The City of San Jose Via a Web Browser
If elected, constituent service will be my top priority.
For the past twelve years, I have worked in the private sector high-tech industry. Based on my experience, web browser technology is an excellent communication tool that can be implemented into the way the City of San Jose does business. By implementing a web-based solution to the District 6 office, I will be able to enhance constituent services and, within a year, have empirical evidence describing specific outcomes by tracking constituent issues in real time.
I will install the technology during the first couple of weeks taking office. After installation, D-6 constituents will be able to go to the D-6 website where there will be an icon labeled “constituent service.” Once the constituent clicks on the icon, they will be prompted to a form. The form will ask for contact information and the issue. Once the constituent finishes inputting their data they will submit their form.
From here, the submittal will be forwarded to one of my staff members. An e-mail will then be sent to the constituent within 24 hours confirming the receipt with a login number. This number can then be used to track the issue like a Fed Ex number is used to track a package.
At anytime of the day or night, the constituent will be able to go to the D-6 website and input the number assigned to their issue and see the status of their issue. For example, let’s say Mr. Duran submits a claim at 9:00 a.m. on a Monday morning regarding graffiti on his building on Minnesota Avenue. The next day, Mr. Duran decides to look up the status on his issue. Mr. Duran goes to the website and inputs his number. From there, he would see that Jane, my staff person, sent his issue to Code Enforcement and they will be sending someone out to paint over the graffiti within 48 hours. Status delivered and problem solved.
The beauty of the web browser is that anytime—24/7—constituents, my staff and/or myself will be able to look up the status of an issue. The web browser allows for transparency in constituent issues and holds everyone accountable. It will not make issues get resolved faster; it will, however, make sure that communication with staff and the community is open and transparent so that the constituent has a one stop shop.
In addition to constituent service, the web browser will allow me to measure what specific issues are being brought to the attention of the D-6 office. For example, if my office receives 3,000 calls within 12 months, 2,500 of them regarding street repair, I can show Mayor Reed and other councilmembers the empirical evidence of the constituent needs in D-6. I can then back up my claims on why I think certain departments should be funded based on actual need.
I look forward to implementing this technology and the possibility of having other city councilmembers joining me.
Pierluigi Oliverio is a candidate to represent District 6 on the San Jose City Council. The election is March 6.
Pierluigi—Great idea, and well said and detailed. But—what’s with Tedesco’s accusation that you contributed to Cindy’s campaign? Also, where do you stand on the issue of downtown vs. the neighborhoods? I hope you have a better answer than Tedesco’s gibberish that the neighborhoods are the building blox of downrown, whatever that means. George Green
Mr. Oliverio,
I applaud your stated commitment to opening up and providing real time status concerning issues that your constituents (if you are elected) bring to your attention. However, please keep in mind that although we do live in a technological mecca, many older citizens have not embraced this form of communication. There still needs to be a redundant system in place to service all concerned citizens in a timely fashion; especially as it is the older demographic (65-74 year old range) that has the highest voter turnout (66% turnout nationwide). Thank you for keeping this point in mind, as you strive to bring better infrastructure services to the community as a whole.
If Pierluigi is interested in helping provide better “constituent” service, then he should consider the thought that the most efficient way to help streamline government is for him as a prospective councilmember to get out of the way. I’d rather have an experienced person at the end of a telephone call to refer me to the right department, rather than a councilmember who wants to track my problem to further his/her political aims.
This is it? This is how you are going to lead District 6? Do you expect us to be inspired by your Web Browser Vision? Is this your “I have a dream speech” for our neighborhoods? Is this your “Ask not what San Jose can do for you, ask what you can do for San Jose” speech? This sounds more like Al Gore’s “I invented the internet” speech. Computers are simply tools and are only as effective as the people who use them. How did you expect this piece to inspire citizens and business leaders to volunteer to make San Jose a better place? Last week, you had a chance to see Tedesco’s article criticized, on this blog, for his lack of specific solutions to major problems in SJ. You had alot of time to think and yet you only expand on one idea that is not visionary just procedural. I am unimpressed! Last week, I attended a board meeting for a non-profit organization whose membership is predominantly made up of seniors. Of the 600 members only 30 had computers. How is this going to help them? How is this going to help the people who really need a voice, the lower socio-economic citizens, who either don’t have computers or do not know how to use them? Are you really that out of touch? At least Tedesco spoke from the heart about wanting to make D6 livable for his children. All you want to do is make D6 computer friendly. You clearly don’t get who we are. Though many of us may work in hi-tech, we are passionate about making our community “people friendly.” We want safe streets and good parks, libraries, schools and after school programs for our children. We want cultural programs and a business friendly downtown. We want an up- front leader that has a vision. It is clear by this piece that you are not the one to fill that role!
