By Guest Blogger Larry Stone

The Mayor and the County Assessor (me) have been widely ridiculed by people posting on San Jose Inside and the San Jose Mercury editorial regarding the press conference at the Phoenix Municipal Stadium prior to a Giants vs. A’s game.  I have to admit some of the commentary was very funny, like the good-natured ribbing I got from my old friend Jude.  Some of it, however, was pretty rough.

By Guest Blogger Larry Stone

Regrettably, the San Jose Inside blog is becoming a venue for civic malcontents.  I love downtown San Jose.  In fact, I love cities and vibrant downtowns.  Downtown San Jose is not and will never be a San Francisco, New York City, Chicago, Boston, or even a Seattle.  There is a tremendous opportunity for growth and improvement.  Compare downtown San Jose today to when I moved to Santa Clara County 35 years ago; the contrast is simply incredible.  Tom McEnery’s forceful and decisive leadership as Mayor got it started and made it happen.