How City Officials Snuck It Through
Very few people in San Jose know the story about the political maneuvering that paved the way for the San Jose Airport to be renamed for Norman Mineta.
At a runway dedication in 2001, then-Mayor Gonzales announced, to everyone’s surprise, his intention to ask the San Jose City Council to rename the airport for the former mayor. One month later, the members of the San Jose City Airport Commission met to discuss the issue. At that airport commission meeting, a number of San Jose residents expressed their views on the matter. The overwhelming majority of speakers expressed their respect and admiration for Mr. Mineta, but asked that the name of the airport not be changed, and instead suggested that a terminal be named in his honor. The airport commission incorporated this view expressed by the public by adopting a resolution that called for the San Jose City Council to: “...Appoint a task force to research, conduct public outreach, and decide how to appropriately honor Norman Mineta in some fashion at the San Jose International Airport.”
A task force was never appointed. For some reason, the language calling for research and public outreach to be conducted by the city did not appear in the Director of Aviation’s report to the city council! The director’s memo mentioned the alternative of forming a task force, “As recommended by the airport commission.” Only by digging through the attachments to the report could the San Jose City Council or the public know that the airport commission had recommended that research and public outreach be done to determine whether or not the people of San Jose wanted the name of the airport changed.
On the day of the council vote, November 6, 2001, the city council agenda published for that day’s business did not include the airport commission’s recommendation that research and public outreach be conducted by the city.
The city council is not required to follow the recommendations made to them by city commissions. But shouldn’t the people of San Jose at least have been allowed to know (and to read) that which the airport commission had recommended to the council on their behalf? Mayor Gonzales unilaterally made the decision to name the airport for then-U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mineta. What the people of San Jose felt on the matter was of no consequence.
Pete Campbell is a former political writer for La Oferta newspaper. He recently served as a member of the Reed Transition Team.
This was a done deal from the start. Also remember that the summer, 2001 I believe, San Jose did not meet EPA standards to qualify for Bart funding. Suddenly, once council voted to rename the airport, San Jose’s air pollution must have magically cleared up, because we once again had funding. Then, remember, Ronnie’s TV ads were – I am the mayor who brought Bart to San Jose. Ho hum, what else is new.
I recall the day this issue first went before council, a very small blurp was in The Mercury. I spoke against the renaming before council. Then about 2 hrs. later phoned the Airport Commission’s office to find out when the issue was going before the commission. It was already on their calendar and had been for about 2 weeks. I was told that this was “coming down fast.” To my knowledge, this issue should have been referred to the Airport Commission that day, that would be following process. And, do I remember the controversy about process during the Fallon statue issue. Basically, regarding the renaming of the airport, process was not being followed. I also spoke before the Airport Commission against the renaming. None of that mattered, this was pushed through. I always thought it should have been named similarly to the San Jose McEnery Convention Center; should have been The San Jose Mineta International Airport, then people would at least recognize their destination.
Pete,
I can’t help from reading your post to realize you are stuck in the past.
You must of struck out on your big chance to hit the game winning ball, dropped an important pass to loose a game, chickened out on asking out the prom date you wanted or something.
The past is just that; the past. move on and find something else.
The renaming of the Airport was simply the latest in a long list of Hammer/Gonzales heavy-handed and collossally unwise decisions regarding SJIA. The renaming came on the heels of Hammer’s bloated ‘full buildout’ strategy which sucked up to Big Labor and Big Business but ran over obvious traffic forecasts and neighborhood opposition. More than 10 years later, Hammer’s Big Build At All Costs strategy is seen for the non-starter it always was, we have an empty international terminal, and a badly designed airport in a bad site. Perhaps Barbara Tuchman could append a chapter to March of Folly slimply entitled, “san jose.’
Is it just us or are other cities this lame with their elected officials?
#1 – It’s never bothered me to name things after living people. I spoke in favor of naming the convention center after Tom McEnery. What’s wrong about thanking someone while they are still alive?
## – How do you feel about naming Hwy 85 after Mineta? Enough is enough! And yes, the airport renaming is in the past, but many may not realize how it came about. Remember too, that years before, it was proposed to name the airport after Ernie Renzel, a former mayor who is known as the Father of the Airport; there is a bronze bust of Mr. Renzel at the airport. It was due to him that we even have the airport, without which we most probably would not have the Silicon Valley of today. Mr. Renzel declined having the airport named after him, thought it should remain San Jose International as LA International. As I said years ago, he is a good example of someone who is secure with himself and doesn’t have the ego that needs something named after him.
It’s good to remind people of the sleazy backroom political nonsense that results in civic monuments being named after living people. Some folks still find this tacky and offensive. But most politicians have sold their souls and don’t care how this kind of behavior looks to normal people. I think one of the reasons for low voter turnout is that people feel that nothing will change no matter who gets in.
Good comments Pete, #3 doesn’t want to learn from past by looking at what actually happened which many people do not know, so that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past
I agree poster no. 5. I think we can thank our former Mayor Tom McEnery for such scheming. Tom did the same sort of backroom deal and now we laughably have the: San Jose McEnery Convention Center.