(Channel 26 Watcher, my apologies for echoing your theme. I didn’t see it until I was just about to post.)
Although I count myself amongst those who’ve been disappointed by San Jose’s stumble and fumble incorporation of high tech as a means of providing services, what Mr. Oliverio proposes here seems to be little more than the addition of another layer of bureaucracy between problem and solution. I’m pretty sure that every department in the city has employees who are paid to receive and record complaints, plus supervisors who are paid even more to make certain that those complaints receive proper attention. If that is not happening, as many have been heard to complain, then what we have is either a case of inadequate staffing or inadequate performance—not a failure of communication solvable by technology.
What I really want when I have a problem with a storm drain or pothole is a reasonable response from a competent city department, something that should not require the services of an elected official or the salaried people on his staff. Besides not wanting to pay two people to do the same job, what I fear most from Mr. Oliverio’s approach is that it is almost guaranteed to make matters worse, in that it proposes a purely political fix for a problem that is not political. And what can we expect when that happens? Everything becomes political.
Welcome to Chicago.
Here’s what I mean: If the alderman, I mean council representative, from District 6 is able to provide his constituents 100% satisfaction from city departments that are capable of handling only 70% of all complaints, that extra 30% is going to be trimmed from the services provided to other districts. Great for the folks in District 6, but even greater for the representative from District 6 because he has created a system in which he is the go-to guy for everything, big and small. But from the perspective of what’s good for the city, all that has really been accomplished is that its residents have lost power, that power being the right to expect their needs to be equitably served. Using Mr. Oliverio’s approach, that power has been transfered to the council rep, the only voice sure to be heard by city workers who’ve become virtual employees of the most city’s most powerful politicians.
And what are you going to do when, after the candidate you vigorously supported lost the election, his opponent never seems to get around to getting your needs met? Who you gonna call?
And, what if Mr. Duran doesn’t have a computer? What if he’s like many of the D6 residents outside Willow Glen, Rose Garden, Shasta Hanchett or other middle class neighborhoods; immigrant, poor, older, non-English speaking or otherwise not computer savvy? It’s not like there are a lot of local libraries or community centers in D6 where anybody can access a computer.
And, why train Mr. Duran, or anybody else, to call your office instead of the correct agency or department? Wouldn’t that cut down on time and money? Why should we pay the salary of a staff aide to filter problems?
Your intent may be sincere and good in terms of your “constituent service” idea, yet it is the lack of detail and thought on your part that is alarming. As Nit Picker stated the Dept of parks and Rec is in charge of the anti-graffiti program not Code Enforcement. Also, in order to have something like this up and running within your first few weeks in office would be a miracle. You must understand that there must be coordination with DOT, Code, Parks and Rec, PD, Animal Control…etc and that could take months to get a system like that up and running. Also, the City’s web policy in terms of Department pages would need to be looked at. Plus some departments, like Code, are already working on constituent databases, like the on line permit database/ search engine. Once again, i think it’s a great idea…just lacking in detail and actual thought. If you are promising to do something like this at least do your homework. Your experience is of great concern to numerous including myself, prove them wrong by being creative, but thorough and detailed as well.
This technology is nothing new. In fact our 24 hour call center uses the same technology…citizens don’t want impersonal computer interaction with city hall. They elect representatives that they can talk to… we shouldn’t be hiding behind the web.
city hall worker
Mr. Oliverio,
I wish you luck in your campaign, I believe you would do an outstanding job as a council member.
#1 is correct in his answer about Code Unenforceable. If you can make any improcements in this disfunctional dept. you are to be congratulated. In my neighborhood we have complaints that are over a year old and all we get is lip service. Garage conversions are not being enforced due to the granny unit law, fence violations are not enforceable due to the large number of illegal fences in the area, paving a front yard over in violation of the blight ordinance is unenforceable due to an incompetent individual at City Hall issuing a permit which we were told, by an inspector that it was illegal and didn’t make any sense and should of never been given issued. The individual who issued this permit is still at his job I’m sure, possibly issuing more illegal permits.
