December 12, 2008

On Point

Changes in the works

By Bill Highlander
Editor

On the political scene. Newly elected officials usually take office at the beginning of a new year. But Dave Cortese is giving up his San Jose City Council seat a little early, resigning after the Dec. 16 council meeting. The next day, Cortese will be sworn in as a new Santa Clara County Supervisor.

Pete McHugh was elected to the Milpitas City Council so he resigned as Supervisor earlier this month. Cortese is stepping into his new role to replace McHugh.

This apparently means Rose Herrera will assume her position on the City Council on Dec. 17 as well. Reports indicate that District 8 residents will be able to contact the office for assistance even though the ceremonial swearing in will not occur until mid-January.

Mayor Chuck Reed has already made committee assignments for Herrera and she will be challenged. For example, she will represent the council on the fire and police retirement board. The retirement costs are a contentious issue, causing a bulge in the city’s budget deficit. Herrera made a big deal of being endorsed by the fire and police unions. It will be a test to see how she handles the pressure.

Safety. San Jose slipped in the latest rankings of safest large cities. After several years of bragging rights as #1, San Jose is now fourth. The city has an excellent police force, led by a very competent chief, but the economic situation could cause cutbacks and a rise in crime. But overall, San Jose is still a very safe place to live.

The arts. It’s too bad the American Musical Theater had to close its doors. Many people enjoyed the Broadway shows it brought to town. Appears the financial doom was caused by a failed produced company contracted by AMT and not so much by the lack of local support. But the arts are having a rough time because they depend so much on donations and the funding is drying up in these times. If you enjoy the arts or just believe it’s important to our quality of life, consider making a donation to your favorite group.

Light ‘em up. If you’re decorating the exterior of your home for the holidays, send me your pictures. Evergreen Times will publish the best photos to share the spirit with readers. The photos cannot be re-turned. Send by email or snail mail as long as we receive them by Dec. 22.

Our schools. Congratulations to our schools that are earning kudos for excellence. Evergreen Valley High School recently was listed in US News & World Report among the top 500 in the country. The California budget woes are threatening the ability to maintain and improve however. Superintendent Bob Nunez has proposed the elimination of athletics from school programs and the board agreed by passing an interim budget. Getting rid of high school sports would be a tragic occurrence. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.

Local stores. Times Media publisher Bill Bellou has a column in this issue discussing the importance of supporting local business. I agree fully. Our community has many stores that provide the goods and services we need and all of us should shop locally when we can.

Holiday wishes. The year is winding down and despite the economic crunch. it should be a time for reflection on the things that are good in our lives. Wishes for a very happy holiday season go from my family to yours.