As I was watching highlights of Ron Gonzales and Cindy Chavez at the last San Jose City Council meeting, I was wondering if anyone else felt the same way I did—that the sentiments shown in that meeting were just about as fake as a set of Lee Press-On Nails.
I understand that in being a true professional, you don’t want to kick someone when they are down. Gonzales is going out of office a somewhat pathetic figure with zero credibility and engulfed in scandal. Chavez just lost a runoff and now finds herself having to send out resumes for a job (someone please get her in touch with the HR department at the South Bay Labor Council). Using phrases like “it was an honor to serve with you” seems too much when people know they aren’t really true. And, moreover, using “honor” and “Gonzales” in the same sentence should be outlawed anyway. Chavez did give her years of service and isn’t in the same category as Gonzales, but where were the tough words that were so easily said a few weeks ago? Are council members who disagreed vehemently with them really just letting bygones be bygones or are they being two-faced for saying things that aren’t really true?
Why couldn’t someone tell Gonzales that things will be better off without him? Or why didn’t someone diplomatically tell Chavez that decisions are not going to be made for the good of the unions only? I admire those who say the things that need to be said, regardless of how uncomfortable it might make other people.
Or, if all else fails, we can look to the Czech government and solve problems the way they do in Eastern Europe (click here).
Here’s hoping that the new era in San Jose brings more honesty than the last one and those in power aren’t afraid to say what needs to be said.
Gosh, with Cindy’s departure, who is going to explain the issues and tell Nora how to vote?
The Council could have still been honest without kicking someone while they are down. Instead of just being polite and saying good-bye and good riddance to our disgraced Mayor, the Council chose to engage in a bit of revisionism by intimating that this Mayor might be remembered for something other than the pathetic figure he became. This guy will only be remembered for being the worst mayor in our history, and if he hadn’t finally gotten caught who knows how much worse it could have been. As it is, we won’t know the true costs of the wreckage he has left behind for some time.
He leaves disgraced and should not have been “honored” by his colleagues at the council other than for them to say “Thanks—for nothing.”
If Cindy was “honored” to work with Gonzo, then that just confirms that the voters of SJ made the correct decision to oust her from city government.
Single gal,
You seem to represent the singles of today that go downtown really well. Wishing them to be apart of violence is very low.
I don’t care much for your posts in general; but this one shows your lack of charactor as a person.
Much like the lack of charactor most of the young people today have. you are starved for scandlous news. You probably think the miss america issues is exeptional and news worthly (sorry didn’t mean to steal your post for next week).
But rest assured; you will learn that youtube and entertainment tonight are not news!
I hope you develop into a real person someday.
I wasn’t there, but I have seen similar “conversations” at the Alum Rock School Board—which as many of you know was filled with strife for a good long 15 or so years—when board members (that others hated or didn’t get along with) left.
There is indeed a tremendous need for civility in public discourse. That said, I think the minutes (hours?) of nice-nice bloviating usually can be cut by 80% and we’d all be better off for it. Not much is said at these affairs. Just say thanks for all the memories and get on with it. Spare us the ceremony, please, and get more work done for the people. That’s why you were there in the first place: To *make* a contribution, NOT to be recognized for it.
SG—You’re right. Criminal malfeasance should not be rewarded with a smile. The crap that went on for the last 8 years was deadly serious, and we don’t yet know if it’s entirely dead and buried, with the unions still well represented—and no one brave enough to call a Gonzales/Chavez a Gonzales/Chavez. But one need not stoop to rudeness to make the necessary cutting remark. Shakespeare was up to it. The Truth is up to it, and not a bad companion, even in politics, especially, at least in the Czech Republic, in politics. You don’t even need to be mad to get it said. George Green
SG: Who said to whom that it had been an honor to serve with him/her?
I do not agree with you that councilmembers needed to tell it like it is in the last meeting. Nor, however, did they need to praise either Ron or Cindy.
Many times just keeping silent is the best option.