Good Luck sir, you have a huge job ahead of you in trying to fix this incompetent department.0000
Channel 26 guy—why are you so sure you’ll get experienced help if the council member gets out of the way? Politicos come and go but the bureacrats are lifers, i.e., in actual control of operations—which explains why
there are two expensive landscape plans for the San Jose airport, not one (and why there may be yet another) And why there are always studies rather than actual efforts. Always. And San Jose is San Jose when it could be a Place. Besides, if the Council Member gets out of the way, you’llget his/her staff member (who will, perhaps, pressure the relevant “experienced” bureaucrat). Does it look like that on Channel 26? George Green
I ragged on Mr. Tedesco last week for lack of substance. I was hoping for better this week. Sadly not to be. Pick a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system, any CRM system, and install it. So what? If I went on a job interview for a position as customer support supervisor (wait, I have!) and was asked how I was going to improve the department and gave THIS as my answer, I wouldn’t have moved past the “Duh!” factor. I remember voting for Kris Cunningham when she ran against Ken Yeager and Yeager won. I ended up being pleasantly surprised by Yeager’s performance in office. I hope I’ll be pleasantly surprised by whomever wins this election. I still don’t know who I’m voting for…
#9 very good point. what the hell is going on here? Is this all their is, I swear these two are like dumb & dumber.
this is just really sad & the worst part of all this is in my district what’s a poor taxpayer to do?
Pierluigi,
Your idea is not a bad one, a little naive, but it makes sense that you would promote something like this. You should probably disclose that you are currently a salesman for a PLM software company and not an Environmental Software Executive as you state in the voter pamphlet.
While I appreciate your optimism, your promise sounds like yet another exaggeration. How do you plan to “install the technology during the first couple of weeks taking office” when the city’s RFP process requires more than a couple of weeks and we cant afford another costly Cisco fiasco?
Next time, leave out the empty promises. It doesnt take technology or service with a smiley face to improve San Jose, just a politician that tells the truth.
See article from Saturday’s Merc!
—————————————————————————-
District 6 candidate’s credibility under fire
GROUP ACCUSES OLIVERIO OF OVERSTATING HIS WORK
By Joshua Molina
Mercury News
“New questions are emerging about the way San Jose City Council candidate Pierluigi Oliverio portrays himself in campaign literature and speeches—questions some say cast doubt on his credibility. “
Complete article can be found here:
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/16721414.htm
Pier,
I’d like to see you disclose that Cindy Chavez has endorsed you, and that you donated to her Mayoral campaign. You are also endorsed by mostly Labor candidates/electeds. Why? What promises have you made to them, and why are you keeping their endorsements so low profile?
I’d also like to know why you have now refused to speak to members of the Mercury News, unless it is via e-mail. Remember that you have chosen to run for public office, and have stated you believe in “open government, and honesty!”
No citizen wants to elect a candidate that refers him or her to an automated system. No one wants to vote into office a candidate who replies on his campaign manager/ soon to be Chief of Staff, on how they will run their district. The Mercury News wrote in an article that at your last forum you kept looking at your campaign manager, and blew it when pressed to answer difficult questions.
Hiding behind automation, campaign managers, and a good sales job isn’t what people want Pier. They want a good, strong, educated advocate who understands government. Not new computer systems that cost too much money, and must be passed by the Council, before you can even implement it!
Code Enforcement clean up graffiti? Not in San Jose!
There are plenty of questions about Oliverio, but very few straight answers. The Saturday Merc article raises a number of questions about his background but he refuses to give an unambiguous answer, and in some cases he won’t answer at all.
He claims he takes no lobbyist money but doesn’t say how much is coming from his labor pals—and what about the campaign material being paid for by the Retired SJ Police Officers and Firefighters PAC? He seems to want it both ways—he wants to look independent but he is tied closely to the usual labor suspects.
By refusing to address the issues surrounding his background he has probably made things worse for himself. By inflating his community involvement he has tarnished what involvement he might have had. If we can’t trust what he says now how can we trust him as an elected official??
Pierluigi,
Many SJ folks are disgusted with “Code Unenforcement” in San Jose, which would be a great blog post for a sharp candidate to address.
