Mayor Kennedy looks ahead for 2005 as construction of recreation
facilities gets under way
n By Carol holzgrafe
Staff Writer
Mayor Dennis Kennedy made his New Year’s resolutions during the State of the City address Monday night, and used them to spotlight the city’s highs and lows during 2004.
Before launching into the city’s health, Kennedy paid tribute to five valuable residents who died during 2004.
They were Bob Engles, Marie Skinner, Mas Minami, Rae Skeels Parker and Bonnie Leonetti. And he mentioned Jeramy Ailes, the Gilroy resident who died in Iraq.
Don’t go it alone:
Coyote Valley development looms large in Morgan Hill’s future.
“We need to ensure that this development is positive for Morgan Hill,” he said. “We don’t want our roads, schools, housing and health care facilities to be overwhelmed.”
On a more positive note, he said Coyote Valley residents could come south to shop and use local medical services.
Indian gaming, south in Hollister, is also a concern and he promised to watch closely the effects of gambling and large development south of Gilroy.
The mayor hopes to see more Caltrain service, expanded community busing programs and highway widening between Morgan Hill and Gilroy.
“Going it alone won’t go very far on these major issues,” he said.
Kennedy basked in the success of music, drama and comedy at the playhouse and the rotating art exhibits at the community center. Kennedy hopes to support public art, the performing arts and artists.
Invest More:
Bringing up the budget, the dark side of every California local government, Kennedy called up financial charts provided by Jack Dilles, finance director. Despite two years of cuts, revenues are not keeping pace with costs and residents should be aware that council may need to find a way to increase revenue, although reserves provide a buffer.
“Though our strong reserves have given us time to make smart choices, without new revenues we can expect operating deficits of over $1 million a year for the next three years,” he said.
Afterwards, Joe Mueller, a planning commissioner, said Kennedy had started the conversation on operating finances.
“We’ve been adding services and recreation facilities,” Mueller said, “and we have to find a way to pay for them. It’s time to address this deficit.”
Kennedy said he wants to re-evaluate the Redevelopment Agency, counting off a long list of RDA accomplishments: lots of low income housing, blight removal, miles of roads, sewer and water lines, downtown landscaping, the community center and Playhouse, the Aquatic Center, new library and both sports centers.
“I think this is a resource we can’t afford to lose,” Kennedy said.
The mayor said he looks forward to putting the Urban Limit Line committee’s work in action and supports creek side trails and bike paths connecting to Coyote and Little Llagas creeks.
Long-time resident Bernie Mulligan summed up the talk with one word. “Excellent.”
Wrapping up, Kennedy sees a future “bright and full of promise.”
The mayor will discuss schools, water quality, city entertainment and recreational facilities, burgeoning retail and the city’s active social life in Saturday’s edition.
Carol Holzgrafe covers City Hall for The Times. She can be reached by e-mail at ch********@*************es.com or phoning (408) 779-4106 Ext. 201.
