October 6, 2006

StreetTalk by Carol Rosen

What is your opinion of the results of Cindy Chavez challenging Chuck Reed to open his tax statements and reimbursements from the city? Will those results affect your vote?
(Asked at the shopping plaza at the corner of San Felipe and Yerba Buena, near Evergreen Valley College)

“I’m of two minds. It’s good that she’s asking, but on the other hand it’s not a good idea for people who live in glass houses to throw stones. It hasn’t affected my vote.”

Christine Quick, 50
San Jose
Administrative Assistant


“I think the reimbursements for City Council members should be public knowledge. Yes, it might affect my vote. I want to look more carefully at both candidates, although I have been leaning one way.”

Paula Vargas, 39
Evergreen
Silver Oaks Elementary School secretary


“I think what she did was perfectly fine. She’s got every right to urge him to open his books. The fact that there were problems didn’t surprise me at all. All politicians get into this [type of] situation. It’s that cover up that gets them into trouble. It won’t really affect my vote.”

David Vargas, 42
Evergreen
Self employed property manager


“With everything that’s been going on and both of them trying to create open government, I don’t see why she had to ask. It should be out on the table. Now, I’m waiting to see what’s hiding in her closet. Actually, this is where it gets funny; he’s joining organizations and getting reimbursed with city money. Is he personally joining, with public taxpayer money? It may have an impact on my vote because of that issue coming out. If there’s a fine line between the two candidates, it may push me toward the other one.”

Jorge Ibanez, 40
Evergreen
San Jose


“I don’t follow local politics that closely, but if you are running for office you’re open to public scrutiny. It sounds like he got caught doing something he shouldn’t have done. It’s a good question [whether it will affect my vote]. Since I haven’t yet decided who I’m going to vote for, the answer is probably no."

John Oldham, 41
Evergreen
Owner, Flex Line LLC


“I think everything should be open. As an accountant, I look at any expenses, costs to benefits received. He shouldn’t have spent money like that. Yes, among other things it will affect my vote.”

Laura Martin, 38
San Jose
Accountant at Hitachi in Evergreen


“I don’t think it will impact how I vote. I base my vote on the candidate’s record and past performance. I think she’s [Chavez] reaching right now because she’s not doing as well in the polls maybe because of her association with the mayor. I don’t think this situation will sway me."

Vickey Santos, 52
Evergreen
Personal banker