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By J. Vanlandingham

Being a Mexican-American in San Jose

I am a successful businessman and proud to be a Mexican-American, that has been working to "help" High Tech. companies grow and create jobs and careers in our communities.

I am also a proud new father. Our first child Lilia was born on Nov.14th 2001. (She is named after my mother Lilia Reyes VanLandingham) She was Born at Good Samaritan's Hospital in San Jose.

In our Mexican culture we are very close with our families. Family and community is a very big part of who we are. As a new "family man" and proud father. I have always been close to my family and I believe we should do everything we can to preserve the integrity of our families, focusing on: our communities, our neighborhoods and especially the education of our children.

And this is why I must say "San Jose is in trouble". Things are not going well. Companies as well as jobs are disappearing. I felt it was time that someone stepped forward and STOPPED the the current leadership in San Jose from taking us down the path of destruction it has been, on over the past 3 years.

As many of us know, Silicon Valley has seen GREAT financial prosperity over the past 6 years. But, the current leadership of city hall has done nothing to capitalize on this for the city of San Jose or the residents that live and work here.

Downtown is in consent chaos. Spending has become "Completely Insane." (example: new city hall estimated to come in at $380 MILLION DOLLARS)

Our neighborhoods and culture centers are being put at the bottom of the list, along with the residents that live in San Jose.

I say it's time for a change; we need someone in the Mayor's office that is going to put the residents of San Jose FIRST.

The only time we hear from the current "Politicians" is when an election comes around. So, I'm stepping forward to offer a "Real Choice" and "New Ideas" to the people of San Jose.

I'm not a politician. I'm a businessman who has helped many new technology companies like Big Bear Networks and Predictive Systems. I also have worked with companies to get to the next level. Client companies include: Cadence, Adaptec, Macromedia and Western Digital. I am proud to say I care about San Jose and I have helped create jobs and opportunities for our community.

We Must:

• Focus on our Communities and Neighborhoods: We must preserve the integrity of our Neighborhoods and protect our Children, Families and Neighbors.
• The education of our children
• Support our teachers and schools
• The revitalization of our "High Tech" industry

It is hard enough "just making it" in today's economy. It would be nice for a change if we had a Mayor that was more interested in the people that live in San Jose, that one that is concerned with his own interest in San Jose.

I will work as hard as it takes to keep my word. I will not make promises I cannot keep. I will propose ways to improve San Jose's business climate, create jobs and opportunities; and pay for schools, parks, libraries, police and fire services.

• We need to stand together as Strong Communities, and let city hall know it's time for a change.

I ask for your support and your vote.

J. VanLandingham Candidate for Mayor of San Jose Primary vote Tues. March 5th, 200