Willow Glen Resident

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Gonzales and budget aide Guerra plead not guilty to all charges

By Monica Heger

San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales, budget aide Joe Guerra and lawyers for Norcal Waste Systems all pleaded not guilty on July 27. Gonzales was indicted on six counts, Norcal on four and Guerra on three counts. All three defendants have been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud and misappropriation of public money. Gonzales and Norcal are also being charged with bribery. A trial date was set for May 14, 2007.

The three defendants reserved the right to file a demurrer, or a motion challenging the legal sufficiency of the charges. The defendants also waived their right to a speedy trail within 60 days and waived their right to appear in court in person for some of the trial dates.

The men were indicted June 21 for their involvement in a deal with Norcal Waste Systems, San Jose's garbage hauler. The charges allege Gonzales and Guerra misled the public and the council about an $11.25 million subsidy that was paid to Norcal.

Gonzales and Norcal are also both being charged with bribery over claims that Gonzales agreed to cover the additional labor costs if Norcal would agree to use the Teamsters union to represent its workers instead of the Longshoremen's union.