April 4, 2008

Council Countdown: District 8 council seat is up for grabs

By Bill Highlander
Editor

Who will you vote for? Candidates at the national, state, county and city are vying for your attention. The District 8 incumbent, vice mayor Dave Cortese is termed out and seeking to be a Santa Clara County supervisor. Eight candidates are in the race to succeed him and represent you on San Jose’s City Council.

Beginning with this issue, the Evergreen Times will inform you about the electoral process, provide information about the candidates, and encourage you to vote for the person you believe is most qualified to represent you and the views of District 8 residents.

The candidates are holding events to relate their positions on issues and their qualifications. Billboards and placards are posted throughout the area. Their ads tell the story from their perspective. They are raising money to help tell their stories. Oppor-tunities for debates and open forums will be announced. And they and their supporters will probably be knocking on your door, asking for your vote.

Your first opportunity to vote is coming up soon. The primary election will be held on June 3. Many people like to go to the polls on Election Day to cast their ballot. But if you are going to be out of town or have other plans for that time, you can vote by mail.

Of course, to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of District 8, and a registered voter. Residents may request a vote-by-mail ballot 29 days before an election, but not fewer than 7 days in advance. Last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot is May 27.

To get a vote-by-mail ballot, complete the Ballot Request Form (on the Web site for San Jose registrar of Voters) or on the back of your Sample Ballot Pamphlet. You may also write a letter requesting a Vote-by-Mail Ballot. Include your name, residence address, mailing address and your signature. Mail or fax to: Vote by Mail, P.O. Box 1740, San Jose, CA 95109. Fax: (408) 293-6002.

Vote-by-mail ballots must be in to the elections official no later than the close of polls (8 p.m.) on Election Day. Residents may return it in person to any polling place in their county or to the county elections office on Election Day.

In order to be elected to the office of the City Council in the scheduled primary election, a person must receive the majority vote cast for that office (50 percent + 1 vote). In case of a run-off election (which is most likely for District 8), the two candidates who receive the greatest number of votes for office in the primary election will be the only two candidates whose names shall appear on the ballot. In case of a tie in the run-off election, the winner will be decided during an open meeting by the City Council.

Fundraising is a key part of running for office. For this election, candidates are limited to raising $100,098, one dollar for each person in the estimated population of District 8. Personal contributions are limited to $250 person in the primary. Candidates may loan the campaign a maximum of $20,000.

The Evergreen Times welcomes your questions and comments during the election cycle.

See the Council Countdown below for more information about the candidates.

District 8 Council Countdown

Sylvia Alvarez
(Member, Evergreen Board of Trustees)
Total Contributions as of March 17 including personal loan- $ 1,675
Personal Loan: $ 0
Web Site: not available
Age: not available
(No photo available)

Minh Duong
(Small Business Owner)
Total Contributions as of March 17 including personal loan- $ 58,471
Personal Loan: $ 20,000
Web Site: www.minhduongforcouncil.com
Age: not available

Rose Herrera
(Businesswoman)
Total Contributions as of March 17 including personal loan- $20,170
Personal Loan: $10,500
Web Site: www.roseforsanjose.com
Age: 54

Galvin D. Jackson
(Realtor/Loan Officer)
Total Contributions as of March 17 including personal loan- $ 23,000
Personal Loan: $ 20,000
Web Site: www.galvinjacksondistrict8.com
Age: not available

Van Le
(Businesswoman)
Total Contributions as of March 17 including personal loan- 17,329.90
Personal Loan: $ 3,000
Web Site: www.vanle4d8.com
Age: 49

Craig Mann
(Board Member, Santa Clara County)
Total Contributions as of March 17 including personal loan- $ 42,979
Personal Loan: $ 18,416
Web Site: www.craigmann.org/
Age: 48

Lan Nguyen
(East Side Union High School District Board)
Total Contributions as of March 17 including personal loan- $ 24,100
Personal Loan: $ 20,000
Web Site: not available
Age: not available

Pat Waite
(Community Volunteer)
Total Contributions as of March 17 including personal loan - $22,425
Personal Loan: $13,000
Web Site: www.patwaite.com
Age: 50

—Additional research by Selma Skokic