October 21, 2004

ValleyViewpoints

Boydston, Dimmitt resign from Ethical Committee to avoid bias allegations

Editor,
This letter is in response to the article in last week’s Almaden Times Weekly about campaign ethics.

Referring to the article where the De La Rosa campaign is accused of unethical conduct, De La Rosa is quoted as saying that the accusation has no merit, because two members of the AVCA were on the AVCA board and Nancy Pyle is an AVCA director. This does give the appearance that the committee might be biased, but the third member on the committee is the news editor for the VEP Community Association and he fully agrees with the charges of unethical behavior by the De La Rosa campaign.

De La Rosa is quoted as saying that he disagrees with the allegations, but offers no explanation as to why statements in the e-mail sent by his campaign manager, such as “Nancy Pyle outrageously proclaimed” and “In the simplest terms, Nancy lied,” can be shown to be true and he was given the opportunity, by telephone, to explain it.

The committee was in place for the primary election and complimented all three Primary Candidates for running a clean primary election.

Lee Dimmitt, AVCA VP and I entered the Ethical Committee in January determined to be fair, but it leaves the committee vulnerable to the charge of bias. We have recently resigned from the Committee.

The candidates should be aware that the Ethical Committee is continuing with VEP playing the major role and they will be on the lookout for any unethical behavior.

Bob Boydston
President, AVCA

District Attorney makes case against Prop. 66

Editor.
As your district attorney, I advise you Proposition 66 will result in the almost immediate release from state prison of several hundred of Santa Clara County’s worst repeat felons, back into our communities with no parole supervision.

Examples of those who will be released in Santa Clara County immediately by Proposition 66 include serial rapist and multiple murderer John Bunyard, and others of California’s most notorious criminals. It mandates release of the repeat felons who commit most felony crime here.

History shows such large-scale release of repeat felons has tragic consequences for residents of Santa Clara County and increases our crime rate dramatically.

Proposition 66 will have extremely bad consequences for the safety of this community. It releases the wrong felons.

George Kennedy
District Attorney

Let’s build new baseball stadium and music hall with private money

Editor,
The same city that brought us the failed El Paseo shops, continuing subsidies for the Fairmont Hotel, a money-losing convention center, and a $340 million city hall all done in an effort to “put San Jose on the map,” is now poised to use taxpayer funds for a baseball stadium and music hall.

In an era of limited government, Andrew Carnegie used his money to build Carnegie Hall and William Wrigley did likewise with Wrigley Field for the Chicago White Sox. Let’s repeat history with private money building a stadium or music hall. After all, if these facilities are such great deals, let private enterprise build them and reap the profits while the city enjoys sales tax income. The increased revenue for the city could then be used for the benefit of all citizens—like fixing street potholes or increasing library funding—thereby eliminating the need for a library parcel tax.

In the case of the stadium, a cynic might wonder if non-San Jose resident and “activist” Mike Fox Jr., a major promoter of a stadium in San Jose, is looking to expand his beer distributor business.

Jerry Mungai
Fall River Drive

Democrat says a vote for Poizner is a vote for change

Editor,
I had an interesting phone call the other night from the United Democrat Campaign. They first asked if I planned to vote in the Nov. 2 election. “Absolutely!” was my response. From that point on, the caller inundated me with reasons why I needed to vote for Ira Ruskin. He then began to attack Ruskin’s opponent, Steve Poizner, by saying he has spent millions of dollars on TV ads and contributed thousand of dollars to President Bush’s campaign. He then asked if I would be voting for Ruskin in the election. “Absolutely....NOT!” was my response. I then proceeded to tell him why.

Quite frankly, I think it is positive that Steve Poizner has contributed millions of his own money to his campaign. This man could be traveling around the world worry free, but instead chooses to use his money to better the state of California.

When you see Steve Poizner on TV, he is talking about his platform and what he wants to accomplish if elected.

When you see Ira Ruskin on TV, he is always bashing his opponent. Why is it most of Ira Ruskin’s campaign funds are from outside of District 21 and mainly the Democrat party? I know Steve Poizner made a contribution to the Bush campaign. What you don’t hear is that he also made a contribution to the Kerry campaign. I asked the caller why he didn’t feel obligated to tell me that. No comment. I also told him to get the facts straight, stop telling half-truths and let voters in District 21 make informed decisions.

I know once everyone hears the facts, they too will know Steve Poizner is the man for the job. Bottom line: If you’re satisfied with the way things are running in California, vote for Ira Ruskin. If you want a “REAL CHANGE,” vote for STEVE POIZNER.

Patty Lewis
Democrat in District 21
Juli Lynn Drive

Fields, fields everywhere... but here

Editor,
I am a parent of three elementary-aged boys; all who are active in local AYA-sponsored sports. Almost every day I shuttle back and forth across Almaden Valley as I attempt to pick up, drop off, and attend their various team practices and games. So many other cities that we travel to for away games have beautiful, centrally located practice facilities. From Santa Clara to Pleasanton, I am envious of their fields.

In addition, while they are at practice, my boys have to contend with raw sewage leaks, aggressive neighbors, great gobs of dog poo and the ever-present crackle of the overhead electrical wires...and that’s just at T.J. Martin. Playing conditions and competition for use of local fields even led my oldest son’s team to relocate to the Central Valley League.

I think that we, as parents and taxpayers, deserve more. I am excited about the possibility of a sports complex out on McKean Road, but I am not optimistic regarding a quick resolution of the lack of water versus higher cost of turf fields.

In the meantime, I am hoping for a new outlook to permeate the valley—tolerance. If you live near a city park, greenbelt or athletic field, please remember that these areas were created to be used and enjoyed by all residents of the city, not just those of you living within 100 yards or so. I can’t imagine any better use for our parks than for the recreation and enjoyment of our children, even accompanied by the sounds of parents cheering, children shouting and laughing and the occasional blow of the referees whistle. Let’s all try to practice a little tolerance before we drive any more local teams from our valley, and pray for a quick resolution to the McKean Road Sports Complex issues.

Carole Cobb
Carriage Hill Drive

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