so wise to the ways of the world where they can give advise to Tony Blaire and George Bush about Iraq, why couldn’t they come up with a plan to loaned the $4.0 million to the race promoters?
Something just doesn’t add up. The city council, at the very least, should ask for an itemized receipt?
Again, the problem is that our City Council did not have the back-bone to negotiate with the Canary Fund, the organizers of the race.
Why didn’t we say NO to the $4 Million (over 2 years?), and ask them to go back to the drawing board?
Would they have considered to increase the ticket price to the “100,000 speed freaks” by $20? Surely, they would have paid it. ($2M a year extra)
Charge the race drivers a larger entry fee?
There were MANY options. Why didn’t the council consider any? Why did the council roll over so quickly?
BTW: I’ll pay my $5 to see the “World’s Largest Free Jazz Festival in the World” since the SJ council did not see fit to fund it properly.
Mark, Glenn and Dan,
Mark,
I was referring to taxpayers money—read the entire string.
Glenn,
It’s not a heavy price—but we will see.
Dan,
First, my credibility isn’t affected by any of the misinformation, assertions or charges made by contributors to this board.
I’m actively, if reluctantly, involved in Cupertino politics as well. I agree with Tom on many issues, but not all. Dave Pandori is a great guy, if he becomes Mayor the City will not suffer.
Just because I’m for Cindy doesn’t mean I’m against anyone else in this race. Though I will oppose people when I beleive they are wrong, corrupt or not worthy of public office.
The reason I lost for City Council is that I was 20 years old, not very experienced and had no base of support other than a very large family.
But I did get 6 units of credit toward my Political Sceince degree at SJSU.
As for those who agree or disagree with me, we will see on election day. But even if the majority vote against my views, that doesn’t make them wrong.
Hope this answers all of your questions.
I do admire the fact you use your own name. The courage to state one’s name and views, even if I or the entire board disagrees, shows a tremendous amount of personal integrity—in my opinion.
Voter (Comment #28)
You are right on the mark with your comments!!!
I am disgusted with the how this group has tarnished the reputation of San Jose nationally!!!
Detroit seems so pleasant in comparison.
For the rest of the Gonchavez Administration’s term the official motto should be changed to “The Corruption of Silicon Valley”.
Isn’t it the height of hypocricy that the group who pointed fingers at former Councilman Terry Gregory and censured him for his penny ante shakedowns, has done 10,000 times more damage to City’s reputation. San Jose’s City Hall is now nationally synonymous with scandal.
Whether its accepting free trips to europe,
accepting free rounds of golf,
hiding cost overruns for City Hall & Airport,
accepting “donations” to pet non-profit PAC’s,
or rubber stamping bad deals to curry favor with developers or organized labor groups to support their future political aspirations,
the primary motivation for the Gonchavez Administration has never been the advancement of the public’s best interest. There are just too many scandals and they can’t pin everything on the exodus of Department Heads and City staff that they’ve tried to scapegoat so far.
You can call it whatever you want, but to the average person on the street its the “C” word.
Let’s hope the voters do the right thing and clean house in the upcoming elections.
Well Richard, your paying the price for supporting Cindy. To me the question is not if corruption was involved but rather the influence that Cindy and Gonzo were reacting to. The question keeps coming up as to why the Grand Prix is important and nobody is looking at related reasons. Personally, I don’t think Gonzo or Cindy received a dime from either the Norcal or Grand Prix people But they were going overboard to get jobs for thier Union backing interests. First protecting the Teamsters on NorCal, and then all of those who will be involved in the G.P. That’s what she is supposed to do for her DISTRICT. But as Mayor she has to look out for the city, don’t think she would and she would have the support of those other non-entities on the council like my representative from he 10th District, a real follower.
I’d like for at least just one candidate to be specific about what they would propose to improve the downtown problem. I recently visited Livermore and was impressed with what they have done to the central district. All we here is look at Santana Row. It would be nice if our center district was a giant copy. But then we would have those in city government object as we would lose Parking Revenues. We should have started to look outside the traditional ideas and look how we could generate additional sales tax revenue for the city, maybe find a way to offer the lowest sales tax in the state.
