February 2, 2006

StreetTalk

by Carol Rosen

The City Council recently announced it was considering a $4 million subsidy for the Grand Prix next summer. They voted on and passed the issue the next day. Do you agree with their decision?
(Asked at Almaden Center)


“I think they did what they thought was best for the city. But, they didn’t give the citizens a chance to respond. A decision like that takes more than $4 million of the city’s money to subsidize a private and for profit venture. One of the main promoters of the Grand Prix is a venture capitalist. Why not get a group of venture capitalists to pay for it.”

Al Juodikis, 65
San Jose
Teaches tennis at the Almaden Country Club


“I look at sporting events as being trivial. I think we should spend $4 million on our children. We finally got a decent library; why not spend the money on that. Or spend it hiring people to do fun and constructive activities with children after school and at summer day camps, which could turn into future occupations. That amount $4 million, is an awful lot of money for a town this size to spend, a larger city can do it, OK. ”

Mary Slaton, 52
Almaden
Retired


“I assume they got a lot of comments from people after the race, which hopefully led the City Council to make a decision like that. Otherwise, how could the City Council make an informed decision? Ultimately, it should be good for the city’s economy.”

Chris Casey, 45
Almaden
Works at Togo’s


“I think there are a lot more useful things the city could be spending taxpayer money on. If they want to attract more people downtown, the local businesses should be the ones to foot the bill.”

Pat Wilson, 47
Almaden
Part-time electrical apprentice teacher


“I don’t want to pay any of the money. I don’t see any reason to do it … the race, the street widening or the cutting down of the trees. I’m against it if it costs that kind of money.”

Holly Case, 33
Almaden
Homemaker


“I think it’s outrageous. Our libraries are going to have restricted hours. What kind of planning goes into something that means city services will be reduced in important areas? No other cities are giving races that kind of money!”

Jim Gunderson
Almaden
Attorney


“I don’t object to them funding the Grand Prix if it can become profitable on its own.”

Kimberlie Joyner, 35
Almaden
Marketing director


“I think it was a joke. They should have gotten more input from the citizens of San Jose. I’m not sure everyone believes there should be a Grand Prix in San Jose. I don’t think they should be using taxpayer money. There’s a lot of things our city can do with that $4 million [that would be more beneficial for its citizens.”

Greer Todd, 42
Almaden
Realty/New home construction