Dear Editor, Local elections, while not as colorful as the
national focus, they by far affect your day-to-day life greater
than any other. Your police, fire, parks, streets, roadways,
utilities, schools and others are governed locally.
Serving on the council is more than meeting Wednesday nights
Dear Editor,
Local elections, while not as colorful as the national focus, they by far affect your day-to-day life greater than any other. Your police, fire, parks, streets, roadways, utilities, schools and others are governed locally. Yet we focus on state and federal and state propositions but do not devote time to determine who it is that is running for mayor, council or school board positions. Errors here can lead to major changes and even community grid lock. Making the right choice is so important.
This year, unlike any other, we have choice. Two seats on the council are open and there are a good number of candidates. As I peruse through the list I am concerned that some are single issue “mad-as-hell” candidates who are upset that a street was closed, or that the mayor did not let them speak at a meeting or some other deeply personal issue. These single issue candidates deserve closer scrutiny, because the election cannot be just about their issue, but about the issues that confront all of us.
Other candidates may be running because they see that they can use the position to further their own financial interests. Stay away from those who would benefit personally or by profession from a zoning or land use change where council spends much of its time. These candidates run for their personal self-interests as opposed to ours and should be avoided.
Call to question any of the slogans attached to any bill board. When someone says they are a tax fighter I have to ask what tax we are fighting? There is no proposal before council or the community. It’s a nice sound bite, but it goes nowhere. When someone says, preserve our downtown, you have to ask is that the only issue you are concerned about? What about perchlorate, crime, meeting our obligations under the general plan, rising utility costs, major water plant expansion costs and installing a scalping plant to recover and recycle water.
As a council member there are so many issues that will confront you other than those that are of your personal interest that require exceptional skills, knowledge and abilities. A candidate should demonstrate the understanding of all the issues and have the ability to articulate solutions. Unfortunately, I have been unable to make this assessment because many of the candidates have not served on a local board or commission. This is a concern.
Being a council member is not a Wednesday night vote and leave. It requires so much more. It will consume your personal life. Aside from serving on council, be prepared to serve on several other committees. Be prepared to spend weekends reading through the council packet and then spending time with residents and staff.
Local elections are important. Please take the time in making good choices, because it does make a difference.
Mark Grzan, Morgan Hill
Headline misrepresents authors true feelings about patriotism
Dear Editor,
Regarding “Burt’s Bits” of Oct. 5, the editor’s headline indicates a “diminishing patriotism,” regarding my column. I believe patriotism is still strong in our country, but enthusiasm diminishes as time of wars stretch out. As I visit young Marines at the large Marine bases in Southern California, I am always amazed at their zeal and patriotism for our country.
Nevertheless, I think the enthusiasms of the public may diminish over time in long drawn out wars.
Burton F. Anderson, Morgan Hill
Mayor Tate has done a good job and deserves reelection
Dear Editor,
Steve Tate has done a great job as Mayor of Morgan Hill for the past four years and deserves your vote so that he can continue.
He is committed to our city and works hard to make it better. Steve is the experienced and well-connected leader we need to keep Morgan Hill moving forward. Vote to keep Steve as Mayor.
Lou Mirviss, Morgan Hill
Another voter urges support and reelection of Mayor Steve Tate
Dear Editor,
Is the sky falling on Morgan Hill? I think not, even though some candidates are trying to convince us otherwise. Under Steve Tate’s leadership, Morgan Hill is navigating its way through the economic downturn while continuing to improve our downtown and our roadways. Let’s keep this dedicated public servant as our Mayor so we can keep moving forward with plans to improve Morgan Hill. Tate for Mayor!
Kathy Sullivan (not the School Board Sullivan), Morgan Hill
Time to elect a candidate with expertise, that’s Art College for Mayor
Dear Editor,
Many comments have been made to me regarding the Morgan Hill Mayoral race over the last few weeks. Recently, a particularly interesting one caused me to reflect on the 2008 Presidential race. The comment made was that the mayoral candidate who seemed to have the least charisma was obviously the most intelligent and knowledgeable, and therefore the only real choice. In 2008, Republicans had many candidates running in their primary. Some were good looking and some had notoriety of one kind or another. Yet, there was one who was frequently mocked. He was the one who was sounding the warning of devastating economic times ahead. Many laughed at him. Some liked him, but said he didn’t have the charisma or persona to be elected. Here we are, two years later, and Ron Paul’s warnings turned out to be reality. Instead, Republicans chose a compromiser in McCain – one noted for ‘reaching across the aisle.’
And he lost to our current President who was, at the time, lauded for his celebrity qualities and eloquence. Maybe there are times for leaders who have personalities that draw people to them. Maybe there are times for leaders who during great economic prosperity plan big and accomplish great things. But maybe there are also times for leaders who lead by their knowledge of what to do in tough economic times.
I can’t help but wonder what the situation in the United States would be today if Ron Paul had been elected to the helm. Let’s not make the same mistake in Morgan Hill as the republicans did in 2008. Vote for the candidate with the accounting expertise and common sense to get us through this economic downturn. Make the only real choice. Elect Art College for Mayor.
Jan Comstock, Morgan Hill
Hospital execs urge support of Measure A
Dear Editor,
O’Connor Hospital and Saint Louise Regional Hospital join the County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors and other community partners such as The Health Trust, Cisco, Gardner Family Health
Network, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Santa Clara County Family Health Foundation and Valley Medical Center, among others, in endorsing Measure A
to help achieve the goal of providing every child in Santa Clara County with access to quality health care through insurance.
We wholeheartedly support this effort, and encourage voters to vote in favor of Measure A to help insure the future health of our children. We at O’Connor Hospital and Saint Louise Regional Hospital
look forward to continuing to serve our neighbors in Santa Clara County.
James F. Dover, FACHE, President & CEO, O’Connor Hospital and Joanne E. Allen, President & CEO, Saint Louise Regional Hospital
