Dear Editor, After becoming involved with some of the local
Morgan Hill issues, I am convinced that we need to change the
direction of the city. Morgan Hill, as many other cities and
agencies, is running in the red. We are fortunate this year to have
many people running for election to the various boards and
councils. We all feel that something has to change.
Time for new blood on the council
Dear Editor,
After becoming involved with some of the local Morgan Hill issues, I am convinced that we need to change the direction of the city. Morgan Hill, as many other cities and agencies, is running in the red. We are fortunate this year to have many people running for election to the various boards and councils. We all feel that something has to change.
I have lived in Morgan Hill for over 35 years and I have seen the same thing happen year after year. It is the haphazard development in the town. Today we have huge areas of undeveloped land west of (U.S.) 101 and yet we are extending to the east. We have redone the downtown over and over, and they want to redo it again. Special interests and special deals rule the day.
The role of the Redevelopment Agency is an unknown layer of government which few understand. The indebtedness of this agency is never discussed. How much will the overpass on Tennant Avenue cost?
The current city council and mayor are continuing to get us further in debt with RDA funds and are balancing the budget with the reserves. No one knows how long these tough economic conditions are going to last.
We need fiscal conservatives who will protect the taxpayer by living within our means and by making the tough cuts that will still protect necessary services. Taxpayers of Morgan Hill please vote for Art College for mayor and Dave Mounteer and Lee Schmidt for city council.
Carol Neal, Morgan Hill
Take a hard look at who is running, then vote for Schmidt for council
Dear Editor,
We all love a firefighter … but does that qualify you to be a city council member? How will a firefighter and an ex-city employee deal with the hard choices that are going to be necessary when the city of Morgan Hill’s reserves run out and union concessions must be made (especially in the area of pensions) when they, themselves, are on or dependent upon union government payrolls? If you want Siebert and Constantine to be your next City Council members, I guarantee you will get the same over-spending and slick gimmickry that our current council and city manager are shoving down the throat of Morgan Hill citizens.
I love this city, as obviously does our current cadre of council candidates. How does one get elected to city office? Hard work and listening directly to what our city voters concerns are. While downtown is very important, there is also Jackson Oaks, Paradise Valley, Madrone and other vital areas of Morgan Hill that are just as critical to our well being. Downtown redevelopment is underway, even though working through this election cycle, it has been apparent to me that many, many residents have serious concerns about the dollars being spent at a time when saving for the future is more important than ever. Yes, we have some reserves, but RDA dollars are for blight. Is our downtown an eyesore? What if Prop 22 does not pass? Why are we spending our rainy day reserves at a time when we are in deep recession and foreclosures are at an all time high? Instead of downtown development, wouldn’t RDA money better go to flood control?
We need someone on our council that at least will question the status quo. Siebert and Constantine will not do that. Someone that for the last 10 weeks has been walking door to door, talking to voters in our city and truly gauging what Morgan Hill citizens want and are concerned about. Lee Schmidt has done this. His hard work and dedication to the city and you is unparalleled by any other candidate. I take offense, Morgan Hill Times, when stating that the city is a municipality and not a business. True, but that is the precise reasoning used which has driven cities into deficit spending and financial ruin.
I urge you, residents of Morgan Hill, take a deep look at who is running, who supports the candidates and why. While we may not be able to make a difference in the way our federal or even state is run, you absolutely can make a direct difference in our beautiful city. Vote for Lee Schmidt for Morgan Hill city council and your voice will be heard.
Anita Woodson, Morgan Hill
High Speed Raid boondoggle mirrors those of Morgan Hill
Dear Editor,
Another government boondoggle. With this one having the potential to make Boston’s “Big Dig” look like a corner hot dog cart. Boston started at $2.8 billion and are ending up at $22 billion, not including shoddy work, lawsuits and future repairs.
Mayor Steve Tate, said at one of the debates, “I am ambivalent, I love the idea of the HSR, I just don’t know how we can pay for it, and besides (Punt!) the cities don’t really have any say.” Oh really? He allegedly trekked to D.C. to beg the Feds to solve our raging Llagas Creek problem. Perhaps, he should get on the phone to his good buddy, Assemblymen Bill Monning (D) and our State Senator, Sam Blakeslee (R) and get them and their fellow brethren on board, so to speak.
I’d love to see Monning put on his big boy pants and tell Fiona Ma, (Speaker Pro Tem (D) and fairy godmother to the HSR, that he isn’t going to play! Fat chance, ain’t no such thing as an independent Democrat in Sacramento, and besides, Fiona made her bones working for John Burton and knows how to (as the ex party whip) keep the little boys in their respective sand boxes and playing/sing well together … just like the Castrati. So, there probably isn’t a legislative remedy as long as there is a Democrat controlled legislature.
