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

Elections Loom – who will play?

You have to wonder if Santa Clara Plays Fair are going to run people against the current members of the Santa Clara City Council. I for one feel that there has to be some opposition to the current city council.

I was reminded of the Gang of Four and Jiang Quin – Jiang was later given the name “Blue Apple” – hmmm kind of Santa Claran don’t you think? Anyway I digress, and all I’m saying is that we need a change and we need a balance where fair debate and reason can be heard. Dare I say ‘Reason’ pervail. I’m hoping that people like SC Plays Fair is considering running some people and that Jamie McLeod finds some other co-horts to be on her ticket and give her some support. It’s a little hard to see the current council objective and making decisions on behalf of its current citizens.

Though I have not decided how I feel about the 49ers Stadium I have to say that the Santa Clara Plays Fair organization makes good sense when you watch this on YouTube

I am sure if it was my brother who was writing this post he would be all for a stadium in in back yard – he even moved from Eaglemont to East Melbourne so he could walk to the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground). But I’m not him – and given the MCG creates revenue and contributes to the city of Melbourne I have no reason to criticize but I would if they were expecting my money to fund a game that I don’t even care for (football that is). Heck if was money for Cricket I’d probably willingingly pass money to the MCG – nothing better than a day of cricket – but we are talking gentlemans sport vs hooligans and larrikans.

What comes with football? I ask you do you think is this a good thing for a small city? Who is the Santa Clara city council thinking of? What does their record tell us? The ‘owners’ of our fine city have had a lot of their own agendas in the past dictating how the residents money should be spent. Sounds like a time for change! Hmmm I’m sounding like Obama! interesting – lets bring on a change in Santa Clara and start getting some new blood on council – people who are asking their citizens what they would like.

 

©Letters From Silicon Valley 2008