Here’s one way to judge a candidate for office. Watch what they actually do … not what they say.

Of course you have heard this during every election. However, sometimes the contradiction is so blatant I just have to highlight the irony.

As you are aware, Kathy Watanabe is a dedicated Gillmorite. She has dreamed of replacing Mayor Lisa Gillmor for years. Out of nearly 3,000 council votes, Watanabe has voted with Gillmor over EIGHTY percent of the time. She also voted with Gillmor to raise our electricity rates by over FIFTY percent. A vote for Watanabe is a vote for four more years of Gillmor.

Gillmor and Watanabe say they represent residents. My question is, “Why are you voting to consistently increase our electrical rates to fund those data centers around town?” Former city manager Don Von Raesfeld would have a heart attack at the electric bill increases if he were still with us.

Don Von, as we called him, was a brilliant visionary. His policy was: Do something for our residents that will be great for everyone. Provide our own electrical power. Silicon Valley Power was born and has been saving our residents and business members millions … until now.

Another issue for Watanabe in replacing Gillmor is her public show of hostility to the 49ers.

This is one problem. The Watanabe family are actually long-term fans of the 49ers. They own seat licenses and are 49er season ticket holders at Levi’s Stadium. Not just any seats … club seats! Uh, oh!

I guess she will just keep this quiet until the election is over. 

And, speaking of the 49ers, how about this team? This Sunday they marched into Seattle to face last year’s Super Bowl Champion Seahawks. In an amazing grinding battle that continued into the last minute, the 49ers won. That victory places them in first place with a five-win, no-loss lead in the NFL.

Santa Clara deserves winners and great leaders. We need a visionary for mayor who publicly supports our residents, our great businesses, our super stadium and our very own electric company.

Previous Milestones:
Milestones – A Mayor for the Majority – Opinion
Milestones – Stalking Supplants Sign-Stealing – Opinion
Milestones – Be Careful … – Opinion