September 22, 2005

StreetTalk

by Carol Rosen

What do you think of Mayor Gonzales’ contract negotiations with NorCal Waste Systems? Has this changed your view of the mayor? How do you feel about him running for higher office?
(Asked at Almaden Oaks Plaza)

“I think what he did is appalling. It’s terrible and it seems dishonest. It was not done for the benefit of all his constituents. Yes, it has changed my view of him. If he’s willing to do that with NorCal, what is he willing to do for other companies? I wouldn’t vote for him, that’s for sure.”

Jennifer Ereno, 31
Almaden
Kindergarten teacher at Williams Elementary


“I feel the reason we have the city council is so everyone has a voice in government. The mayor should have taken advantage of the council members’ expertise. I wouldn’t vote for him because I’ve read about a couple of other incidents where he took less than the high road. Instead I would vote for someone who is more up front about voting on certain issues.”

Kate Whiting, 40ish
Almaden
Runs a family charitable foundation


“He should have notified the city council members about what he was doing. This is almost like President Bush going off and starting wars without congress’ approval. That’s why we have checks and balances in government. Yes, it’s changed my view [of the mayor] for the worse. I’m undecided how I would vote for him if he ran for higher office.”

Colleen Baicher, 33
Almaden
Part-time marketing consultant


“Because I don’t have all the details, I’ll give Gonzales the benefit of the doubt. But on the surface, it certainly doesn’t look good. He’s done lots of things that are kind of questionable, for example started things that he hasn’t completed or built structures—like City Hall—that are too grandiose for our city. Overall, I think all those little issues, like the airport, City Hall, the library and the problems with Cisco, are causing his reputation to slide down hill. If he wants to do something out of our area, that’s great, but I don’t think I’d like to see him as governor.”

Paul Morel, 41
Almaden
Software engineer


“I think the situation with NorCal stinks. I think he should be thrown out of office. I didn’t have that high of an opinion of him to start with. As for Gonzales running for higher office, that’s a real joke.”

Ron Lambert, 69
Almaden
Retired


“I think it was ridiculous, even worse is the fact that he tried to cover it up. It’s not right. Elected officials should be honest and open and not make secret deals with people. Yes, it has changed my view of him, but actually I wasn’t too thrilled when he announced his relationship with that girl and what happened with his wife. I wouldn’t vote for him. ”

Valerie Fulton, 58
Almaden
Teacher’s aide at Leland


“I’m not happy because I don’t think it was done above board. My view of the mayor is the same now as it was before the garbage negotiations became public. I wouldn’t support him if he ran for higher office.

John Callan, 57
Almaden
Financial planner


“I think I’m tired of people making judgments about things from what they’ve read in the media. Too often it’s [the media is] one-sided. My hope is that there will be an investigation and whatever the findings from the investigation will result in appropriate changes to the system. I’m going to withhold my judgement until the facts are final. If he did something wrong, then the facts will come out as a result of the investigation.”

Karen Schneider, 54
Almaden
Marketing business owner