January 25, 2007

Much increased public attendance for recent city manager hearing

Community rallies after poorly attended earlier hearings

By Ali Abdollahi
Staff Writer

After very little turnout at the first three public meetings held by San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed to hear what the public wants from its new city manager, more than 75 people turned out for the Jan. 17 meeting at the Almaden Library and Community Center.

The meeting was the fourth of five citywide meetings that concluded on Jan. 18. Community members in attendance ranged from seniors to young adults to Cub Scout troops, while city officials in attendance included Councilwoman Nancy Pyle and Reed.

Emerging from scandal
Public input into the selection of a city manager is considered especially important by Reed after the scandal-ridden term of former San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales. In December, 2005, Gonzales was censured by the City Council after his indictment for making a secret deal with Norcal Waste Systems Inc. in 2000.

The Council also asked then-City Manager Del Borgsdorf to apologize for not informing the council about the deal. Borgsdorf received much criticism for not acting or speaking out against Gonzales over this issue.

Borgsdorf, however, chose not to apologize to the Council; he instead announced his resignation and moved to Florida.

What is desired from the next city manager
The characteristics desired in a city manager most commonly mentioned by those in attendance at the Jan. 17 meeting were leadership, accountability, and the ability to work with others to get things accomplished. “I think the city managers should help define a direction that is acceptable and understood by the public,” said Dave Fadness of the Blossom VEP Community Association. More specific traits mentioned by attendees included an emphasis on police accountability, improved oversight in the planning department, and greater availability to the public.

Former San Jose Councilman Claude Fletcher, who is currently the chancellor for Valley Christian Schools, said, “While I agree with Mayor Reed on almost everything, I think that the city manager has to be willing to disagree with him when necessary.”

Mayor Reed, who stood quietly to the side of the room for most of the meeting, smiled and said, “I agree with Claude.”

Toward the end of the event, Fadness put a poignant punctuation on the hearing when he said, “I think the person we choose should focus on making San Jose the heart, and not just the capitol of Silicon Valley.”