December 16, 2004


Pat Dando’s farewell column as District 10 representative

By Vice Mayor Dando
Special to the Times

This marks my 103rd column in this newspaper; and for now, it is my last. As my tenure on the San Jose City Council draws to a close, I would like to thank every member of the community for your support, guidance, advice, and most importantly your “can-do” attitude.

For the past 10 years, it has been a high honor and true privilege to represent you on issues of importance as your city council member and vice mayor. Since my election in May 1995, your willingness to work together has led to many successes that we should all celebrate. Millions of dollars have been invested in our neighborhoods for new or rebuilt parks, trails, libraries, community and teen centers, more programs for seniors and children, as well as a homework center in every school. Citywide, I have sponsored policies to improve the business climate, promote public-private partnerships, reduce domestic violence, increase childcare, abate graffiti, protect neighborhoods from sex offenders, and address the needs of our police and fire departments.

San Jose became the first city in California to post Megan’s Law data on the Internet, setting the standard for other cities and the state. In fact, our program is more comprehensive than what is contemplated under recently signed state legislation. When the governor signed the bill putting this information online, our city still provided better information to the public on the identity and whereabouts of sex offenders than California will offer statewide. I am proud of this accomplishment.

Parks, trails, and green space are more abundant and available to the community. I have had the privilege of working with you, our neighborhood leaders, on improvements to every park in the Almaden and Blossom Valley. In addition, several new parks and facilities have been added—William H. Cilker Park, Fontana Dog Park, Jake’s Play Lot, a new dog park at Jeffrey Fontana Park, upgrades to Vista Park, Meadows Park, and Parkview Parks to name just a few. A new community center at the recently renovated Almaden Winery Building opened last week and construction of a new community room at Vista Park is scheduled for completion this spring.

Our trail system is rapidly expanding. The Guadalupe River Trail now extends to Chynoweth Avenue with plans to construct additional miles of trail north toward downtown. In late June, the City Council approved the Guadalupe Creek Trail Master Plan—a comprehensive document outlining development for a new trail in the Almaden Valley along Coleman Road to Quicksilver Park. Improvements to the trail are currently underway with the expectation that the trail will open to the public in a matter of months.

District 10 is open for business. I am pleased that my partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, local retailers, service providers, and small business owners has established the Almaden Business Association. It serves as a vibrant voice for South San Jose commerce and has become the model for neighborhood business groups across our City. This partnership is a prime example of how the public sector can leverage a small amount of resources to help private industry thrive.

In his farewell address to the nation, President Reagan remarked, “leaving is such sweet sorrow.” He could not be more accurate. The sweet part is the challenge to work on new issues and maybe have a few more minutes to spend with my husband, Bob, and our family. The sad part is leaving behind nearly 10 years of work, a passion for San Jose residents and the kind people who call District 10 home. I will miss every organization, and each individual whom I have had the privilege to serve.

However, I leave office with a new understanding of just how powerful, determined, and committed people can be to District 10 and our city. You gave me the opportunity to work for you…and I must say it has been a decade of memories that I will always treasure. Together, we have had many successes but it is you, as individuals that have enriched my life and consistently restored my faith in public service.

In this holiday season, I wish you, your loved ones, and our City rich blessings as we continue building neighborhoods our children and grandchildren will be proud to call home—places of peace, prosperity, and freedom.