We’ll need some sort of end around, you know … a misdirection play and if you’re talking misdirection, you might as well run with the big dogs, the unequivocal masters of the sleight of hand … the RDA! Now were cooking, there isn’t anything their superpowers can’t do. Why not put the South East Quadrant into the Redevelopment Area and declare the HSR “blight”? Oh wait … I forgot, no need to, we’re already spending RDA monies in the Southeast Quadrant, so we’ve got a leg up there, hell, we’re half way home, and as long as we’re out there, we might as well make sure that Condit becomes four lanes (to compliment Butterfield) and Tennant, two lanes (to match Monterey) and maybe throw in a Promenade for good measure. Looks like there might be a contract extension for Callender Associates in there somewhere.
There are plenty of cities up and down this state that are just beginning to realize what a monumental fraud this project is. It started with deliberately false and inflated ridership numbers, as well as purposely underestimated costs. All done to get the taxpayers ‘pregnant.’ Projected ridership numbers fell by half and projected costs doubled, less than one year after the election, and they haven’t even designed it or decided where it’s actual routes go. With possibly one notable exception, it looks like our very own Morgan Hill Aquatics Center may soon be featuring a 220 MPH Logging Ride, thus expanding the recreational amenities available to our community. Admittedly, while not an indoor ski facility, it certainly puts us in the ballgame with Santa Cruz’s Boardwalk and Gilroy Gardens. Now that’s lemonade out of lemons!
Wait until they actually start working on it … ‘Whoa, looks like this is going to be a lot more than we thought! But, that’s OK, the voters approved it, so luckily, we’ve got carte blanche.’
The reality is, this is just too big of a free buffet trough for the unions, special interests, contractors, engineering firms, manufacturers, lawyers and the politicians to pass up, and why not, the taxpayers are hosting an all you can eat and drink extravaganza, everything’s on the house! The state’s broke you say. Bad credit? No credit? No problem, we’ll just put this one on a new (the grandkids’), black credit card, you know, the one with no limit. Thus giving real meaning to the term ‘Pay it Forward.’
Oh boy, another meeting, see you there.
Frank Manocchio, Morgan Hill
For the children, vote yes on Measure A
Dear Editor,
For almost 30 years I have been in public service trying to do the best for our community. I served on the Valley Transportation Authority, Habitat Conservation Plan and was a leader in creating the Gilroy Youth Center. The center provides a safe facility for children to interact and participate in activities from football to arts and crafts. I am proud I helped develop the center and as a current Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors elected official, I believe I can accomplish more, and that is why I support Measure A – the Children’s Health Protection Act.
As a lifelong resident of the county, a father of three and grandfather of six, I see a great need to support Measure A. Vote “yes” for the county and our children.
Donald F. Gage, Supervisor, District 1
A vote for Mike Wasserman will protect taxpayers
Dear Editor,
Are unions necessary? Of course they are. They protect hard working people from greedy business giants. The unions are backing Forest Williams very strongly. But are they really protecting the hard working people or are they backing a candidate who is willing to bankrupt the county government at the expense of taxpayers?
When unions protect unreasonably high wages and pensions, risking bankrupting the entire county government, hardworking taxpayers are the ones who suffer with higher taxes and lost jobs. I would rather see someone like Mike Wasserman who is an experienced candidate that understands the need for worker’s protection without bankrupting the system. One who really protects jobs for the workers while being fair to the taxpayers.
Tom Di Vittorio, Morgan Hill
Kirsten Carr has a wealth of experience to help MHUSD
Dear Editor,
The multi-faceted, open-minded Kirsten Francis Carr is just the spark Morgan Hill Unified School District needs. Consider her experience. She spent three years as a public school classroom teacher, which included teaching English Language Learning students, so she understands the pressures and expectations placed on teachers and students alike.
Kirsten volunteers for public school literacy programs, first in Gilroy and now in Morgan Hill, because literacy is mandatory for children to succeed. She participates in Relay for Life and has served as a committee chair for the event, and has coordinated events for the city of Morgan Hill. Her connections to the Charter School of Morgan Hill will pave the way to allowing CSMH to do what charter schools were intended to do – disseminate what has been learned so all district students can benefit – something CSMH has not been allowed to do for 10 years. Kirsten’s 14 years volunteering for the Gilroy Garlic Festival, including chairing last year’s event, clearly demonstrates her commitment to local nonprofits, education and youth activities. Both the Emerald Regime and Sobrato baseball are 2010 recipients. Her background in public policy, event coordination and nonprofit organizations has given her 16 years of experience in budget management.
Kirsten Francis Carr’s extensive and varied commitment to volunteerism directly benefiting public school students South County is unparalleled among this slate of candidates. Now is the time for MHUSD to breakout with positive, innovative solutions to ensure that all district students receive the education they deserve. Vote Kirsten Francis Carr.
Dana Miller, Morgan Hill
Siebert and Constantine are candidates who can do the job
Dear Editor,
Congratulations on your endorsements for the Morgan Hill Council election: Gordon Siebert and Rich Constantine
This year there are two openings on the council (plus the mayor) and a lot of candidates for them Unfortunately for the voters the majority of the candidates have no experience in city and county government in general and in particular in Morgan Hill.
