By David Kertes

I cannot understand why we are still considering spending $180,000 of taxpayer money on paid parking at Franklin Mall. 

Back in October 2025, more than 100 residents attended the meeting and overwhelmingly said “no” to paid parking. Only one person supported it – Councilmember Suds Jain – and even he did not speak in favor of it.

This proposal is a bad deal for Santa Clara. 

It will lose money, push overflow parking into surrounding neighborhoods, and hurt the small businesses at Franklin Mall and the Saturday Farmers Market. 

And despite the impact on residents, the City never conducted a proper survey to gather community feedback.

What makes this even more frustrating is the inconsistency. Councilmember Jain is willing to spend $180,000 on a parking plan that residents do not want.  Yet he opposed spending a similar amount to return the Fourth of July fireworks to Central Park, something residents overwhelmingly did want. 

We heard at the last council meeting how non-profits, like the Bill Wilson Center, could really use funding. If Suds wants to give away $180,000, why not give it to a charity and do some good with the money for people that rally need it?

Tonight, the Council has an opportunity to correct course. Several members failed to listen to residents on the fireworks location and on the $20 million decision to move City Hall. That pattern of not listening is exactly why I am running for Mayor of Santa Clara this November.

You now have the chance to show residents that their voices matter. Vote no on paid parking at Franklin Mall.

Show the community that you hear them and that their input still counts in this city.

David Kertes is a District Five resident and a candidate for Mayor.