The Willow Glen Resident

Council Watch

Fiscalini endorses mayoral hopeful Gonzales

'He's been there and done that,' councilman says

By Cecily Barnes

After passing up the chance to run for mayor, Willow Glen's Councilmember Frank Fiscalini has endorsed the person he considers to be the next-best candidate--Ron Gonzales. At an April 29 press conference at the Gonzales campaign headquarters in Willow Glen, Fiscalini pledged his support for Gonzales.

"Ron has both private sector and government experience to bring to this role. He's been there and done that," Fiscalini said, referring to Gonzales' two terms on the county Board of Supervisors and 10 years at Hewlett-Packard. "That's important, because if you haven't been there and done that, you can't take a year or so to learn on the job."

Keeping in step with his dislike for negative campaigning, Fiscalini refused to mention why Councilmember Pat Dando wasn't the better candidate.

"I have confidence that Ron will not demean the office of the mayor by conducting a negative campaign," Fiscalini said.

Mayor Susan Hammer stood with Gonzales as he received Fiscalini's endorsement, then added a few words.

"One of the things I like best about Ron is his wife, Alvina," Hammer joked, looking affectionately at Gonzales' wife, who stood to the side. "There's no question in my mind that Ron is the best candidate to make San Jose the best city in the United States. And we're getting close."

After accepting the endorsement, Gonzales made clear that he now has the endorsement of six continuing councilmembers and will be able to rally group support for issues if elected mayor.

"I've listened to the councilmembers about the needs of their neighborhoods. Frank Fiscalini is our newest addition," Gonzales said. "I look forward to working with him if I'm given the opportunity as the next mayor of San Jose."

The same day Fiscalini announced his endorsement of Gonzales, former Mayor Janet Gray Hayes rescinded hers. According to Gray, the former supervisor's refusal to discuss the Airport Traffic Relief Initiative forced her to change her endorsement. The initiative, pitched by Councilmember David Pandori, would require the airport to make substantial traffic improvements before constructing a new terminal.

"I had wanted him to at least talk to me, and I called a number of times. He didn't call, which he did this morning just as I was sending out the fax," Hayes said, referring to the press release she faxed out rescinding her endorsement. At the press conference, Gonzales responded to Hayes' change of mind by acknowledging that the two have some differing views.

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