However, regarding”Mr. Duran’s” problem in your example above, the Anti-Graffiti Program is provided from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, not Code Enforcement. Thanks be to God.
Halloween in February?
Simply amazing, all these anonymous critics and nay-sayers for both candidates. It’s like Downtown Brown and Reality Check have resurfaced behind new masks.
No wonder why campaigns have become so negative.
Pierluigi,
Do you really think it is a good idea to create a special website just for District 6 residents?
What about our current “Customer Service Online” link that is supposed to do exactly what you describe?
An online reporting system is a necessity but it would be silly for each councilmember to create their own web site. You should put your efforts into improving the system we already have so all San Jose residents will benefit, not just District 6.
Oliverio says that he will not take money from lobbyists, yet he takes money and an endorsement from Michael Mulcahy, the largest property owner in downtown Willow Glen. I guess he feels it is better to cut out the middle-man and take the money directly from the land owner. How will he be able to impartially vote on a Mulcahy project that might destroy the character of our downtown?
It may be popular to bash lobbyiest since the Gonzo administration sold out to them, but I feel selling out to developers is just the same . At least Tedesco is up front about taking money from these guys. He says “I will take money from anybody. It would take a lot more than $250 to buy my vote” Once again Oliverio seems to be more about perception than substance.
Could we use the system to report illegal lawn signs? I’m having trouble reporting a violation on city property at the corner of Julian and Stockton.
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/fh_kirby/photo/294928804241495795/0
Anyway, I thought I should give you a hand and test the citys code enforcement web page.
https://secure.sanjoseca.gov/codeEnforcement/blightreport.htm
I took the liberty of reporting the building as blighted for you, clicking trash-litter and noting your sign. Let us know how the code enforcement web page works.
Also just curious, did you post your other lawn signs with the owners permission?
I ask all of you to reread both candidates Blogs. When I first read Mr.Tedesco’s I thought it spoke to his priorities, yet lacked solutions to the problems. I gave it a B-. Now that I have read Mr. Oliverio’s “I will save District 6 with my Web Browser Idea”. I am changing Mr.T’s grade to an A+ (based on the competition). My question to the Editor is, did Oliverio have a chance to read the responce to Tedesco’s article before he wrote his? If he did, and this is the best he could come up with, I will have to give him a F !
Mr. Oliverio,
If you are touting accountability, why don’t you return to this blog and be accountable – answer the charges of the Mercury News and others postig here?
Are you a salesman or an executive?
Do you make your living in high tech or are you a bartender?
Was raising money for Next Door the most rewarding think you’ve done, or have you done something worth more than $350?
Are you exagerating your credentials?
The time for you to clear your name is now – you owe it to the 94,000 people of D6!
Last month Pierluigi’s campaign manager addressed a crowd at a police forum and said that she wanted downtown to thrive and wouldn’t be happy unitl all the businesses at Santana Row were bankrupt!
Sanata Row is in district 6 – can you trust someone who hires a campaign manager that wants constituent businesses to go broke?
Pierluigi, if you are reading this – and we know you are – you should make your campaign manager publically appologize to the hard working, tax paying, revenue producing businesses in Santana Row. People my be jealous that SR is not downtown, but there is no question as to its success and contribution to San Jose’s economy.
We are waiting…….
Didn’t you know Testing that Code Enforcement only takes down lawn signs of whom they do not want elected. Ask Pete Constant
Why is it that both candidates for D6 posted a blog, but never returned to address any questions? Blogs are supposed to be a conversation, and that takes a two sided dialog.
I remember when other candidates blogged, they answered questions. But maybe they felt confident in their positions on things!
#25 “Report Card”
In answer to your question: Mr. Oliverio had 5 days to read Mr. Tedesco’s SJI guest column before the deadline to submit his own, but I have no way of knowing if he did or not. I also invited both candidates to participate in the discussion.
The Editor
#24
Where is the sign, and why is it illegal?
i wonder who everyone thinks was the best D6 councilmember, and why?
what are they known for?
any significant accomplishment?
How about the Oliverio signs in mobile home parks? Aren’t these against the park rules? Did you have permission to place these? If you don’t follow the rules now how can we be sure you will follow them if elected?
