DISTRICT FIVE CANDIDATES FORUM
Hilbert Morales, EL OBSERVADOR
      This past Monday, March 15, a Candidates Forum was sponsored by East Valley/680 Neighborhood Action Coalition, Gateway East, and Mayfair Neighborhood Action Coalition. Its chair, Elsie Aranda asked me to be the moderator. The attendance exceeded the seating so there were a few residents who stood along the walls. The forum’s process was very well planned with each candidate having the opportunity to give an introductory message (3 minutes), followed by each responding to three questions formulated by local residents, then questions were received from those attending.
      The networking that was going on was interrupted promptly at 6:30 PM so as to present the four candidates for election to the City of San Jose, District 5. This district is currently represented by City Council member Nora Campos whose term ends this coming December 31, 2010.
      The candidates participating were Aaron Resendez, Xavier Campos, Magdelena Carrasco, and J. Manuel Herrera. In my opening statements I reminded those present that some 25 years ago I had walked precincts in this area for Blanca Alvarado, a retired supervisor. Districts were brought to San Jose by the lawsuit successfully carried out by  J.Villa, Esq., the renowned voter’s rights advocate. Before ‘at large elections’ resulted with a city council whose makeup did not reflect the diversity present.
      Each candidate was given three minutes to present an opening statement; followed scripted questions and then questions from the audience.  Each candidate answered the questions presented with varying degrees of knowledge, experience, interest, and engagement in this diverse community.
      One question was about the IPA (Independent Police Auditor). Would the candidate support it or eliminate it. Aaron Resendez wanted an IPA with more support and authority because ordinary citizens needed fair representation of their concerns. Xavier Campos indicated that it could be eliminated because the Police Department already had an Internal Affairs group. Magdelena Carrasco and J. Manuel Herrera indicated that ‘everything was on the table’ and would have to deal with it as a part of balancing city budget deficit issues.
      A question from the audience was about the Mexican Heritage Plaza. The most detailed response came from Magdalena Carrasco who recognized that the local community was not involved with the Mexican Heritage Plaza and it was not being supported by the surrounding community. Others spoke to the need to eliminate blight in that area. At the time the Plaza was being planned, VTA and BART had plans to come along Alum Rock Road.
      When asked about the need to cut back city employee salaries, J. Manuel Herrera indicated that it was appropriate for the Mayor to bring this issue up during his State of the City address. Magdalena Carrasco stated that not all city employees make over $100,000 per year. She would not balance the budget by reducing salaries of those city employees who had lower salaries. Xavier Campos stated that this was the ninth year the city had a major deficit, but did not know enough now to comment. All indicated a need to know more before taking a position or a vote.
      At the end of the Question and Answer session, it was decided to forego the final closing statement by each candidate because the interested audience had asked so many good questions that the scheduled time was up. Also, coordinator Elsie Aranda needed to provide time to a Census 2010 agent to make a Census 2010 announcement. All were encouraged to have every resident counted.
      As moderator, I closed the forum by asking the panel to applaud the panel and themselves. All were courteous and respectful of each other. The political networking continued while chairs, tables, and other equipment was gathered up and put away.
      This District 5 community needs to be appreciated for its sponsorship and support of this democratic process which will elect its next City Council District Five representative. Some 25 years ago, there were no Latino candidates and certainly no districts. Progress in achievement of equity and representation has been made. It will be more effective when every resident citizen registers to vote, learns about the local issues, and then votes in his/her own best interests. Plan to vote on election day, Tuesday, June 8, 2011. Your community’s democracy requires your participation.∆