By Robert Haugh
The Mercury News made three important endorsements in Santa Clara’s election that appeared online Saturday, October 31.
But the Santa Clara endorsements were not published in print this weekend.
With Election Day tomorrow, here’s a quick guide to the newspaper’s choices and its reasons for endorsing them.
The Mercury News’ Central Message
The editorial argued that Santa Clara needs greater independence from Jed York and the 49ers – and stronger oversight of Levi’s Stadium.
Its headline said it plainly: “Break the 49ers’ grip over Santa Clara.”
Mayor: David Kertes
The Mercury News endorsed David Kertes, citing his independence from the 49ers, business experience, support for independent stadium oversight and plans to generate new City revenue.
The editorial sharply criticized 49ers-backed Gary Ferraris and questioned Councilmembers Karen Hardy‘s and Kevin Park‘s independence from the team.
District 2: Yvonne Inciarte
The newspaper endorsed Yvonne Inciarte over Kimberley Williams, citing her government experience, affordable housing priorities and commitment to holding the 49ers accountable.
The editorial criticized Williams for dismissing Civil Grand Jury findings about the 49ers as “old news.”
District 3: Eric Crutchlow
The newspaper endorsed Eric Crutchlow over Kyle Madej, citing his Planning Commission experience, attention to data center impacts and approach to City infrastructure maintenance.
The Mercury News’ Central Message
The editorial argued that Santa Clara needs greater independence from the 49ers and stronger oversight of Levi’s Stadium.
Its headline said it plainly: “Break the 49ers’ grip over Santa Clara.”
Read the full Mercury News editorial and SCNO’s original October 31 coverage.
News flash. Anthony Becker has uncovered the secret sale of the Bay Area New Grouo to Lisa Gillmor brokered by the Van Der Sloot Media Group and pa8id for by Bulgarian money.
So … what is that ‘plan’ for bringing in new revenue? Has anyone asked for specifics?
As a citizen who believes in concrete statements over vague ones, please ask Kertes — and Watanabe who has years of City of Santa Clara experience, and who believes in reigning in the 49ers — how each might bring in new revenue. I’m wondering if there is anything on the horizon, especially non-database related. (BTW, databases use local resources and, in other localities, it’s been demonstrated that, once proper accounting is done, they do not bring in much money.)
Hi Susan,
I have a video on my website and also discussed these ideas during the League of Women Voters / Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce Q&A Night. I believe there are several opportunities to generate significant new revenue for Santa Clara while reducing the need for future tax increases or large infrastructure bonds.
1. Accelerate the Related project timeline
Rather than waiting until 2029, we should explore ways to move portions of the Related development forward sooner. Based on prior presentations, this project could generate more than $20 million annually in new revenue, with estimates discussed during the Related update ranging from $30 million to $70 million per year.
2. Speed up Parcels A & B development
Completing Parcels A and B is critical to rebuilding and revitalizing our downtown. The City Manager indicated the project could take approximately four years. We should look for ways to shorten that timeline, which could generate an additional $5 million to $10 million annually while bringing new businesses, housing, and activity to downtown sooner.
3. Become more small-business friendly
We need to make Santa Clara a place where small businesses can start, grow, and thrive. Some ideas include:
These efforts could generate an additional $5 million or more annually while strengthening our local economy.
4. Better utilize our Convention Center
Our Convention Center is a tremendous asset that remains underutilized. By attracting more conferences, events, trade shows, and community gatherings, we could generate an additional $5 million or more per year while supporting local hotels, restaurants, and businesses.
Taken together, these initiatives could conservatively generate approximately $35 million in new annual revenue, with the potential for substantially more. This revenue could fund important city programs while still allowing us to set aside $20 million or more each year for infrastructure improvements, reducing the likelihood that residents will face a billion-dollar bond measure in the future.
Best regards,
David