As I’ve never met Mr. Tedesco—and Mr. Oliverio has presented himself at my home twice during the campaign—I have found myself leaning toward Oliverio as his opponent hasn’t even sent a volunteer to my neighborhood, much less appeared himself.
But this short article really has me reeling. With the hindsight of coming second, and with extra time to formulate a response to his candidate, Oliverio only came up with a customer-service system? Where is the discussion of issues? I mean, this proposed system would certainly make it easier for me to log in to a website to find out that the council has approved yet more development to tower over our small neighborhood… but it doesn’t help D6 constituents with the issue itself.
I am pleased with Mr. Oliverio’s understanding that a key role of any elected official is to provide responsive constituent services and I’m confident that whoever is elected will make constituent services a top priority.
My concern about Mr. Oliverio’s plan is his intention to use citizen complaints as clear “empirical evidence” of how best to prioritize the problems in our city. In completing any community-wide needs assessment, there are always multiple pieces of qualitative and quantitative data that should be sought before drawing any conclusions about the systemic problems facing a community.
Mr. Oliverio is right that web-based technology can be a helpful tool in the gathering and evaluation of some data. But, relying solely on electronic citizen complaints to determine district priorities is dangerous and only tends to reflect the strong bias of a limited number of complainants.
In determining our city’s needs and in identifying public policy priorities, I would encourage Mr. Oliverio to rely equally upon other pieces of information such as insights from neighborhood and business leaders, public comments made by residents at community meetings, historical reviews of the problem, perspectives from our professional city staff and reviews of best practices found in other large cities and municipalities.
Far too often, elected officials utilize limited data to apply band-aid approaches to solve systemic bureaucratic problems. In taking a systems- approach to public policy reform – based on a thorough evaluation of the problem – it’s more likely that our city bureaucracy can repair itself after years of ineffectual problem-solving.
#28,
The sign is at 292 Stockton Ave [APN: 259-28-028]
http://www.mercextra.com/blogs/realestate/2006/07/03/whats_up_with_that_westinghous/
SJ Muni Code:
23.04.730 Prohibited on public property.
A. No person shall erect or display, or cause or authorize any person to erect or display, any election sign on public property.
#32- Very well said. It clearly shows that Oliverio has no experience or knowledge of the kind of leadership a Council Person needs. Too bad you didn’t make the run off instead of Oliverio!
#33- Oliverio has LOTS of illegal signs all over the place, INCLUDING Campbell.
#31- If you’ve ever run for office, or worked on a campaign, you’d know how difficult it is to cover a huge district. You need hundreds of volunteers! Tedesco has coffees every Saturday morning that you are welcome to attend. He will sit face to face with you over coffee and cake, and listen to you, and answer your questions with a direct answer.
Oliverio has LABOR working the streets for him. That is why you are having such luck in seeing Oliverio. Having the help of Labor or business is nothing to be ashamed of. I wonder why Oliverio is.
#23- I thought the Editor already confronted the Reality Check, Downtown Brown issue, and multi postings! By the way, thanks Jack for letting us know.
#21- If you vote for Oliverio, you’re voting his campaign manager into office, not him. Oliverio looks to her for EVERYTHING. A vote for Oliverio is a vote for her.
34. Kathleen,
If 25 Steve Tedesco supporters voted for Clark Williams instead – Clark WOULD be in the RUN – OFF!
First, I felt sorry for District #2 residents because they have Forrest Williams as their representative on the Council. He’s pleasant an personable in person but doesn’t have much substance on the City’s major issues. Luckily, he hasn’t been to be able to do too much damage. Thank God term limits will allow a more qualified candidate to run!
Then I discovered that Nora Campos (AKA Senora Struthers) was a Council Puppet for her spouse and the South Bay Labor Council. God help the residents of District #5 that bought into the race-based pandering that got her elected. Hopefully, the rumored recall effort will gain steam.
Now, we have the potential for Willow Glen’s District#6 residents to be represented by someone whose only qualifications are that he has good hair for his campaign mailer’s doctored photos and self proclaimed “hi-tech” experience selling vaporware.
Thank you Perluig, Pierre, Pete, or whatever you want to change your name to, but NO Thanks!!! We are not buying what you’re selling. Dot-Bomb solutions are not what is needed to fix San Jose. We need a refocusing by Council on Quality of Life Issues and real Cost-Benefit Analysis.
