Santa Clara County, CA November 7, 2000 Election
Smart Voter

Message to District Eight residents.

By David D. Cortese

Candidate for Member, City Council; City of San Jose; District 8

This information is provided by the candidate
My vision for Evergreen.
We are fortunate to have a wonderfully diverse population here in District 8 and lots of people who are willing to get involved. Unfortunately, I think that many in our community are frustrated and often, after organizing and presenting concerns, feel unheard at City Hall. Worse yet we get the feeling that we are too little, too late, that the future is happening in spite of us. This must change. It is important that I hear from you. I believe that government works best when public officials listen. What do you believe are the most pressing issues facing us? Please contact me. Citizen input has been a cornerstone of my public service efforts. I am a good listener. We can do much more to build a sense of community in our District. To accomplish this we will need the participation of our local businesses and community groups such as Rotary, the Evergreen Business and Professional Association, our various homeowners associations, clubs, parents, teachers, civic and labor leaders, and people from across this community. I propose the following: In addition we can do much more to build a sense of community. I propose the following:

  • Establishment of a Community Roundtable comprised of a diverse group of local citizens from around our district which will act as a clearinghouse for information in District 8 and become a forum for healthy debate about proposed projects, needs, and changes in the district.

  • Build and expand upon the Day in the Park concept by making it a multi-cultural festival and a tribute to the history of our community. Evergreen Valley College has recently hosted a multi-cultural festival and I have already proposed to its founders that it be combined with Day in the Park at Lake Cunningham. I believe this can eventually become an event that draws families from all over the area to celebrate community together.

  • Create a Farmer's Market in Evergreen such as has been done so successfully in other districts like Willow Glen. This will serve not only to bring people together from all of our neighborhoods but, if done right, it will also become a living commemoration of Evergreen's agricultural past. I have already begun the dialogue with some of the community leaders that can help make this happen.

  • Involve more of our citizens in programs like Fishing in the City at Lake Cunningham Park so that those who are more fortunate and capable can help and mentor the disadvantaged youth of our district, even if just for a day at a time.

  • Encourage our local business community through existing groups such as Rotary, the Evergreen Business and Professional Association, homeowners associations and other service clubs and groups to work together to disseminate information about those issues important to all of us in this rapidly growing community.

  • Bring quality retail, dining, and entertainment needs such as movie theaters, quality sit-down restaurants, a major coffee klatch bookstore, children's commercial recreational centers and other forms of entertainment so that virtually every such need can be filled locally and without extensive travel. Some of this can be done by rejuvenating older commercial and residential areas by working with businesses and homeowners. Soon the San Jose Redevelopment Agency will be identifying areas of San Jose to invest money in neighborhood revitalization. With our District shouldering the bulk of new residential development for the City, I believe that it is only fair that we receive our rightful share of RDA funding.

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