The final word on Tricks or Treats

So last night was Halloween and though I was home late from work I missed many of the early trick or treaters, though I think the weather kep peole at bay.  I hope the weather will not stop people voting on Tuesday or the unwillingness to take an hour out of their day to vote.  I saw that Google is endorsing a plan for their employees to remember to vote.  They will be sending mail out to their staff to remind them on Tuesday.

So as we go into the final days of this election it’s worth reflecting on the race and what I have observed:

The candidates that have dropped by personally and door knocked are:  Mary Emerson, Brian Lowery and Jamie McLeod. 

I have seen two mud slinging postcards against Jamie Mcleod which totally turned me off.  The language on those cards were particularly disgusting.

I’ve not had a visit from: Bouza, Kennedy, Blair, O’donnell, Moore or Matthews – I guess they have been too busy elsewhere

I’ve had voicemail from the Mayor and someone else at city hall endorsing some candidates

I’ve seen ‘paid’ for endorsement from Blair and O’donnell

I’ve caught: Bouza, Blair and McLeod on comcast TV.

I’ve saw the San Jose Mercury News endorse Jamie McLeod, do an expose on the who called whom regarding the Bouza and Moore, and a article about Mr Lowery’s suit expense.

I’ve not heard from Moore but I have spoken to the Write in Candidate Karen Hardy that is running against Mr Moore.

I walked the gauntlet at the Wine and Art Festival: O’donnel, McLeod, Kennedy, Bouza, Lowery, Emerson – and saw them talking to locals.

I’ve seen the issues be: 49ers stadium and the more and more proposed high rise buildings.  Though the Santa Clara weekly feels that the tight run closed ranks city council is not an issue the San Jose Mercury News did pick up that it is an issue and a concern that one family has for a number of years managed to control the Santa Clara City council.  I too am alarmed that this has been the case and the fact that it is always pooh poohed as a non issue, which again then makes it an issue. 

I noted that Kennedy was not endorsed by the Mayor – which surprises me but she didn’t endorse McLeod either.  Why is that? 

So if you have any questions outstanding and feel you haven’t touched base with a candidate and need to learn a little more about them before you vote remember Monday Night City Hall all the candidates will be gathered.   You can hear them for the final say and if you have a concern about ethics you can have your say as well.

 

©Letters From Silicon Valley 2008

In the press

So did you catch the article in the Valley today of the SJ Mercury News?  It’s all about Mr Bouza and Mr Moore.  Very interesting reading.  If you hadn’t heard about this before you do now. I think you can make up your own mind as to who, what or whether it is true.  One thing for sure that is disturbing is that there has been a history of this happening before in Santa Clara – which gives you cause to ask the question – is it not time for Change?  A change from the majority share holders that have been around the Santa Clara city politics?  Time for some fresh blood and thinkers – people who ask questions and listen to residents.

Here is a link to the article in the SJ Mercury News if you didn’t catch it.  Rumors are that there were other people that made calls to Bouza not just the ones mentioned in the article.  I guess there is nothing wrong in giving your opinion to a candidate where he/she decides to run but you just got to wonder WHY?  Why do people care?  Why are people so positional about city politics?

 

©Letters From Silicon Valley 2008