SG,
The end of an era it is. You have to admit, Ron-Gon and his posse did provide some very interesting debates. A large number of critics got to cast stones at their favorite targets numerous times, fulfilling their cravings for excitement. In a few years, we will all be board stiff; pacing back and fourth like a caged lion with nothing to do. Our new administration will be honest and full of sunshine. Unfortunately, that’s not what the hungry soul really wants. We will long for “The Days of Ron and Cindy”
“Remember the new city hall!!!”
“Remember the Grand Prix!!!”
“Feliz Navida”
SG –
Thanks for proving just how bitter, spiteful and downright ridiculous you can be. While I may disagree with her politics, I commend Cindy for having the courage to step up to the call of public service. She could just as easily have hid behind a computer screen and started a blog to complain about and disparage the character of everything and everyone she disagrees with, but instead she found the real courage to stand up in the public arena. The voters disagreed with her vision and made their decision to change course last November, and as a result, she will move on. I suggest you do the same.
Time to step up Single Gal and find some new material.
Yes, we are at end of Gonzo Era and rather than continue to rant on what about having Blogs and SJI authors focus on how to improve San Jose?
While I don’t think that anything more needed to be said to Ron or Cindy to a lesser extent about the state of the city, I think that it is kind of crazy for them to be talking about what an “honor” it was to serve with them. Talk about losing any credibility that you may have once had!
Single Gal,
I watched that meeting as well, more for the vote on the Evergreen issue than anything. But having tuned in early I watched Council members remembering Ron. Knowing how contentious some of those relationships must have been over the years, rising above it to remember the best was a good thing. And yes… from some that sounded a bit trite.
These folks, I guess like most of us, can look back on our last eight years with a few regrets. Of those who know us, some will see things we did and remember only the worst. Others will see things we did or said and remember us in the best of light.
For those who know us well, know us best; they will remember the best and worst of us. Watching this last council meeting, it struck me how through all the rancor and hard fought differences, these folks really do know each other well. . . well enough to remember the good as well as the not-so-good.
Prior to the election and then again before the Evergreen vote, I let my feeling be known; and without much consideration for whom they were directed at. As I watched that Council meeting and listened to each Council person remember and thank Ron, I realized that civility is more than political nice-nice; it’s being honest about the whole person, and this was the time and place for remembering the good.
SG
I am very disappointed that you would suggest fist fights to solve any problem in San Jose, , even in humorous way
Rather than watch, rant and write – get involved and actually do something to change San Jose for the better
You will find many of your oversimplistic solutions to complex problems will not work since you do not understand basics of many issues based on prior comments
You need to have some respect for those who try to improve San Jose with less anger and ranting even if you disagree with them
Excuse me, I just had to go throw up after reading David D.‘s post. What good are we remembering from Gonzo? He totally f%$&ed; up the City and set it back 8 years. He abused power and used it for his own personal gain. He may have some redeeming qualities but they far outshadow what he has done with the city. Good riddance!
A number of the current members of the City Council do not deserve our respect given how they have conducted themselves. Certainly, fisticuffs are best left to the governmental chambers of other countries, but to give respect to those who do not deserve it is asking too much.
As the Gonzo Gang departs and leaves their trail of slime, little good can be said about them other than they are finally leaving.
Let’s hope we can move forward as we clean up the mess that has been left behind. Let’s hope that those remaining councilmembers who contributed to the downward spiral of the city will finally step-up to the plate and work to undo the wrongs they have supported. I know, it is wishful thinking, but maybe things will improve.
Dear Single Gal:
Thanks for telling it like it is regarding the departure of Gonzales/Chavez. The Gonzales political machine has caused great financial damage to our city. He does nor deserve the praise of his chums on the council and he doesn’t deserve a gift basket on the way out. The Gonzales Administration will be remembered for its corruption and its ineptitude. San Jose’s streets are poorly maintained and its parks pale in comparison to neighboring cities. A palacial city hall with a customized-glass rotunda was built to proclaim the majesty of San Jose. Only trouble is, the building wasn’t build large enough to house all of the city’s employees despite the fact that the Measure I Innitiative required a “Consolidation” of civic offices. For the next 35 years, the people of San Jose will pay nearly one billion dollars for the Taj Mahal City Hall.
