Endorsement

Vote for Fowler, Miller and Howe

In the election for the three open seats for Sunnyvale City Council, we recommend those candidates who have a proven track record within city government and with serving the needs and interests of Sunnyvale residents. Voters should elect Vice-Mayor Fred Fowler for Seat 1, Councilwoman Julia Miller for Seat 2 and John Howe for Seat 3.

A lot has been made of this election being a battle of the "insiders" versus "outsiders." This suggestion of a David and Goliath match, however, is oversimplified and misleading. Fowler and Miller have, indeed, both served four-year terms on the council, and Howe has served on the planning commission for five years.

The experience "inside" the city government, however, is exactly what gives them their strength and inspires our recommendation. All three have a firm command of the issues facing Sunnyvale and have the necessary experience to continue handling them.

Both Fowler and Miller, during their time on the council, have encouraged a healthy mix of retail, commercial and residential in the downtown, which will bring a greater sense of community to Sunnyvale. Both have supported the Fremont High School swimming pool. Both have shown a sensitivity to neighborhood preservation at a time when "monster" homes threatened, and both have been strong supporters of public safety.

During his five years on the planning commission, Howe also dealt with numerous housing and zoning issues that face the city. Fowler, Miller and Howe are all well aware of the responsibilities that come with elected office.

The problem with candidates Thomas Dwyer, Judy Esteban, Michael Flores and Ronald Ayers is that while they're all very vocal about what their against, they haven't offered an alternative vision. Having the ability to offer solutions is what separates serious contenders from those who simply complain.

Flores says he doesn't think the city listens to the needs of the people. While we heartily endorse improved communication between local government and its citizens, we just can't get behind a candidate whose sole campaign platform seems to be improving communications.

Dwyer, Esteban and Ayers jumped into the campaign essentially as single-issue candidates. They don't like the fact that city approved a crematorium in their neighborhood. Who can blame them? Other than this issue, however, and some grumbling about downtown revitalization efforts, these candidates have failed to show any real vision for the community. What's more their lack of experience is troubling. Of the four candidates presenting themselves as "outsiders," only one--Thomas Dwyer--has any prior civic experience. He is active in his neighborhood association.

Being an "outsider" isn't a virtue unto itself. There's a lot to be said for learning about community issues by rolling up one's sleeves and pitching in. Experience is a great teacher.

By endorsing the candidates with experience, we do not suggest that the concerns of the self-proclaimed "outsiders" are without merit. Can the city improve communications with residents? Most assuredly. Was it a good idea to approve a crematorium in a neighborhood? Probably not, although statistics from the Bay Area Air Quality Management suggested it would not be the pollutant neighbors fear it will be.

We hope the issues that have come out during the campaign will provide fodder for city officials. Listening, after all, is the hallmark of good communications. Still, we believe that the needs of the communtiy will best be served by returning Fowler and Miller to the council and by electing planning commission veteran Howe to the council.

Public Safety

Endorsement: Vote for Fowler, Miller, Howe

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