Dear Mr. McEnery,
Have you lost your integrity?
On August 30, 2006 you posted:
It is up to each of us to decipher the difference and make sure that in this election—the most important in the modern history of the city—the winning vote does not go to the campaign that can best push the “big lie” or best fudge an issue. We must be aware of the strength of such tawdry tactics that divide and confuse, or we may find that our nascent efforts at good government will be the final casualty of this election.
Why shouldnt the same advice you gave for the mayoral race also apply to the District 6 race? And why would you endorse a candidate that:
– misleads voters with a the title “Environmental Software Executive”
– misleads voters with a faux family photo
– exaggerates his fund raising accomplishment for Next Door Solutions
– over-states his involvement with Joint Venture
– misleads voters with his involvement in WG Neighborhood Association
– over-states his job as a substitute teacher
– lies about having a M.A. from San Jose State
– states he will not take money from lobbyists, but has taken thousands from developers
Are the citizens of District 6 not entitled to honest government?
I am just wondering why Mr. O’s main support
comes from Labor ( Assc. of Retired SJ Police,
SJ firefighters,etc) as well as major developer/
landowners. Wasn’t this alliance the one that gotten us into some problems in the last 8 yesrs ?
#22. Given the tone of some of the posts I can’t blame either candidate for not stepping back into this dark alley.
However I can’t say that Steve OR Pier dazzled me with a brilliant presentation. Tedesco seemed like he was trying hard to fill space without offending anyone. Pier’s essay on web-based solutions reminds me of a smarty pants high school kid trying to BS his way through an exam on a book that he hasn’t read.
Could it be that their blogs reveal neither places a high priority on winning over SJI readers?
Just a thought.
I just visited Pierluigi’s website. I found it very interesting that he segregates D6 residents into three categories, those who live in Willow Glen, those who live in the Rose Garden , and those that live west of Bascom:
http://fromhereforus.com/_wsn/page3.html
It makes you wonder why? And will he treat them differently if he gets into office? Shouldn’t you treat the whole district the same?
#36
Then I discovered that Nora Campos (AKA Senora Struthers) was a Council Puppet for her spouse and the South Bay Labor Council. God help the residents of District #5 that bought into the race-based pandering that got her elected. Hopefully, the rumored recall effort will gain steam.
What are you talking about? What pandering? What recall effort?
#35- Too bad it wasn’t Clark and Tedesco. Or Tedesco, and Spence.
Oliverio needs to get out off the race, and back to delivering newspapers, in between tending bar, and substitute teaching! I mean, he had to do something because obviously he isn’t a great fund raiser~
#41 Thank you for pointing out the hypocrisy that is running rampant in the powers that be these days. Tom has certainly failed the residents of D6 with his ill considered endorsement of the duplicious PO, just as Chuck Reed has failed his own D4 with his endorsement of the vacuous Hon Lien. Reed really showed his colors last night at the Chamber COMPAC fundraiser for Lien. Declaring that they “needed another vote” the new Mayor turned over the microphone to his annointed puppet and stood by as she flailed around and vainly struggled to win over the sceptical business crowd. She was either unwilling or incapable of displaying any insight to D4, Downtown, or Citywide issues. All the Mayor wants is “another vote”, not a councilmember that can think for themselves and cast votes based on knowledge, insight, and principle. Don’t we have enough pumped, packaged, and pimped puppets already on the Council that have to be spoon fed and led by the nose like Oliverio and Lien?
I’m sorry is their a recall effort for nora campos where is the line and where do I sign!
this women can’t even read from a piece of paper did anyone see her tuesday night? it was painful to watch. and I felt sorry for her and I don’t even like her she really has to go maybe her husband can help her with her reading skills. it’s nowonder she hides and never has anything to say…
Of the two, Tedesco is the one to elect. I too wondered why I was seeing PO’s signs on lawns in Campbell. Just another oddity in this mysterious and ambiguous candidate who continues to raise questions and concerns. The Mercury endorsed him in November. Since then, they have run articles questioning PO’s credibility. If you listen to PO’s ad on KLIV, he mentions the endorsement by the Mercury. He also mentions that accomplished turd plopper Susan Hammer and ummmmm………….Jim …….ummmmmm…….Bell………ummmm endorse……..ummmmm…….. him. Enough said—my mind is made up. When I help my blind mom fill out her absentee ballot this week, I’m going to tell her she’s voting for Steve. She’s always willing to go with my recommendation.