For the past 8 years, San Jose has been a place where the needs and appetites of the few were placed over the needs of the many. The city was promoted rather than managed. Gonzale recently was quoted by the Mercury News to have said that he leaves the city in a better condition than he found it. How appropriate, to be left with one last lie.
On January 9, the citizens of San Jose will get their city back!
Pete Campbell
Wow, I guess all the Scrooges decided to post this week!
Sometimes I suppose I misjudge the intelligence of some posters in here. I will spell it out then. I am not suggesting violence. It was a joke. If you can’t see that well, then, your problems are bigger than my lack of character or my horrible writing.
Have Yourself a Bitter Little Christmas!
Sorry Single Gal, trying to be nice or polite really isn’t being a scrooge. I’m wondering if the editorial staff will continue to use your items as a regular feature. The election is over now. Gonzalez and group are gone. A new era has begun. Let’s all watch the accomplishments and be polite about it.
Pete, SG, ye who I made throw up.
I totally agree; the past eight years have not been this city’s best; nor have they been our worst. Some great things have been accomplished, though at the expense of fiscal responsibility and open government, and for that we will wear the scars. Good people in the City’s Staff giving their professional best to make the City a better place have been marginalized and demoralized in the process. And for this, there will be consequences; consequences for their behavior. . . criminal indictments, $550/hr. legal fees, and as Finkelstein said, “Gonzales, Guerra and Norcal could also be assessed $27,000 per count and could be required to make restitution on the $11.5 million, plus interest,” .
Come spring when his trial is scheduled to begin, there will be a feeling of post revolution La Place de la Concorde in the air… “…So much was closing in about the women who sat knitting, knitting, that they their very selves were closing in around a structure yet unbuilt, where they were to sit knitting, knitting, counting dropping heads.”
But for now on their last official session as Mayor and Council member, it was time to say good-by to the person, not the behavior. As trite and shallow as these moments may seem, they are what separate us from the days of post revolution France and our due process of today.
I don’t believe anyone has a problem with your horrible writing Single Gal. Those who have been viewing your blog for any length of time should be used to that by now…..
Lack of a sense of humor is more horrible than lack of character? You really are an ignorant twit. “It is our character that supports the promise of our future” (William J. Bennet) For the sake of San Jose, let us hope your character does not represent the majority of our great city.
Single Gal you should remember that it isn’t really the thing we do as polite people. We don’t kick someone when they are down. Those who do wish to get that last comment in, the last insult really don’t show any better character than those to whom they are referring. I’ve lost a lot of respect for your remarks.
Wish them all a Merry Christmas, send them on their way and start the new year with a fresh slate.
SINGLE GAL,
Very well said. I Agree with everything you said. I also wonder where Cindy will get her paycheck.
SG – The points that you think “need to be said” were made quite eloquently by voters on November 7th.
After the people spoke the Council probably felt no need to belabor the point. There is, after all, a time and a place for civility in public discourse.
I’m glad San Jose’s leaders had the restraint to avoid taking the low road and surprised that you seem to encourage such antics.
Did SJ Visitors Bureau land the convention of the easily offended this week and forgot to tell us?
SG, that Czech piece was choice – can you imagine what the Czech version of the McLaughlin Group is like?!
But back to the topic…
The burning question for me is – who was given the final 2 minutes?
Hopefully it was the crackhead who likes to play 2 minutes of Tupac. That would have been an appropriate way to wind it up.
Merry Christmas Single Gal and congrats on a fine year at SJI.
David D – Please enlighten me. What great things have been accomplished on Gonzales’ watch? What is “say goodbye to the person and not the behavior”? Sounds like the ultra PC talk that has gotten us into plenty of trouble in this city!
#20. SG – Thank you for the clarification. Per your suggestion your future writings will not be taken seriously.