#3,
For a sniper sneaking in for a cheap shot at Pete Campbell you sure missed your mark. Of all the subjects to label as “in the past,” you could not be more off target than to sight-in on the name of our airport: something that appears on all travel-related websites, is regularly referenced in news stories, and is posted daily in every airport in the nation.
The past? The name of our airport will never be an issue of the past. It will always matter for its economic impact, as an issue of identity, and as a measure of our city’s values. As it stands, we get zero economic benefit for the name (as opposed to, say, Silicon Valley Airport), we have completely minimized the name of our city (making it, from an outsider’s perspective, secondary to Norman who?), and have made a public statement about our municipal values that says it all: we play politics here.
I find it insulting that our airport is named after a professional politician who has been fairly compensated for his service—not sacrifice—to the government, and more than fairly compensated for his lobbying efforts—influence peddling, by any other name—for corporations looking to take a big bite out of the budget of the Department of Transportation. Clearly, his idea of public service differs not at all from the insider’s game we all know and loathe.
A terminal? Not even. Mineta was never more than a functioning cog in the system, necessary but certainly not inspiring. His name on a baggage carousel would’ve been more than enough.
I, too, have much respect for Mr. Mineta, but I usually refer to our airport as “The Norman Why? Mineta Intergalactic Airport.”
I am still not in favor of that name change, just as I believe calling our regional airport an international airport is a total joke, foisted on us by the same people who have to crow lamely that we are the 10th biggest city in American, and the safest big city in America. Inferiority complex big-time.
When American had its nonstop to Paris, I remember coming back and being bussed across the airport to some silly temporary U.S. Customs facility, and bussed back to the terminal after we all cleared customs. Lame, bush league.
#5 You asked what’s wrong with naming places for living people. Sometimes people bring discredit to themselves. Let us say that someone in Modesto named something after Gary Condit. Or someone in San Francisco or USC named some landmark after O.J. Simpson.
I believe that if the mayoral election would have been different and the indictment later coming, some sycophant would have wanted to name a landmark for Gonzales. And then the indictment came out, how to change the name? See what I mean ?…..
Jack—Give Pete Campbell a permanent spot on the SJI Blog. ALWAYS a hot topic from him, and today’s is dead on since Norm(Y) is again being boosted by his fellow politicos—for of all things, being “distinguished” in W’s cabinet as about the only “Democrat” politico. For a man of enough principle to have a podunk airport named after him, how could he have been a part of the Bush/Cheney axis of evil for so long (without getting shot in the face and having to apologize for being a victim). Only a small time politico on the national stage would even agree to have a proud name attached to a phony “internation-
al” airport—just to humor Gonzo and the local Democrat Party. And just today, ruin the trip along well-landscaped Hwy 85 with Norm Y. signs, as memorial to…??? the fact that NYM did the local political machine proud. Anyway,
Pete’s timing on this topic is perfect. The 85 issue will let us all see if government has morphed from really sick to at least healthy. (And no one in Chicago this AM is traveling to Mineta, I guarantee it.) George Green
#10 – I guess I felt that there was an exception with Tom McEnery. At the time the convention center was named after him, he had done more to energize San Jose than any recent mayor. It was a shame that he didn’t run against Susan Hammer after her first term, that would have been the time for him to complete many of the things he began during his tenure.
What do you think about renaming Hwy 85 after Mineta? No one has addressed that question yet.
There are really two issues here—the naming policy for public buildings in general and how this specific naming of the airport was handled. As I recall, Gonzales did not follow the city policy (not the first time for him) and the Council sat on their hands and did nothing about it except to support his airport naming proposal.
Gonzales jammed this proposal through with minimal public discussion (his usual m.o.) and the process was left tattered.
It is important that we remember what happened here so hopefully it will not happen again.
Certainly Mineta was worthy of some acknowledgment of his years of service not only to our area, but to aviation and transportation nationwide. Should the airport naming have been the acknowledgment? That’s the big question. Unfortunately, the renaming will be forever tainted because of how Gonzales handled the whole issue. Another one of his many “legacies”.
How do I feel about naming SR85 after Mineta? Naming public works after living politicians is tacky and offensive. If the politician is still held in high regard after he dies then we can talk about it. But in the case of Mineta, he already has an airport so give it a rest.
This sounds like just so much crying over spilt milk. So the Gonzales administration pushed that through without public comment. 5 years later, so what? What’s the point of tattling on a government we already know was corrupt without some kind of modern moral or goal? That’s what I find missing from this piece. What part of this piece can we find useful going forward?
Good subject Pete. I spoke at that council meeting. I know Norman Mineta and He has served our city and country with distinction. My reason for not supporting the renaming the airport for him is that I don’t believe a city should name our landmarks for “living” people especially well known landmarks. My example
for the discussion was “would the people of San francisco rename the golden gate bridge to the Willie Brown bridge” ? My feeling at the time of the vote was that the council had already made up their mind. I also felt that no person on the council was willing to oppose mayor Gonzales…..