Tom,
Do you care to enlighten us on your decision to endorse Oliverio? SJI endorsed Tedesco during the November election, but why the change of heart?
Tedesco has been an outstanding leader in our city for decades, bringing us cherished events and leading valued organizations.
Why would you want to elect an inexperienced candidate to council when we are on the eve some the most important land use decisions in the history of San Jose, e.g. Evergreen and the General Plan update?
Tedesco has served on the Evergreen Visioning Project, has a B.A. in Urban Planning, and with his chamber background, who better to solve Job-Housing inbalance?
Have you heard Tedesco’s idea to bring tech jobs to the ballpark property, where we already have CalTrain, VTA, buses, not to mention BART in the future? An idea that Silicon Valley leaders are jumping at.
Both candidates stated they would not build in Coyote Valley, but based on Tedesco’s endorsements it is obvious he is the candidate with a proven environmental record and commitment to parks and green spaces:
– California League of Conservation Voters
– Sierra Club, Loma Prieta Chapter
– Save BAREC (Bay Area Research and Extension Center)
– City of San Jose, Parks Commission Chair, Helen Chapman
Or is this about holding old grudges from the past like Pulcrano and Cohen?
#46
Excellent question. There are many shifting
loyalties here—Everyone wants to be with a winner—question is who will it be in D6 ??
At first it looked good for PO coming out of a strong primary 1st place but is starting to fade.—like the tortoise and the hare,maybe.
Very close to call and with a low turnout election??
Conventional wisdom was stick with PO—fresh
face,new blood ,etc. but the more we see ,the
more questions come out about background ??
Its like he was lost in the crowd in the primary but now in the spotlight, he is wilting.
The shifting started toward Steve—-I will give money but not my endorsement—I will vote for you Steve, but I can’t put your sign in my lawn….. Many still have both one foot in each
camp…hard to decide..cover all bases????
Don’t want the winner mad at me after the race. If PO can hang on 2 more weeks or not?
PO has turned down 3 offers to debate—Why??
The grudge concept has come up before with ST. With Cohen and Co.,with Pandori & Janet Gray with the airport, with Tom,not sure??
When you have a long record of service like ST,you are going to have many things that can be attacked, especially if you have accomplished something—there’s pro and con to every issue.
Maybe some feel that PO will always agree with their view of the issues…seems a bit myopic to me. But we don’t know PO yet,he may be that pliable.
Well,with ST you won’t get wishy-washy,he says how he feels and sometimes that will
offend. At least you know where he stands.
Grudges are an occupational hazard if one is
direct and forthcoming.
Not bad traits for a representative but tough when it comes election time.
I wonder if “Kathleen in San Jose” of posts 15, 16, 34 and 40 is the same Kathleen described in this article:
http://metroactive.com/metro/02.21.07/fly-0708.html
#48- No, I am not the Kathleen in the Metro article. Mystery solved.
I know both Tedesco, and Oliverio. Oliverio is not someone I consider to be a good choice for District 6 or any other Council seat. Oliverio needs to get on a school board, or work as a Council Aide, or do some real long term work in our community, before he tries running for anything again.
Oliverio should also stop trying to sell people on things he can’t possibly accomplish. He’s young, and given to over state his involvement in our community, and in his achievements in his professional life. Bad qualities for someone who wants to become a public figure.
I read his new flier: “Setting the facts straight!” There isn’t one thing in there that he’s said any different then he’s said all along. Blaming Tedesco for Oliverio being exposed as an exaggerating candidate is his fault, not Tedesco’s. $350.00-$500.00, over a ten-year period to help victims of domestic violence? Come on now. He’s raised 20 times that to run for school board, and Council Districts 3-6! If he was so concerned about abused women, why didn’t he just donate money, and be humble enough to keep quite about it? Talk about re victimizing victims!
The Merc just endorsed Tedesco! Woo Hoo!
Lied your way in, how will you manage. Maybe Ellis Lamkins can make you feel better about yourself. Cuddle up just a little closer.
Maybe she`s the Mrs. right you`ve been looking for, she will understand you better than most women.
Go on Pierluigi, “reward your friends punish your enemies”. Oh lets stay positive.