Here
’s a recap of our recommendations as you go to the polls
today.
Here’s a recap of our recommendations as you go to the polls today.
Mayor
It’s time for a change – Sellers
When Councilman Greg Sellers said he wanted to challenge four-term Mayor Dennis Kennedy for the two-year job, we wondered why. He said it was time for a change. Councilmen Larry Carr and Steve Tate lining up behind Sellers gave us pause, since they see the two men in action in ways noncouncil members can never do. We at The Times see them in action, too – we attend nearly every minute of every council meeting.
The two contenders differ on style, with Kennedy more laid back and all-too-patient while Sellers seems raring to go into action with new ideas. Given the doldrums affecting downtown, how long it took to notice Coyote Valley’s potential effect on Morgan Hill and the trouble the council got itself into over the library site and the Walnut Grove auto dealerships, we think a new hand on the helm could be a good thing.
City Council
Carr and Grzan are top candidates
Returning Councilman Larry Carr to council for a second four-year term is a no-brainer. He has showed a capacity to understand complicated city business, necessary as council faces setting the urban limit line, on-going budget issues, the Walnut Grove auto dealership, building the library and keeping an eye on Coyote Valley development. Carr often makes the decisive statement at council meetings that wraps up discussion and focuses council direction, a skill that can’t be overrated.
The second open council position – vacated by Hedy Chang who decided not to seek a third term – will be filled by one of four untried citizens: Allan Abrams, Mark Grzan, Kelly Bell Kubica or Julia Starling.
For the second position we recommend Mark Grzan, who is sometimes testy but always passionate about what he believes. He is willing to ask hard questions while maintaining civility, something else that can’t be overrated. Grzan is fiscally conservative with other people’s money and a committed environmentalist, a rare combination.
School Board
Manel, Warten, Sullivan for trustee
Strife, discontent, recall petitions, lawsuits and financial audits have marked the last four years in the Morgan Hill School District. To start the board out in a new, cautious and sensible direction, we recommend Peter Mandel, Harlan Warthen and Kathleen Sullivan.
Mandel understands that the board must set goals and motivate staff to meet them. He promises to hold district staff accountable for achieving those goals. Warthen is as knowledgeable as anyone about the problems and inner workings of the district. He’s attended as many board meetings as most trustees and spoken up frequently on behalf of the teachers, students and taxpayers. He’s a voice for fiscal responsibility.
Sullivan is a parent of a special ed student, and a tireless volunteer all over the school district. She knows many district employees well and has earned their trust.
