June 30, 2006

StreetTalk by Carol Rosen

Since Mayor Ron Gonzales was indicted last week on charges that included bribery, conspiracy and misappropriation of funds, should he step down? Who should take his place for the remaining six months of his term?
(Asked at Albertsons at Tully and Capitol Expressway)


Yes, he should step down because he’s not above the law. He was doing things that were unethical. I don’t think we should trust him to finish out his term, it’s just not right. The vice mayor should take over, the same type of thing as the president and vice president.”

Sally Lowe, 50ish
Evergreen
Scheduler for Gilroy Foods


He’s only got a few months left to finish and he can’t run again, so let him finish. I don’t know who would take over if he resigned.”

David Noble, 42
Evergreen
Accountant


“Yes, he should step down. As an elected official you shouldn’t commit bribery or anything like that. Everything should be done out in the open. I don’t know who should take his place, I have studied city government that well, but probably the vice mayor.”

Jim Mahrer, 47
Evergreen
Telephones


“I don’t know because I don’t know the details. The vice mayor should take over.”

Erma Leyandre
San Jose
Travel agent


“Yes, he should for two reasons: [One,] he should not be making decisions for the citizens of San Jose when he has been indicted, and two, it’s sort of a black eye that San Jose doesn’t need right now. I’m not up on the candidates, but from what I’ve heard Chuck Reed is a good candidate."

Scott McDade, 43
Newark
High School philosophy teacher


“Yes, he should step down. He shouldn’t be involved in anything having to do with government when he’s done something like that. The vice mayor should take over.”

Richard Orozco, 44
Evergreen
Printer


I think so, but not until he’s convicted. In this country people are innocent until proven guilty, I like my public officials to follow the law, but that’s a law too."

Barbara Springer, 46
Evergreen
Project manager


"I think so, any time there’s any hint of wrongdoing in government, the accused should step down. As for who should take over, certainly not Cindy Chavez. I find it difficult to think that she didn’t know anything about it since she works so closely with him. I think we need new faces, someone like Norm Mineta would be good. "

Sue Smith
Evergreen
LVN