By Robert Haugh
Santa Clara City Councilmember Suds Jain posted a comment on Santa Clara News Online on May 10, 2024, in response to a story on how he wants to consider paid parking at many city facilities in addition to the Franklin Mall.
In Jain’s comment, he mentioned yours truly:
“I’ve said many times that the contracts we have with the 49ers prevent money from coming to the general fund until certain reserve buckets are filled up. I urge people like Robert Haugh to actually read the contracts and then explain to me exactly how I can get more money from the 49ers.”
So, I emailed Jain this question:
The Chronicle has written stories about how you voted for bad settlements that cost the City money. I’ve written about some too (like the parking settlement). And so did the Grand Jury. So you feel that you’ve been fiscally responsible and can show Santa Clara taxpayers how you’ve gotten more money from the 49ers since you’ve been on the Council? If so, can you back up your claim with numbers?
In numerous brief emails yesterday, Jain said that he could not answer the question because he would have to reveal executive session discussions. Huh?
Even after I asked Jain to comment about why he thought settlements were good without referencing anything from executive sessions, he would not … or could not.
It’ll be interesting to see how he explains himself to the voter in November.
In his May 10 comment, Jain also defended his recommendation to create paid parking at the Franklin Mall. Here’s what Jain wrote:
“I pay for parking when I visit downtown San Jose, Redwood City, San Francisco and Berkeley.”
But those are not the city examples that are used by residents who want to revitalize and rebuild downtown Santa Clara.
So I emailed Jain with this question:
“You used examples of downtowns that charge for parking. But you don’t discuss downtown Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, or Campbell where there’s free parking. Why not?”
Jain didn’t answer the question. Maybe he’s discussing it in executive session.
Why are the roads the worst around Levi’s stadium if it supposedly generates $ for Santa Clara? How is that income used? Can someone enlighten us please?
Other candidates for 2024 have been contacted to pledge to renounce sc now or 49er spending. Will Jain??
There was absolutely no reason to enter into that completely one-sided settlement other than to meet the 49ers’ timing demand to do so before they would start funding (the next day) the elections of those who sold out Santa Clara by supporting it.
There was a net profit of over $6M from non-NFL events. Those profits, per the contracts that Lisa signed but doesn’t seem to understand, went into a litigation contingency fund to pay for buffet and public safety costs. There were more profits when the new council majority relaxed the weeknight curfew on concerts.
Here’s what I wrote to Robert yesterday:
====================
On Thu, May 16, 2024 at 11:06 AM Sudhanshu Jain wrote:
I feel you are trying to trap me into disclosing closed session discussion.
I’m not going to talk about settlements with you.
Teresa O’Neill tried to trap councilmembers after the last settlement when she asked councilmembers to report how they voted and why.
— Suds
======================
On Thu, May 16, 2024 at 12:29 PM Sudhanshu Jain wrote:
Even if we got great settlements, Lisa will always say they were bad. The only way for me to counter that is to talk about discussions that happened in closed session. Nice try.
Remember I will always ignore your disclaimer about confidentiality.
— Suds
Go back to 2010 and see who signed contracts. Gilmore wasn’t on council. But in August 2022 you certainly were and sold city out.
Suds,
I regret that you portray yourself as a naïve victim. For example, you wrote to Robert on May 16, 2024: “I feel you are trying to TRAP me…;” and “Teresa O’Neill tried to TRAP councilmembers…” Only certain mammals other than RATS get trapped. As an alleged MIT graduate, you ought to know “how” NOT to get trapped—verbally or physically. Yet here you are. Complaining like a certain type of canine.
It is bothersome is trying to understand the objective of your posts.
You say: “There was a net profit of over $6M from non-NFL events. Those profits, per the contracts that Lisa SIGNED but doesn’t seem to understand…”
Please enlighten us Santa Clarans for once in your lifetime.
Section 908(d) of the City Charter requires the City Attorney to “have the power and be required to” “approve… all contracts made by the City.”
See: https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/SantaClara/html/SantaClaraCH.html#908
Does the Mayor have legal authority to “sign” contracts or are you just posting your own misguided comments? Please let us know. I cannot find ANY legal precedent that the Mayor—in his/hers/thems/ capacity—can legally bind the city of Santa Clara to some random contract.
DO YOU HAVE PROOF THAT THE MAYOR **SIGNED** A CONTRACT ON BEHALF OF SANTA CLARA IN THE MATTERS WITH THE 49ERS????
Again, your lazy backside does not provide any contract about which you whine.
Suds/Skids, is the following link to the “CONTRACT” you are belly-aching about? Tell us where the Mayor “SIGNED” the following settlement agreement….
https://www.santaclaraca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/78480/638005666004070000
Suds/Scrubs/Skids, the most troublesome portion of the City Charter of Santa Clara is the following:
Section 912 of the City Charter requires “Each member of the City Council . . . shall take, subscribe to and file with the City Clerk the following oath of affirmation: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter.”
Your actions and comments outwardly appear for “PURPOSES OF EVASION,” and likely NOT taking “THIS OBLIGATION FREELY” when under the thumb of Herr Yod Jerk.
https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/SantaClara/html/SantaClaraCH.html#912
Have a nice day! 🙂
Jain was mentioned at fppc mesting thursday.
IMHO Suds just wants more of our money to spend. He doesn’t want to get it from his bosses, the niners. It might upset them, and he won’t get their backing when he runs for mayor.
Suds for Mayor! 😂🤡😂
No wonder sc now has pledged $1 million for Jain in 2024