We are supposed to judge the candidates in a kind of beauty pageant. Candidates are paraded past the voters. Then in an hour or less of contact ask us to vote for them. They want to start their political careers in Morgan Hill by “going for the gold” It is always attractive to have new blood but membership on the council is the wrong place to start.
They are telling us that once they really understand the issues they will be swell councilmen.
We won’t be able to check that our for a year or more.
Many don’t understand how a council person functions and how the city government works.
They’ll be one of five. They have to convince at least two other people to support their ideas. Most don’t have the right experience to do so and their confusing statements prove this. Gordon and Rich do have the right experience..
It amazes me that most of the candidates don’t understand the difference between RDA funding and the operating budget. They are going to rescue the city from “wild spending” but they want to do it without understanding basic accounting.
Given all the issues the voter’s choices in this election may have impact for many years.
The two candidates who actually understand what the job is, what the issues are and the limitations of power are the ones you endorsed: Gordon Siebert and Rich Constantine.
Bert Berson, Morgan Hill
The case of the missing sign remains unsolved
Dear Editor,
There is a mystery at my house. Where is Gordon’s sign?
I was pleased when Gordon Siebert told me he was running for City Council. Gordon is a highly-qualified candidate. He has years of municipal experience, is intelligent and cares deeply about the future of Morgan Hill.
As I have lived on the corner of E. Dunne and Murphy avenues since 1957, I invited him to place a sign announcing his run on my land. Gordon placed an attractive sign with my permission.
However, a few days after the sign was placed, it disappeared. If the person who took the sign had a hole in the side of his house and took the sign to protect his children from enemies foreign and domestic, I can forgive him. However, if the sign was taken to hide Gordon’s run for City Council, I’m disappointed. Not only was the sign taken, but so was my right to free speech.
I support Gordon Siebert for City Council. He will be a true value to the citizens of Morgan Hill if he is given the opportunity to serve.
I am glad the sign has been replaced. But the question remains. Where is Gordon’s sign?
Betty G. Busk, Morgan Hill
City needs candidates who can make tough decisions
Dear Editor,
When the city purchased the building for the new police facility they realized they had more space than needed and consequently built a partition and rented out the unused space. The only problem, they forgot to collect the rent.
When the rental bill reached a little over $17,000 in 2007 someone at city hall figured out a solution – we’ll sue them. Strombotne Law Firm was hired, spent $4,530 plus cost, went to court and got a judgment against the deadbeat tenant. Eventually, however, the city realized the tenant was broke and unable to collect the monies due our city. I ask you, was spending $4,530 in attorney fees prudent? And who was watching our investment to collect the rent? Hey, $20,000.00 may be small buttons to some who run our city, but let’s not forget our neighbors who now struggle to pay their bills.
The real question is why is our city in the commercial real estate business? They can be an unfair competitor to main street investors and entrepreneurs – you know, the guys that pay the taxes so the city can keep our doors open.
Think about a refreshing change in leadership when you cast your vote on Nov. 2.
There are two candidates that have demonstrated the business skills to make tough decisions during these difficult economic times. They have also committed to setting top priorities and sticking to them and who will represent all citizens and all neighborhoods of Morgan Hill.
I encourage you to please vote for Art College, Lee Schmidt and Dave Mounteer. They will protect and keep Morgan Hill the special place we all enjoy.
Laurie Barke, Morgan Hill resident and former mayor
Time to take politics out of downtown flooding issue
Dear Editor,
I would like to briefly address the article “Politicians fight for flood control” since I have made the downtown flooding situation one of my main campaign issues.
In the original justification for creating the RDA in 1981, downtown flooding was identified as a priority issue. Since then 100s of millions of dollars have been spent throughout the entire community and in the RDA downtown area and yet the downtown still floods. To think we are going to now invest 10s of millions of dollars in the downtown and the flooding persists is irresponsible and unacceptable.
The City/RDA has diverted money away from this important issue and in some instances the RDA tax increment has been spend on projects that are not even in the RDA area that is designated in the current plan. From the April 5, 2006 City Council Meeting Minutes: City Manager Tewes indicated that the council and the RDA determined that in order to finance the higher priority library project, the City would defer the RDA’s contributions to flood control …”
Excuse me – when did the library project become a higher priority than solving the downtown flooding issue? Mayor Tate and the council continue to spend while the downtown floats. The mayor would have you believe that this is a priority issue but, the historical facts prove otherwise.
The community has talked and I have listened about alternative solutions. Solutions, that will cost much less than $120 million. If elected, I will remove the “politics” from the flooding issue, I will encourage staff and my fellow council members to review alternative solutions and I will work locally, without raising taxes to solve this long overdue and too often swept under the carpet issue.
Making a new library a higher priority than solving the flooding issue. Nonsense! Wrong priority and the wrong direction.
Art College, Morgan Hill, candidate for mayor
