Last reported, there were a total of 6 announced candidates for 4 city council seats on the November ballot. If 3 are no good, more than 3 other candidates are needed. And one MV-Whisman school board incumbent says he won't seek re-election. Who will step up?

For those of us that are not professional politicians, running for office can be a daunting proposition under the best of circumstances, but as was demonstrated during the last election, the bar just got a lot higher.

When I ran, I thought I had a fairly good chance of winning. I was straight forward with people about my positions and did very well in the debates. The problems I encountered were:

1) Most people kept asking me about who was endorsing me. (Politicians tend to only endorse other politicians so if you are not a member of the political class it is difficult to get backing). This also indicates to me that most people won't vote for anyone that doesn't have a long list of endorsements unless there is another compelling reason (i.e. celebrity).

2) Most of the local media either ignored my campaign or published articles that were out of context. The media loves to label people, and for candidates that they don't like, they often use the ones that will generate the most negative connotations. ( I thought that the fact that I was the first Black man to EVER run for office in Mountain View might get at least a little positive press, but the media flat out refused to cover that part of my story )

3) Campaigns are designed for professional politicians or people with lots of free time. Many of the campaign events are scheduled during working hours, so if you have a full time job, you start out at a huge disadvantage.

4) Special Interest groups hate wildcards. If you are not a politician with a voting record or at least hundreds of published statements on issues, getting endorsements or donations from special interest groups is all but impossible. I made it a point to refuse any special interest funds during my campaign, but they made a point of spending over $200,000 to promote other candidates.

5) You have to be independently wealthy. The only way to overcome the first 4 issues I listed is to have your own money and a lot of it; otherwise your message will never get out and voters will be left only with the impression that your opponents and the press paint about you.

I did not write this to discourage anyone from running, but to point out what the barriers to entry are. I don't regret running and I learned more than I ever wanted to know about local politics. It also allowed me to add to my perspective of local government, the city, and my fellow residents and I consider myself fortunate to have had that opportunity.


Jim Neal
Old Mountain View

I wish I were independently wealthy so that I could back you Jim Neal. I deeply respect your positions and they way you conduct yourself, you are truly a gentleman.

Most residents of our city do not closely examine candidates. What happens is most people here will vote the way the Voice recommends.

Some people say that the Voice editorial board does not live in Mtn. View, this outside group does not follow any Transparency's rules that they demanded other outside group follow. They are not a "journalist news paper" but one with a political and social justice issues in where the Voice will endorse these radical candidates for council that will not view all residents with equal rights for everyone, but they will view groups of people as those who they can take away rights from then to give to another group.

It is my opinion only, but I believe that the Voice wants a "publishers council"?

I will not vote for Corners or Ramirez. You can bet the Voice will endorse them.

@ the truth. You have an interesting version.
We have two city-related elected agencies (of the state). The Council ( ) and the Board [of MVWSD]. It is obvious that the Council is a much harder goal to reach. With outside PACs supplying so much $$$,$$$ for state legislative races - we are now seeing this at the Council level. Why? Assessed Valuation of property is about $23 billion. (maybe). MV is not a little berg.

Jim Neal's posting is IMO, correct on a lot of points.
1) In the Council race - incumbency is also important [Board also]. But incumbency also means you 'have a record' Non-incumbents can use endorsements - to help their 'record on issues' if they only pursue endorsements by their political allies and this includes organizations. A long list? Maybe it just tells how long your Facebook friend list is!

4) If you do not have a public record - it is hard for organizations or the voters to understand you as a public policy maker (local legislator). Being 'smart' or well educated or interested in government is not enough (IMO). If your interests or issues align with an organized group that pools and gives campaign money - I think you are 'a bit crazy' to run for Council and not accept any. :)

5) It helps to be wealthy. Particularly for Council but also for Board. Filling fees, candidate statement (Council), and, at least some Voice advertising space and some inexpensive handouts and outside signs (MV's beloved 'public corners'!!!). This also applies to the time=$$ of running a successful campaign. 3) applies here. ALSO, you need the wealth of supporters! Precinct-walkers in particular.

3) 'this rag' I do not think a Voice endorsement makes or breaks any election candidate. Maybe it is good their editorial board is not 'just residents.' Get to know Novak (Council) or Forestieri [Board] even before you run. Let them know how you think - before they have to figure it out for themselves. What are your three big issues of Policy? What are your two or three big Governance issues. Give information to the Press - before they ask! Clarify to them if they really missed it, or if you are lucky that they 'got close'. Let them know with a complement when 'they nailed it'! "I like Ike!" (Pres. Eisenhower) is not real information. "I support 50% owned/housing zoning north of 101" is!

Jim Neil, I think you did a reasonable job on your run. I think the Voice covered you, correctly, as a 'best-goverment=least-goverment type. I think your comments in the Voice, helped clarify any misconceptions in the coverage, or your message that might have been slightly confusing.

Don't buy expensive 'election packages'. Inexpensive outdoor signs and inexpensive handouts/mailers. Large full color glossies - without much information? Please spare us all. Spare our recycling bins.