Willow Glen, California Since 1992
City Beat
By I-chun Che San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales will lead a delegation of 20 business representatives and city government officials to promote economic development, trade relationships and cultural exchanges with Dublin. With the assistance of the Irish consulate in San Francisco and the city of Dublin, the San Jose delegates will meet executives of Irish high-tech companies and high-ranking officials of the Dublin and Irish governments, including Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern. This is the mayor's first visit to San Jose's sister city. "San Jose and Dublin enjoy extensive cultural and business ties," Gonzales said. "We have shared similar experiences, with rapid growth and development during the past decade." Funding for Gonzales' trip came from his leftover campaign contributions. The Irish government is also looking forward to Gonzales' visit. "The link between San Jose, Silicon Valley, and Ireland is a spectacular story," said Irish Consul General Donal Denham. "It's based on a multifaceted relationship covering significant trade, investment, tourism, cultural and academic ties that have benefited both communities." Despite the positive exchange between Irish and San Jose governments, Gonzales' trip has created controversy because he is taking his girlfriend, Guisselle Nunez. And his decision to set a separate itinerary, including a trip to London without other delegates, upset the participants so much that some of them decided to cancel the trip. Early in June, Ray O'Flaherty, who started San Jose's relationship with Dublin, canceled his trip. Councilwoman Linda LeZotte (the council's Sister Cities point woman) and Pat Dando joined him one week later, leaving San Jose District 6 Councilman Ken Yeager the only council member going with the mayor. Dando and LeZotte were not available for comments. |
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