I also identified "Preserving Neighborhoods" and "Parking and Traffic" as major issues before anyone else got in the race, and now those too are hot topics and others have jumped on the bandwagon.
How many of the other candidates were talking about the Milk Pail before this summer? I have been speaking out demanding a reasonable solution for the last 2 years.
Other candidates can talk about their experiences on the various commissions, but how many of them have taken time to attend Council meetings and speak up about issues that are important to the neighborhoods? I have done that every week for almost 3 years.
I have never been afraid to fight for the underdog if I believed the underdog was right. I spoke out against the plans for a flood basin in Cuesta Park 2 years ago, as well as to save Rose Market and the other local retail shops this year. I have also worked to support the Day Worker's Center, Ava's Market and small businesses in the North Bayshore.
I was the only candidate to speak out against the paid parking program and point out it's flaws before Council rushed it through, against the advice of staff.
I was also the first candidate to talk about pedestrian overpasses and roundabouts as solutions to traffic flow issues, and the idea of exploring having a monorail or similar system to take people from the San Antonio Caltrain station (or a point very close by) to the North Bayshore.
It is also very strange that last week's forum is not yet available on YouTube, but the one from last night is. Last week's forum also has not received any print coverage. In last week's forum, we got to make opening and closing statements and tell people who we are. Many people told me that they were very impressed with my statements.
Many people talk about the need for diversity, but I think in many cases it is just talk. Diversity should include such things as having different ideas, having a different appearance, and being of a different race. Mountain View has never had a Black member of City Council, but the voice has been silent on that issue. However, the Voice pointed out several times during the last campaign that Chris Clark would be the first openly gay member of Council. Well, I would like to be the first openly Black member of The Mountain View Council. I wonder how long it will take the media to notice? Some would make the argument that I am not qualified, but I disagree. I pay just as much attention to the issues (if not more) than anyone on the Council or any committee. Others make arguments against me based on unimportant things because they are unable to criticize my ideas, or simply believe that engaging in personal attacks somehow renders my ideas and all my hard work invalid. They're wrong!
I am used to being underestimated based on my appearance and my race and I have always proven my critics wrong. I am looking forward to doing so again. Remember, if you are embarrassed about voting for me, just don't tell anyone that you did. Keep it under your hat!
Jim Neal
Candidate, Mountain View City Council
https://electneal.org (Campaign Website)
info@electneal.org
