June 1, 2006

Candidates speak out at WGNA mayoral forum

By Carol Rosen
Editor

On Wednesday, May 10 more than 225 people crammed into the basement of the Willow Glen Baptist Church on Minnesota and Hicks to hear the five top mayoral candidates battle it out at the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association's Candidate Forum.

Ed Rast, WGNA president, opens the forum and discusses the format. Seated behind him are the five top candidates for San Jose mayor. From left, they are Dave Cortese, Cindy Chavez, Chuck Reed, David Pandori and Michael Mulcahy. Photo by Carol Rosen

Despite the warm weather and the basement, which felt like a sauna or an oven depending on who you talked with, the crowd remained in place through the end of the forum. Many hung around afterwards asking questions of the candidates as they had done before the forum started.

WGNA had requested questions from members prior to the event, and had more than enough to question the candidates, who were seated in ballot order.

The meeting started at 6:30 p.m. instead of 7 p.m. as is typical. Prior to the forum, WGNA held a meet the candidates session with the four candidates for Santa Clara County district attorney and the three that are vying for the county's District 4 board of supervisor seat. The candidates for DA introduced themselves and made short presentations, however due to a lack of time, the supervisor candidates stood around and introduced themselves to those attending.

Then it was on to the mayoral debate. The candidates each gave a short talk on their qualifications and what they considered their top priorities if elected. Then the questions started.

Throughout the debate there were periods of humor. Chuck Reed made jokes introducing himself and after one heated exchange between David Pandori and Cindy Chavez, Michael Mulcahy asked if the question could be repeated because he couldn't remember what it was.

Their answers were thoughtful and showed that all could think on their feet. No one seemed to get the better of anyone. Their final statements summarized their comments throughout the debate.

For example, Reed said his main job would be to solve the city's problems. "I refuse to believe the city's best days are behind us," he said. Wanting to see a strong economy, he noted that he hopes to see different people come together, to learn to live and play together.

Pandori continued to emphasize his theme of not contributing to urban sprawl. Throughout the debate he discussed gang growth and the need for great parks, "creating an endowment for the next generation and citing a need for the city to grow up not out."

Candidate Michael Mulcahy of Willow Glen explains his position on a question asked by the moderator.

Mulcahy asked voters to look for change, which the city needs. He wants to see opportunities for small business owners. The city needs leaders who can “identify the future and create a place for my children and grandchildren. We need leaders that behave and who are not flushing money down the toilet.”

Chavez wants to "take on all the tough challenges we can, keep the libraries open at least as long as the malls. Improve our schools." She said she's confidant that working with residents, neighborhood associations and businesses, the city can take bold strides and "build a base for the next generation to build on."

Finally, Dave Cortese wants to see more people involved in "working for future generations." He wants the new city council to look beyond the next two years, to look toward the future, at least 10 years down the road planning for people and for economic development.

All in all those attending seemed well satisfied with the forum. Several told the Times, their opinions had changed, some felt more decided while others said the candidates answered left them without a firm idea of who to vote for.

"I came here knowing that I wanted to see one candidate elected," said a member of WGNA who asked to remain anonymous. Now, I'm not sure, they all did a good job and from their answers they all would make a good mayor."