Letter to the Editor: Enough Is Enough

We recently received an e-mail from a San Jose resident with a concern about the mayoral race. We suggested that he leave a comment, but he wanted a more effective forum to voice his concerns. So now we would like to introduce our first "Letter to the Editor". This article was not edited by us in any way. Enjoy!

"Enough Is Enough.

I can no longer stand idly by while Cindy Chavez’s name is dragged through the mud of political spin and irresponsible misrepresentations. San Jose cannot lose one of the best mayoral candidates the City has ever seen to unfounded rumors and innuendo. Quite frankly, we need Cindy Chavez as our next mayor.

Cindy Chavez is the only choice for mayor with the ability to put us on the map as one of the best cities in the world. Chavez’s ethics are impeccable. Yet her increasingly desperate critics have resorted to deceptive wordplay in order to raise implications that would border on slander if stated forthright. Chavez’s detractors know that she never concealed any information related to the controversial Norcal garbage contract, and that she never orchestrated a secret payout to the San Jose Grand Prix organizers. But instead of presenting the truth, Cindy’s critics simply suggest what they cannot say.

Both candidates actually agree on the substantive issues for the most part. They both want to attract businesses and jobs, ensure our safety, protect the environment, reduce traffic congestion, increase access to quality education, and recognize and celebrate our rich diversity. The question is who has the ability to get it done?

The only answer is Cindy Chavez. There is a reason why she has been endorsed by both of San Jose’s Congressional representatives, and every single City Councilmember who is not running for mayor. I would rather put my safety in the hands of Cindy Chavez who is supported by the San Jose Police Officers Association than any other candidate. And we can trust Cindy Chavez with our children’s education because she led the recent effort to successfully rebuild Horace Mann Elementary School.

The stakes are high. In many ways, San Jose is a city on the brink. We are the tenth largest city in the country, but no one seems to notice us. We thrived during the early internet revolution, but shouldered the brunt of high unemployment rates as our speculative high-tech economy collapsed. We have convention centers, museums, and professional sports teams, but still our downtown businesses struggle.

The actions we take within the next few years will likely determine the city’s ultimate identity, and place in the world. We cannot allow petty politics to squander San Jose’s uncharted potential. San Jose can set an unprecedented example as an attractive destination city with responsible growth balanced against quality of life considerations. Cindy Chavez has the collaborative spirit and proven experience necessary to build a greater San Jose.

It is time for the city between the hills to become the “City upon a Hill.” It is time for Cindy Chavez."

If anyone else would like to submit a "letter to the editor", feel free to e-mail it to the Governator or myself and we will probably include it in our next edition!