So what’s new in Santa Clara? The first thing that comes to mind is that City Manager Jovan Grogan has brought order to City Council business. If you haven’t been watching or attending City Council meetings, it’s okay. Take my word for it. Council was awake and acting on our behalf when they selected Grogan as City Manager and his most efficient associate, City Attorney Glen Googins.
We also want to thank the SCPD for addressing an issue we mentioned in a previous column. Scott Boulevard had become the after-hours home to hot rod dragsters and wannabe Indianapolis racers. With the SCPD’s vigilance and attention, Scott Boulevard has returned to a more civilized and safer thoroughfare.
Around town, we notice that Silicon Valley Power continues to divert residents’ tax dollars to subsidize 17 EV charging stations. There is no problem with folks who desire an electric vehicle. Good for them. However, it does seem a bit unfair to use rate revenue from residents who own gas-powered vehicles — and who are paying for their own fuel — to directly provide residents funds to buy personal charging stations and electric vehicle owners with free electric charging stations.
While taxpayers, residents and business owners have had many electric rate increases passed their way in the last few years, how is it that special treatment is afforded to a few at ratepayers’ and taxpayers’ expense? Silicon Valley Power was created over a century ago to build energy independence and competitive power for businesses and residents alike. These savings have been historically passed on to our residents and businesses to make Santa Clara even more attractive place to do business.
As residents have witnessed over the past decade, data centers have proliferated in the Santa Clara community. They have ravenous appetites for power, but also create a significant revenue stream for SVP. However, there are restrictions as to how the profits of SVP can assist the city. To use these profits to benefit a select group at the expense of all rate payers just doesn’t justify the decision. On a final note, a big thanks to our City Council members who have used their majority to temper Mayor Gillmor’s out-of-control agenda. One of these current council members will almost certainly become the next Mayor of Santa Clara. There is a lot of talent on this council and several members are capable mayors in the making.
Be assured that Gillmor will run for council when her term as Mayor is up next year.
After all, she has been on the council for 28 of the last 32 years.
Is it possible that this won’t be a slam dunk for her, as elections have been for her the last 15 years?
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Milestones – Unrelated Related – Opinion
Milestones – Tax Upon Tax? – Opinion
Milestones – Another Picture – Opinion
