December 15, 2005

StreetTalk

by Carol Rosen

San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales apologized for his actions in the Norcal Garbage agreement. Do you think his actions warranted an apology and do you think the apology was sincere? How do you feel about Councilmember (and mayoral candidate) David Cortese, who on Sunday stood in front of Valley Fair asking for signatures on a petition to continue the investigation into the Norcal scandal and a no-confidence vote in the Mayor?
(Asked at Almaden Center)


“It probably was not a good enough gesture; the apology was something he almost has to do to stay in existence. The apology was better than nothing. I think there needs to be more. The whole thing makes me wonder what else is going on, what other things he’s doing.”

Don Gootee, 46
Almaden
Semi-retired


“I don’t think the apology has any relevance to the issue. It leads you to question what he’s really done in this and what he has done in other circumstances. I’m looking at the cumulative affect of things he’s done and the things surrounding him. I think it should have been done differently. I also think it’s for the City Council to do the right thing, instead of one guy.”

Russ Weinstock, 62
Almaden
Retired


“I think both actions are wrong. The mayor didn’t do himself justice by apologizing. He did wrong and he should bite the bullet and take what’s coming to him. Cortese’s actions are out of line. He’s running for mayor and making himself look worse. I had more respect for him before he started his petitions.”

Ben Mazzoni, 62
Almaden
Retired from the construction business


“My first thought is to question his apology, yes it was warranted, but I don’t know if it was sincere. All politicians apologize when they are caught. As for Cortese, I think his motives are political as well.”

Lisa Grisalin, 50
Almaden
Real estate agent


“I think the apology was warranted, but I can’t judge if it was sincere. He’s been forced to admit it, and now I think he should do the respectful thing and resign. I think Gonzales is reinforcing our image of politicians who do what they want to do and get away with it and only when forced do they take responsibility for their actions. I don’t think a recall is warranted, but I do think the responsible action would be for Gonzales to resign and leave office. As for Cortese, I think it’s a blatant conflict of interest. It’s too self-serving.”

Bill Wilson, 56
Almaden
Health care administrator


“I definitely think the apology was warranted, but I’m really not sure if it was sincere. I don’t think a recall is warranted.”

Joan Arzino, 61
Almaden
Gift business


“I don’t think his apology was particularly sincere, but it was definitely warranted. I think it’s just politics as usual.”

Gloria Nigg, 69
Almaden
Retired


“I think the apology was warranted, but I can’t judge whether he was sincere. [From now on] it’s going to be hard to trust him, hard for the City Council to trust him, but he should step down of his own free will. I do know that he was sincerely sorry he got caught, but it doesn’t sound like he thinks he did anything wrong. I think he should be recalled. He lied to the public and to the City Council, but I think Cortese’s actions are tacky because he’s running for mayor.”

Cathy Gerber, 59
Almaden
Teacher


“No, I don’t think his apology was sincere. I think it’s a good idea to recall him because he was dishonest. If we let him get away with it, what kind of messages are we sending politicians?”

Sari Fitzwater
Almaden
Project manager