When you find out that a company or trade union has donated hundreds, or thousands, of dollars to a candidate's campaign, how do you ever know what sort of obligation that elected official might feel towards that donor, once it comes time to vote on their project or contract?

How can they be trusted to put their constituents' interests first? This represents a real problem in our democracy. If donating money to politicians didn't "work", I doubt you'd see so much of it.

In the article above, you can see that five candidates raked in thousands of dollars, each, from different local businesses, and employee or trade groups, political action funds, etc, just in the last filing period.

To the best of my knowledge, neither Lucas Ramirez nor Kacey Carpenter have taken any such money. This is, in my opinion, a highly laudable ethical position. I hope voters reward them for taking the high road.

I, also, turned down such donations when they were offered. It's not easy to turn down a donation when mailers cost thousands of dollars, but I would rather not have the money with its strings attached.

Many people express worry about Citizens United. But here, right in our own city, companies and unions are buying influence, helping elect councilpeople favorable to their financial interests.

Let the voter beware.

It has been an honor to participate in the Mountain View City Council election this year! With only 6 days to go, you will see me door knocking over the final few days! I did not send a single mailer because it is wasteful and really symbolic of what is wrong in our elections today.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the Mountain View Town Halls and Debate Forums especially with Greg Coladonato providing so many great new ideas for City Council. Greg does his homework, has many useful solutions with public-private partnerships, and really is a supportive member of our community.

Also it is that I have not, will not, and won't ever take $$$ from special interest groups. All my donations come from individual volunteers averaging $27 bucks!

I cannot support Lucas Ramirez any more than I already have learning from him about the specific policies and meeting so many of the young democrats, Measure V, and community volunteers who understand he is indeed a very unique candidate among the 8 of us!

I hope no matter the outcome, the next city council will bring forward Public Campaign Financing to Mountain View with only small donations ($27 bucks max sounds about right) and if the special interest groups would like to invest in our community, we would appreciate contributions to Mountain View programs and services in particular those helping the least abide to afford high and rising cost of living in Mountain View.

Be sure to VOTE! This election is so very important at the local, regional, state and national levels.

During the past year, I travelled to 11 states to help get out the vote and in the past 3 months have travelled across Mountain View neighborhoods. The best outcome for me is not if I win or lose but when all the people vote.

#LetsBuildOurFutureTogether
#Carpenter4MountainView

I think it is a very good sign that ( so far ) it appears that the dark money has stayed out of the campaigns. I have no doubt that the last time, it had a significant impact on the results of the election and put those candidates that did not benefit from the hundreds of thousands of dollars that were spent at a huge disadvantage,

I personally chose not to accept any endorsements from any individuals or groups that could have been considered special interests, but I also do not think that accepting such endorsements necessarily means that a candidate will be beholden to them. I would suggest that people instead take a very close look at the candidates records and view their council and/or committee videos (if available) to see how they have handled issues involving those special interests in the past. Were they fair? Did they listen to the community's concerns? Do they show a sense of empathy? Did they explain their decision making process or were they merely driving an agenda? In my opinion, these are far more important factors.

I am also very glad to see that this time, the Mountain View Voice is allowing the candidates to more freely express their opinions and as far as I can tell, has treated them all fairly. I think it is important that the Voice noted that Lucas has attended almost all the City Council meetings because it shows at the very least that he has worked hard to make himself aware of the issues in the city and how the Council deals with them. During the last campaign, that aspect was completely ignored by the media.

Lastly, I would highly recommend that people list the top 3 most important issues they are concerned about in Mountain View and then look very closely at the record of the candidates on handling/addressing those issues and vote accordingly. The more informed people are about their representatives, the better representation we will have in the end.


Jim Neal
Old Mountain View

Not a candidate for City Council, but I have never seen such a flood of glossy mailers as from another local campaign. I get one or two almost every day, and I even got five in one day some weeks ago. An recent oversize mailer touts the candidate's 100% commitment to renewables - rather a tone-deaf use of resources. Assuming this tidal wave is swamping your mailbox as well, you know who I am talking about: State Assembly candidate Marc Berman apparently has vast supporting resources and no restraint. It really raises a question about the judgment (let alone the bucks) behind such a lopsided effort.

Whether or not I deem him the candidate for whom I vote, I am insulted at the barrage. Perhaps you can't over communicate in a campaign, but does it come to this?

As the election is soon approaching, I, have had the honor and opportunity to personally discuss with each of you the following: Why are you running for City Council? What areas of the City and the agenda are you passionate about? It was very interesting to hear the diverse answers that each of you gave me. I, really appreciate the time you took to tell me about yourselves and the motivation and new ideas you have regarding the improvements and concerns for all residents in Mountain View.
There is 1 Big concern for All persons residing or working in the City of Mountain View. I raised the question to those I spoke with. It was in regards to the RV Dwellers.
I, Would like to 1st and for most Thank each of you regarding your concerns and sharing your thoughts and upcoming plans.
I, know many residents are not happy with the situation regarding the RV dwellers. I would like to take the opportunity to share What I personally know about those RV Dwellers.

1st) 30% of the RV Dwellers are Seniors.

2nd) 30% are Children, who do attend school or are under the age of 5.

3rd) 40% are Good hardworking adults, I have not met one person who works for Google.

I would like to take this opportunity to address and bring awareness to the following issues that the RV Dwellers face on a day to day basis.

Are the candidates and/or citizens aware of a how the RV Dwellers are treated by local Law Enforcement?

Let me, address that important issue: The RV Dwellers are ticketed or towed on a regular basis. Tne tickets are for VC 22651 and if you look up the Law regarding VC 22651 that section does not apply to the RV Dwellers. The ticket is $80.00.
Most RV Dwellers can not afford the $80.00 as they struggle to put food on the table and try to make a normal life for their families.

It's very sad to see the living conditions especially the children in which they live in.

There is no grass, it's all dirt. The rat infestation during the day and night is very disgusting. The Dirt is toxic and has made seve City thinks it's due to the RV Dwellers being messy.

For the most part, the RV Dwellers are clean, you do have exceptions, but, as a self governing community they are aware and they do make it a point to personally address any cleanliness issues amongst eachother.

It would be nice to see if the City taxpayers could take a moment to stop by and meet this diverse,self governing community group of respectful people and children.

It would be nice for people when they stop by to check on the Seniors in this self governing community and check on them and the health needs they may have.

My heart goes out to the RV Dwellers. Please take the time to get to know them. After all, they are Human Beings, they have their struggles just like everyone else. Some more than others when their vehicles have been towed away for no reason and they are forced further hardships with transportation, employment, Doctor appointments, grocery shopping and the normal day to day living that everyone else is afforded that is not a solotion it's only further revenue for the City in which the RV Dwellers do not benefit from.

It's not a solution!

The Police Department Don't Care and that is a fact and that is what the RV Dwellers are told.

With those Concerns that I have addressed, I ask all of you What Solutions have Your Elected or Appointed City Officals taken to help those in need.

The reality is Without The RV Dwellers there would be no additional income for the City of Mountain View to collect for the benefit of the renters and home owners,

Just something to think about!

I have a flyer from Margaret Abe Koga. It has pictures of Margaret with uniformed Mountain View Firefighters. Isn't this a violation of city policy?

Margaret Abe-Koga was a council member for 8 years in the past. She must surely have a store of old photos with happy police and happy residents and happy kids. Perfectly legit to re-use them now!

To me, the issue with MAK is, do you want to re-use and recycle her policies? She has experience, which comes with a clear voting record. She has a clear 'advocacy' record for the VTA's Bus Rapid Transit dedicated bus lanes ASAP down El Camino.