My position on the fireworks issue

By Chris Stampolis

A voter wrote to me and asked my opinion about the fireworks expenditures. Below is my answer. The name of the local voter is edited.

I do not believe it was a wise choice for the Council to vote to pay for almost the entire cost of the fireworks. But this is not just a "yes" or "no" answer. Especially since we knew the City's financial challenges, effective political leadership would have pushed and nudged and cajoled sufficient private money - starting a year ahead of time - immediately after many surrounding businesses felt good about the extra business they received on July 4, 2009 because of that year's fireworks show. While the nighttime display is valued by many residents, I believe most Santa Clarans place a higher value on the services our City provides than spending such a sum at the expense of staff or City services. And, this year our City did not have enough money to pay for "both-and." I support projects that spur the economy and draw spotlight to Santa Clara, but it is reasonable to ask the business beneficiaries of enhanced customer traffic to cover the costs. Partnerships with business go two ways.

I currently serve on the Governing Board of the West Valley-Mission Community College District, not on the Council. So, I did not have the opportunity to cast a vote on the fireworks item and I don't want to grandstand by taking credit for not voting to spend the fireworks money. However, as your elected representative, I have a record of reviewing financial reports in detail and asking for backup info on behalf of the public when numbers don't add up. As your new Mayor, I will bring diligence to my role of leading the Council. This was more a single vote on "should City funds pay for fireworks?" This issue discloses that the Council and community must anticipate financial impacts and seek together to find solutions in advance. I would not have voted to spend the money. But I would have gone further and pushed the private sector to step up more assertively.

Thank you for writing to me. I will be honored to earn your support.

- Chris Stampolis Candidate, Mayor of Santa Clara 408-390-4748 stampolis@aol.com

In a message dated 9/25/2010 7:46:33 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, <email edited> writes: Mr Stampolis - I've received my sample ballot for the 11/2 election and am trying to decide how to cast my votes. I have one question: were you in favor of or against the City Council's decision to pay for firewrks in July of this year?

I will base my decision on two things: did you support the fireworks, and did you give me a straight answer to my question.

<Name edited> Santa Clara voter