I previously lived in Santa Clara County (Cambrian Park area,
then San Martin) for more than 50 years (from Sept. 1955 to Dec.
2006). In 2010, I moved permanently to a lakeside house in east
Texas. I retired from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department
after 30 years of full-time, uniformed service.
By Tom Collins
I previously lived in Santa Clara County (Cambrian Park area, then San Martin) for more than 50 years (from Sept. 1955 to Dec. 2006).
In 2010, I moved permanently to a lakeside house in east Texas. I retired from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department after 30 years of full-time, uniformed service.
During my duties I worked in jails for 10-plus years, patrol for 10-plus years and South County courts for six years (or 10-plus years total in municipal and superior courts).
I have testified before many traffic commissioners and numerous “pro-tems.” These traffic commissioners also function as small claim court judges (reference to editor’s opinion in April 22 Morgan Hill Times).
I have met family members of two traffic commissioners/small claim court judges through off-site social events. These two men are Harold Cole and Gregory Saldivar. The opinion is way off base on the character attack on Commissioner Gregory Saldivar. I know his priorities are faith, family and work. At court in South County, I was assigned to both traffic court and small claim court calendars for hundreds of cases.
I have an emphatic opinion that Gregory Saldivar is rock solid in his philosophy or perspective of fairness. Commissioner Saldivar is neither pro-labor or pro-management in his small claims rulings. Every person receives a complete opportunity to present their argument, view and evidence. Commissioner Saldivar will take “under submission” cases requiring more legal research.
In the specific instance of Vincent Cardinalli, I have witnessed both commissioners Saldivar and Steven Yep show great restraint in dealing with Mr. Cardinalli’s brash, hostile and belligerent attitude in open court. A few cases hinged on the proper sign posting at both public and private parking lots in South County. I don’t recall specific cases, but I saw and heard Commissioners Saldivar and Yep show judicial restraint.
In summary, Santa Clara County Commissioner Gregory Saldivar has been a hard-working member of the criminal justice system for the past 16 years working with the highest personal level of integrity.
The bad news is that the small claims proceedings are not recorded by a certified stenographer, so no transcripts are available. The concept of “if there is smoke, there must be a fire,” is a faulty assumption. I will stake my own reputation on Commissioner Saldivar’s role in this fiasco. My objective opinion is that your “smoke and mirror” editorial opinion should be retracted.
Tom Collins is a retired Santa Clara County Sheriff Deputy now living in Mabank, Texas.
The Morgan Hill Times appreciates dissenting opinions, but stands by its April 22 editorial.