It’s good that we attach the “scandels” to the candidates to remind the voters who did what but what about in the next election when the other council members come up for election. They have also played a part in all of these issues. It’s time to get rid of those who aided and abetted all this crap.
#37. Richard Robinson. The following is a partial quote from your post: “Here is my San Jose Bio.
I went to Country Lane, Rogers Middle School, Prospect High, San Jose State and Santa Clara University Law School.”
“Currently, I do, currently, live a block away from San Jose in Cupertino ….”
Since when is Santa Clara University in San Jose? Explain that one to a citizen of that fair city. Living one block or one mile into Cupertino means you are a citizen and resident of Cupertino. You don’t like Cupertino politics? Then get involved and help fix it. You supported Tom McEnery? Why are your politics so different than his?
You’ve lost massive credibility with you remarks. Just read the responses to your posts. Who is agreeing with you? If you agree with Ms. Chavez’s ethics then that says a lot about your own. I’m not hiding my identity Richard Robinson I always hang it out there for everyone to see and criticize. How is it, that if you worked for Tom during his tenure you are not supporting Dave Pandori? I wonder what the underlying reason for not getting elected to council was?
Rich,
Are you comparing Cindy Chavez to Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Jesus Christ, Nelson Mandela, and Cesar Chavez?
I accept that she is “nice” but this is a bit of a stretch!
RR,
Regarding #22 and those unsubstantiated accusations.
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/breaking_news/14497821.htm
Where is your candidate going to end up?
On the side of the neighbors or developers?
NJD2—Give it a rest, huh, we all know by now that you’re a Pandori boy.
Jerry#7: Norcal’s rate increse got to me on time. Only yesterday did I receive the schedule of pickup days for 2006, with the refrigerator magnet back. It takes until May to get out a schedule that starts in January. Your government lackeys at rest!!
Weldon # 3—S-Jay and SJRDA are notoriously poor negotiators. Due to San O’haze’s inferiority complex, the taxpayers have had to pay way too much money in subsidies for all kinds of stuff, going all the way to the McEnery-Taylor days.
Eugene # 15: I just returned from vacation and noticed that Almaden Ave. @ pit row is getting resurfaced. I’ll bet every blogger here can name miles of roads in their neighborhoods that need a resurfacing far more than the Grand Prix course. But we have no $$$ for that???
And we’re closing senior centers, need more cops and firefighters but can’t afford them? Something is very rotten in Denmark.
“And, what about all this talk about the Grand Prix itself? I believe that most people think that the Grand Prix is a fun event that has speed, novelty, sun, and cold beer. Others think that it is great exposure for our city to be showcased on a televised sporting event and $4 million doesn’t seem like much to pay for a city starving for cool things to do. And I have to say that, for the most part, I agree with them. Most citizens are NOT concerned how we got the event, but just glad that the event is here at all.”
As someone who works right next to the course, I, and thousands of other workers who pay into San Jose coffers for city taxes and in many cases local and property taxes as residents and were horribly inconvenienced for weeks by this race last year would not be counted amongst the “most of people in favor” of this. We never knew what streets would be closed from day to day, making commutes up to a half hour longer each way each day for weeks. And we now find out a whole row of palm trees growing on Park Ave and providing shade for lunchtime diners and during the Tapestry in Talent show, and atmosphere to the city for years will be permanently removed just to make the 3 days of racing more exciting. Harumph.
The speed and lack of public review for the conditions under which this race was allowed back to San Jose is a disgrace to the members of San Jose public govenment who are doing their jobs by the will of and should be doing so for the benefit of their constituents.
Wow….Doesn’t look as if Ms Cindy is getting her monies worth out of Rich R. Looks like he is spending more time blogging than he is giving her a full days worth of work. Or, maybe she pays him per post (?)
Rich, you might want to take your own advice……“Get elected, appointed or get a job. Yelling from the middle of the mob is not always the best way to participate.”
Richard Robinson
You are dead right, from the Mercury News who according to them can run City Hall all by themselves with mere Journalism degrees and no real world experience to the ducks in the pond who don’t even make the attempt to vote yet will complain about the final decision. Take your opinions and feelings to the polls; we will see what San Jose really thinks about the candidates in June and November!
Get out and VOTE!