Well, 85 should be named for Mineta.
Hmm, If Tom McEnery is responsible for getting Victor a job, maybe Tom can get a statue of Victor at the sewage plant.
Pete – – – Would you have any objections to floating a proposal before the Council that we name the huge hillside land fill on the east side of Coyote Valley after one of our own…. say the “Ron Gonzales Refuse Depository”? If it’s not in the City proper, maybe the County would warm up to the idea.
Like major airports it could be shortened to a 3-letter designation… say RGD for the Ron Gonzales Dump.
Certainly given its location overlooking the valley, commuters on 101 will always be reminded of the dedication and leadership that eats up their day and drains their tank.
And to think, such a landmark would have no lack of “Sunshine”.
Time gives us a better perspective. Back in about 1966, Batman was one of the most popular shows on TV. In fact it became so popular, they put it on two days a week. Everyone was talking about each episode. Old time stars were fighting to get roles in the series. A night club opened in Sunnyvale ( I think it was called the Bat Cave???) People were talking about changing Sunnyvale’s name to Gotham City. By 1970 Batman was off the air and ten years later most citizens wouldn’t even have known what Gotham City was.
Napper, you make a good point. Gosh, just think if the Taj City Hall had been named after Mayor RonGon!
Mineta should consider if he really wants his moniker on Hwy 85.
Before 101 (The Sig Sanchez Freeway) was widened through Coyote Valley Sanchez used to say that angry people would ask him when they were going to fix “his” freeway!
Even when traffic is moving driving along Hwy. 85 is not the most pleasant experience. It’s not a particularly attractive road unless you like cement canyons. With wear, tear, and the loving care of Caltrans it will be just a matter of time before 85 is a series of cracks, oil stains and potholes. Who would want their name on that?
Still, despite NAPPER’s sentiments in #11, it’s not too late to name something after Gonzales. The sewage treatment plant, a Norcal garbage truck and a boarded up downtown hospital are all available for re-naming. In fact The Ron Gonzales Suite at Elmwood has a nice ring to it…
Very interesting discussion about the way the airport was renamed. It was a very big mistake that will be with us for a long time…….unless the Council is asked to revisit the issue. I have no problem honoring Mr. Mineta for his many years of service, but the name of the airport was the wrong place to do it. I would support naming the new terminal after him, or some other significant building.
I realize its politically incorrect to try and reverse this issue, but its a big enough deal that it should be looked at, particularly since it was handled wrong and outside of existing policy in the first place. It is definitely true that the Airport Commission voted not to change the name. Put it to a vote of the people of SJ. I am pretty sure I know how it would come out!
Novice, where are you?
I kind of miss you. Today I heard Dr. Laura say what a bunch of BS she’s hearing on the airwaves from Al Gore about “Global Warming” and I thought of you and your SUV drive down to Mexico on your vacation last year. Have you had a chance to see the documentary “An Inconvinient Truth”?
According to Dr. Laura, Mars is also facing “Global Warming” !!!
I have always admired Dr. Laura. However, her comments about global warming have cooled my previously total commitment to her views on most human issues; have you changed your opinion?
Hey JWII,
Yes I did see the movie – quite a revelation.
Ever since I’ve been doing my darndest to reduce my carbon footprint.
My first act was to reduce my posting at SJI (even though the powers that be at SJI offered to juice my compensation and incentive packages).
You see, posting to blogs in and of itself contributes to global warming – blog bytes consume storage, disk storage requires energy – server farms require cooling…
So I’ve taken a page out of the Goreacle’s book and am in the final stages of launching carbonfreeblogging.com where posters at SJI will be able to register and send me 1 dollar for each post.
I’ll use the proceeds to plant juniper bushes to offset the harmful global warming impacts of SJI blogging activity.
Isn’t the ability to blog with a clear conscience worth a dollar?
Prius be with you amigo.
As a City employee and a citizen, I was there at a VIP press conference on the runway when what was suppose to happen was hard working City employees was to be acknowledged for a runway opening – one particular man that should have gotten alot of recognition and didn’t was Orval Welch who worked on that project for years.
But who comes along to the Press Conference but Mayor Ron Gonzales & City Council and Norm Mineta. The Mayor used that Press Conference to his advantage and mentioned that he was going to rename the airport what he did without the people’s vote
I remember it – I wrote a letter to the Mayor expressing my anger at how he handled all of it. I understand Norm Mineta was a great man but even the founder of the Airport had made comment to the media that they should keep the name of the Airport after the City – San Jose International Airport – for the people of the City, after the City, not for a man. Too many people have worked hard for the Airport.
When I wrote the Mayor, I got a letter back that said this, I am going to do this anyway and I am confident City Councilmembers will vote in my favor and they did.
What was the vote of the people? The voice of the people was a loud one- but was ignored.
The voice of the people shouted that they did not want the Airport name changed.
Who listens to who,,,,and what are their reasons for doing what they did. It was clearly all political. You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours and the people again were not heard.