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

Meet the Candidates – - Central Park

So I noticed while wandering the Art & Wine Festival up at Central park there are a number of candidates for the up coming Santa Clara city council election.  Here is a chance to get to know them – see how they reflect and plan to support certain issues.

Lets see, this is how I walked by the candidates. At the start of the gauntlet was Cirian O’donnell – I think that’s how he spells his name, he seemed to be doing a fair bit of meet and greet.  Then there was Jamie McLeod who is the current council women for seat 7 I believe.  Jamie had many supporters around her and was attempting to touch base with a lot of people.   Oh and Mr O’Donnell tells me he is running against Jamie the current incumbent and there is one other person competing for this seat but they were not there.  Brian Lowery was up there – I didn’t get a chance to meet him – his opponent was also not there. 

Then the other big race is the one between Will Kennedy, Mary Emerson and Mario Bouza all of whom were there doing the meet and greet.  That race will be an interesting race.  Mary Emerson has I believe the only endorsement from the Democrats. Mario seems very passionate about the city and is a long time resident with deep connections to the city and lots of opinions how our money should/could be spent.  I didn’t take time to talk to Mr Kennedy – I’m always a little weary of attorneys.  I’m am of the same opinion that was in the SJ Mercury news recently – that Attorneys really are an indicator of “No Change” and yet they use that as their slogan this year.  So I tend to stay away from attorneys - I don’t know but I wonder if they are even in touch with whats going on in the real world?  Just a thought.  Perhaps if I have time tomorrow I will return and give Mr Kennedy some time to answer my questions.  He was busy talking to others and I did not wish to interupt. 

Very interesting, I think what was more interesting was that there was a heavy bit of campaigning on the part of the Democrats in general to register voters and to support the Obama campaign.  I should have stopped and asked them about attorneys and why I should vote for Obama?  I don’t know attorneys and real estate professionals in politics just send up red flags for me. 

I missed seeing the Parks and Trails people handing out there literature and the library information.  But it was good to see people discussing the stadium and meet a couple of the school board candidates and the college candidate.  There was clearly a lot of people that are not in favor of the stadium – it was apparent from amount of interest in the booth.  Oh and that same booth had their own ticket for Santa Clara City council – also very interesting as they recommend a write in for Seat 4 – write in Karen Hardy I believe against Kevin Moore who is standing unopposed.  Personally I always like the fact that one year in Sunol a dog was written in as Mayor  – in fact years later that same Mayor’s body was stuffed and stood behind the Bar at the Sunol Pub.  Excellent way to remember a politician.   Stuffed and mounted around a bunch of liquor! 

The fact that these people take time out to be there and talk to residents says a lot for them.  This is true grass roots politics.  I took literature from Noelani Sallings, Albert Gonzalez and Don Borenave all running for the school board and all represented at Politics Alley.  I chatted with some of these candidates or their representatives and now have an idea who I am going to vote for.  On a side note I like the fact that Albert Gonzalez had no endoresements.  I find endorsements odd and rather make up my own mind than having the approval of say a politician or a business person.

Anyway these guys will be there tomorrow no doubt so go and talk to them find out whats important for you and see if you found someone you wish to support.  After you’ve done that take some time and relax, drink some wine, listen to the band – Santa Clara puts on a great art and wine festival.

©Letters From Silicon Valley 2008