Willow Glen Resident

News

Residents appear split on the District 3 candidates

By Eli Segall

Greater Gardner residents are getting to know their city council candidates.

Manny Diaz, a former state assemblyman and city councilman, and Sam Liccardo, a Santa Clara County prosecutor, will face off Nov. 7 to represent District 3 on the San Jose City Council. The district incorporates Greater Gardner and the downtown.

Some residents have met the two or received their campaign literature, and others have already declared their support. Some, though, remain unfamiliar with the candidates and their platforms.

Gardner resident Tommy Corrales, has read both camps' campaign materials and is learning toward Diaz.

Corrales said Diaz has more insight into the Gardner community, given his experience as an elected official.

Catherine Houdek, a Gardner resident and active community member, complains Diaz is conspicuously missing from the neighborhood.

"I wouldn't know Diaz if I tripped over him on the street," said Houdek, a legal immigrant from New Zealand who is not eligible to vote.

Houdek said she has met Liccardo and that the first-time council candidate has followed through on his promise to attend community meetings.

Kevin Christman, former chairman of the Greater Gardner Coalition, has also thrown his weight behind Liccardo.

"Sam, or a representative from his campaign, has been to our last three meetings," Christman said. "He's very approachable."

Aurelia Aldama, however, declared her support for Diaz with a campaign sign on her front lawn. She put the sign up before the June primary and has not taken it down.

"He's got a great personality and good experience," she said. "Plus, he probably knows the politics more than Liccardo."

Aldama said she has donated money to the campaign; her nephew is a Diaz campaign employee.

Gardner resident Robert Aguilar admits he is not closely following the race, but prefers to have a Latino represent Gardner on the council. He favors Diaz for that reason.

One resident who requested anonymity said he does not plan to vote. He dismissed all politicians as corrupt, but favored Diaz because Liccardo is a criminal prosecutor.

"I don't really pay attention to politics," he said. "You still have to pay your taxes, your rent and your mortgage. Nothing's going to change that."

Some residents remain on the fence.

Cliff Price, who lives in Gregory Plaza, said he has not learned enough to decide which candidate he will support.

"I'm only focusing on the mayoral race," he added.