March 13, 2008

City seeks candidates for new Neighborhoods Commission

While state caucuses to choose presidential candidates have been grabbing the headlines across the country, neighborhood leaders in San Jose have been planning caucuses of their own (see related District 10 story, page 20). These local gatherings will create San Jose’s first Neighborhoods Commission, a unique opportunity for residents to get involved with local government.

The city council approved the commission in September for a two-year pilot project aimed at giving neighborhoods a stronger voice in the decision making process at City Hall.

Unlike members of the city’s other 22 boards and commissions, who are appointed, Neighborhood Commission embers will be elected by delegates from neighborhood groups through caucuses in each of the city’s 10 council districts. Three will be elected from each district.

Neighborhood groups are to register by April 4 with the Neighborhood Development Center as the first step in selecting one delegate and an alternate for their caucuses. The deadline to identify delegates is at least a week before the district caucus. A neighborhood group is an organization representing a specific neighborhood with the goal of improving that neighborhood and should be registered with the city.

Residents that want to serve on the commission can apply through the City Clerk’s office at www.samjoseca.gov/Clerk/commissionboard/NC/NC.asp. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on April 4. Candidates will be elected by their council district delegates to represent the neighborhoods in their districts as well as to advocate for neighborhoods in general.

The caucuses will be held from May 17 to June 14 in each council district. Candidates will give a two-minute opening statement, be available for questions and provide a closing statement.

Candidates must receive a majority of votes to be elected through rounds of public balloting. Each winner will serve two-year terms. The city council will seat the commissioners in fall.

Commissions will provide a voice on citywide neighborhood spending priorities and quality of life issues, review proposed policies and programs affecting neighborhoods and make recommendations to the city council and Redevelopment Agency.