Don’t worry about Ron. Larry Stone wants him to head up the 49er effort for Santa Clara.
They have Kevin Moore as the front guy, and Ron G will be likely be the head of it.
http://www.missioncitylantern.blogspot.com
SG makes a very good point, and Native #5 above is exactly right. Forced phoniness on the occasion of the disgraced Mayor’s departure is unnecessary and off-putting. A simple, quick and courteous farewell would have been more than enough without all of the crocodile tears.
#12, Mark, (aka “Deep Sleep”) Cindy’s “courage to get into public service”??
Lust for self-importance, egomania, get what you can while the getting’s good, etc. She hardly chose “service”. First, she was chosen for her pliability by the local Demos, SJSU Poli Sci, and unions. What they wanted was far more urgent and important to them than any public service. Second, what was the “service”? Ugly, expensive City Hall? Norcal? Tropicana? Etc.It’s so typical of our political “system” that anyone so entirely incompetent can be foisted on the electorate—because it’s only rarely that the competent are willing to offer their talents and be abused by what passes for politics. At least in the Czech Repub it’s all out in the open. George Green
Well, Bill Hauck, formerly in San Jose makes the big time
• HAUCK FUNDING THE GOVENOR’S INAUGURAL
Trustee Bill Hauck has paid some $15,000 to help sponsor the governor’s inaugural.
Hauck persistently argues that the faculty can’t get a decent raise because the state does not fund the CSU well enough. Yet, in his role as chair of the Trustees Finance Committee, he has been equally persistent in pushing through budget requests that leave the CSU under-funded and struggling to provide instruction. Now he’s thanking the governor for this structural deficit.
The money, which buys only two seats at the inauguration, was donated to the governor’s inauguration fund through the California Business Roundtable – where Hauck serves as paid president and chief lobbyist.
This slob has lunch all the time with CSU CHANCELLOR CHARLES REED (not the mayor), while they gobble dozens of crackers with mounds of salmon mousse, washing it down with gallons of white wine, and they lament over the lack of sufficient funding for San Jose colleges.
I heard Tony Arreola was shedding a tear because his cronies are gone (oh, and the fact that the D.A. gave him a search warrant for his home, business bank).
Yes, folks, let’s hope it’s a new and clean era.
# 32:
Mr. Green, you are wise beyond your years. We should all look to the Czech Republic with longing eyes….whatever. Good to see SG has a few single-minded individuals left to come to her defense.
Broken-record bashing of individuals no longer in a position of power seems to be your calling and is good sport for you, so I’ll leave you to it. When you want to discuss/debate ideas as to how best to move this city forward, let me know. That would seem more productive of an endeavor to me, but hey, what do I know….
I agree with you single Gal. As someone who went to this meeting to speak on the West Evergreen Plan it made me nauseate to see certain council members falling over themselves to praise Gonzo. Some individuals had to wait for at least four hours to get to the Agenda item they were waiting on. Talk about having consideration for the public. I guess it was time for kissing and making up but they should of done it behind closed doors. At least they wouldn’t of embarrassed themselves the way they did.
Native San Josean –
I am on pins and needles wondering if I will get the ax!
I don’t know how anybody can sit through a cith hall meeting but I did just to see if RON/ CINDY/ would say anything insightful. of course they are unable to do that.
I really could careless where these to land as long as it’s far away from here. and I would like to say that I have the 1st $20 for their new CHURRO CART! as long as they sell them only at union jobs.
And somebody tell me who is going to read to NORA now that CINDYS gone<
she really is the next one that has to go she is just flat out useless and now that that office is going to be run like a business she will be exposed & and if you think I’m wrong just watch her for 2 min @ any city meeting.
SG you are right. I’m surprised at some of these posts. He and Cindy have done nothing to help this city and have given it a backward step for eight years. Hopefully, they are out of this city when they leave office although I don’t believe we have seen the last of Cindy but gonzo new business and all will be gone. Can’t believe cindy and ron supporters even read your blog but as can be seen by the above rants they do.
WHat do you think about Sam Liccardo?