The recent heated exchange between members of the Santa Clara Council is a good barometer of this election.
Mayor Lisa Gillmor relies on her last remaining supporter on Council, Kathy Watanabe, to run interference to promote her bias.
Watanabe has a knack for being insolent with a sharp tooth in carrying the mayor’s backpack. When the two of them get agitated at their council colleagues, expect fireworks.
You need to note there is some history here. Gillmor freely ran the City and the council until her majority of cronies were ousted by the voters.
Gillmor spent millions of residents’ money chasing paper tigers that made headlines by 1) suing the 49ers 2) spending millions on legal fees defying the court order for six voting districts 3) spending more City money on her failed Measure C, trying to consolidate six council districts into three 4) hired an $800,000 a year city manager 5) employed a retired civil service attorney whose dubious advice burned through millions.
You must ask, “How did Gillmor inherit a $53 million city surplus in 2016 and six years later, wind up with a $19 million dollar deficit?” This says it all. Please share this information with any of your family, friends and neighbors that took a math class in school.
Gillmor has opposed virtually every dollar-making idea related to Levi’s Stadium; like eliminating nighttime entertainment, costing City residents about $1.5 million per night.
She and her former council cronies tried to cancel the 49ers Stadium Authority contract. The 49ers sued the City. Then she refused to pay the Stadium Authority’s half of the bills, so the 49ers sued the City again.
That litigation was just settled by the council with over $3 million coming to the City.
Gillmor has opposed holding the Super Bowl at Levi’s, and FIFA, which is the World Cup of soccer; both events bringing millions to Santa Clara.
She has stopped pretending at Council meetings. Her disdain for independent-thinking council members flashes like a neon sign on high voltage.
Folks. It’s very clear. Santa Clara needs an objective, money-conscious Mayor.
This year, residents can vote for Council Member Anthony Becker. Becker is likable, bright, energetic, fiscally solid, has a sense of humor, is collaborative and is a “get it done” leader.
Rounding out the council, you can re-elect two more proven winners: Raj Chahal and Karen Hardy. Both represent their districts with decorum, dedication, distinction and that rare commodity, common sense.
