1. Two incumbent candidates are head and shoulders clear in the November race for two seats on the City Council.
Larry Carr and Marilyn Librers bring admirable and powerful assets to the dais as Morgan Hill leaders. Without hesitation, voters should overwhelmingly return them to office for four more years.
With Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate running uncontested, having this core group at the helm will ensure that the city remains in good stewardship for years to come.
Carr, Librers and Tate form a strong leadership team. Each is thoroughly immersed in the community, all demonstrate critical thinking skills and each can draw from a well of experience.
That undoubtedly contributes to the lack of serious opposition in the race.
Carr, as chairman of the Economic Development Corporation, can speak to downtown issues like parking, business growth opportunities in industrial areas and a city budget that is heavily burdened by costs for public safety.
He’s prepared to deal with employee negotiations – three union contracts are up next year – and understands that in order for the city to do things like put more officers on the streets, there have to be negotiations on key topics like pension benefits and contributions.
Librers understands the budget challenges, too, and supports looking at regionalization possibilities like the consolidation of emergency dispatch services in South County which could save Morgan Hill and Gilroy a bundle every year. She’s a practical advocate for bringing visitors and thus tax dollars to Morgan Hill – whether it’s for recreational opportunities (a new baseball field complex is on her list) – or to dine at one of the city’s fine establishments downtown.
2. Both have come to the conclusion that the outmoded, city-owned Downtown Mall has to be demolished and re-built into an attractive multi-use facility, one that preferably has underground parking. It’s the right conclusion and it’s important that the Council majority has a shared vision in that regard.
3. It’s particularly important, too, that there’s a clear vision in the wake of the state’s money grab which unfortunately forced the dismantling of the city’s Redevelopment Agency. That’s the case currently and the re-election of Carr and Librers will keep that intact. The city is prepared to fight the state, if necessary, for assets acquired under the RDA, as it rightfully should.
Additionally, both will provide stability as the city embarks on the search to replace its top administrator. Their knowledge and experience will be key in hiring the replacement for veteran Ed Tewes.
Carr and Librers represent the best as candidates. Even in disagreement, they are listeners who clearly keep in mind that most important civic question: What’s best for the community of Morgan Hill?
They’ve earned our wholehearted endorsement and what’s clearly best for Morgan Hill is to send both of these articulate, outstanding candidates back for four more years of service.
