Editorial

Glickman, Dubois ask the right questions

At a time when voters are choosing between least objectionable candidates, Los Gatans find themselves in an enviable position. When they go to the polls Nov. 7, they may very well wish they could vote for "All of the Above."

The four candidates running for two seats on the town council are intelligent, committed and experienced. Any of them would serve the town well.

Mike Abkin and Sandy Decker have both been on the planning commission and on other town committees. A genuinely nice guy, Abkin is known as a good listener, someone who considers all sides of an issue. Decker is passionate about preservation and earned a reputation on the planning commission as a fearless proponent of "neighborhood compatibility."

The other two candidates have not served on the planning commission, although each comes with abundant planning credentials. What's more, both Steve Glickman and Paul Dubois bring to the table a fresh perspective on the needs of Los Gatos.

Glickman and Dubois are asking why Los Gatos doesn't do a better job providing direct services to people. Why is there no community center, no theater, no senior center? Where are the activities and facilites for the community's growing population of young families? These are important questions, and they are questions the town council should be addressing with something more creative than the usual "We can't afford it," dismissal.

It is because of their fresh approach and their commitment to addressing the needs of all segments of the community that Paul Dubois and Steve Glickman have earned the endorsement of the Los Gatos Weekly-Times.

Glickman's school board experience makes him uniquely qualified to speak to the needs of the community's young families. In a town that often ignores young people, Glickman has led a movement for a skateboard park. A scientist and a businessman, Glickman is more practical than idealistic. He wants to find a better solution to downtown parking than a $12-million parking garage. But he won't rule out a garage if a better solution can't be found.

Dubois identifies himself as a conservative, but of all the candidates, he is the most committed to affordable housing, with practical ideas for implementation.

As chairman of the community services commission, he has moved from a defensive posture about the need for a senior center to become an impassioned advocate both for a center and a senior coordinator on the town staff. His experience as a cop and as a designer of security systems allows him to see issues like traffic control with an enlightened perspective.

All four town council candidates are worthy contenders. But for fresh ideas, practical solutions and a perspective that takes in all Los Gatans, we recommend Paul Dubois and Steve Glickman.

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