The Sunnyvale Sun

Letters & Opinions

Speak Out

Council meeting format
undermines voter input

Following up on the May 24 letter in the Sun--there are far too many absences on the council. Calling in is not acceptable. If you are unable to devote time to council business and meetings, don't run for the position. We, the voters, have been fooled again. And further, during the public hearings on various issues before the council, the current mayor displays an attitude of "Hurry, hurry, let's get this over." Neither the public nor the council members can express their thoughts clearly under the present meeting format.

Diane Rittenberg

Sunnyvale

Hamilton should be
applauded on council

The opinion letter in the May 24 Sun regarding Melinda Hamilton contains some gross inaccuracies regarding the downtown redevelopment of Block 18.

(1) For almost two years the developer has had the green light to move forward, yet to date hasn't even applied for a demolition permit.

(2) The $4 million annual tax revenue the writer describes as coming from the retail sales tax is incorrect. The Redevelopment Agency was to receive $4 million per year from the projected property tax increment.

(3) The retail sales tax anticipated once the project is complete will net the city less than $1 million per year after the increased cost for city services for Block 18 is factored in.

(4) The Friends of Sunnyvale has always supported the redevelopment of Block 18 as a retail business center.

(5) The city was sued because it obstructed the submittal of petitions to place three charter amendments on the ballot, each signed by more than 6,000 Sunnyvale voters.

Rather than being chastised, Melinda should be applauded for fighting for the citizens' right to become more involved with their community by allowing them to vote on those issues.

Ray Johnson

Sunnyvale