September 5, 2008

District 8 Report

District 8 Update

By Vice Mayor Dave Cortese
Special to the Times

I hope you had a great summer and that your kids are enjoying the new school year. Here at City Hall, we are very busy at work on several projects, just a few of which I wanted to update you on:

The Great Train Robbery – Part II
In a previous Times article I shared with you the latest involving the planned extension of light rail to Eastridge Mall and the important vote happening at the August 4 VTA Board Meeting. My gratitude to the 20 plus individuals who came to speak at that meeting and countless others who sent emails and made phone calls. The speakers (myself included) delivered a very sharp message to the Board, that we would not tolerate any unfair dealings when it comes to transit improvements on the Eastside. The speakers demanded accountability of VTA staff, when it became exposed that staff unilaterally stopped working on the project earlier this year without first seeking approval of the Board. Finally, the speakers made it clear that the Eastridge light rail line should not be pitted against BART.

The good news is that we got through to the Board. They voted unanimously to reaffirm their support for the project and for VTA staff to continue moving it forward. This project is supposed to break ground next year and be completed by 2012. The bad news is that there is still a chance, later this year, for the Board to decide to de-fund the project.
They will only make this determination after November 4, when you the voter will be asked to vote on another sales tax measure. I still contend that this is nonsensical. Voters need to know what the VTA’s commitment will be to the current slate of projects before they can decide whether or not to be taxed a second time. As I stated previously, it’s a matter of faith in government. We are continuing to monitor this issue closely and use every opportunity to advocate for our project and we will keep you informed. For more information, please contact Rabia Chaudhry at 408-535-4908 or rabia.chaudhry@sanjoseca.gov.

The long awaited work to rehabilitate San Felipe Road is finally underway.

Give District 8 Youth a Voice in Government
One of the best programs offered by the City of San Jose is the Youth Commission. Each council district can appoint one youth (ages14 - 21 and who lives in Council District 8) to serve on this important commission. This body is recognized as the official youth advisory group to the City Council and they research and make policy recommendations concerning youth. They support the development of youth who desire to serve their community through active civic participation and constructive decision-making by maintaining Youth Advisory Councils in each Council District. District 8 has always had active commissioners who’ve ascended to leadership roles on the commission. Our current commissioner’s term is expiring and we are seeking a new youth to apply who has a passion to make a difference in their community, and is eager to participate in city government. For more information, please contact Bushra Rasheed at 408-535-4908 or email bushra.rasheed@sanjoseca.gov.

Smooth Sailing on San Felipe Road
In a previous Times article I wrote about the planned improvements along San Felipe Road. Well, the long awaited work to rehabilitate San Felipe Road is finally underway! Crews began working on the street last month and in a few months, the stretch of San Felipe (northbound and southbound) between Yerba Buena Road and Bowery Lane will be completely renovated. No more cracks and no more potholes.

Please stay tuned for more information about our upcoming projects and initiatives. It continues to be my pleasure to serve you and do not hesitate to call (408-535-4908) or write (dave.cortese@sanjoseca.gov) me on any matter of importance to you.