No on Campbell Union’s Measure P bonds

At their Oct. 17 meeting, the CUHSD board (with Linda Goytia and Aine O’Donavan dissenting) made a controversial move by approving a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) with the Building Trades Council. This decision was made while voters are currently deciding on a $474 million bond measure, which will be significantly impacted by the PLA.

The PLA mandates that 50% of bond projects go to union contractors, impacting competitive bidding and contrary to the approach that led to the success of the 2016 Measure AA program.

This vote marks a shift for the board majority who now appear to be motivated by politics rather than their responsibility to the community they serve.

Despite evidence that PLAs can increase project costs by 10-20%, the labor-backed board majority pushed forward.

Voters should know that the CUHSD board can no longer be trusted to be good fiduciaries of taxpayer dollars. Vote no on Measure P.

— Stacey Brown San Jose

Elect Boyarsky judge in Santa Clara County

I’m writing to express my support for Jay Boyarsky for Superior Court judge. I have two reasons:

First, Jay’s the only candidate in this race to be endorsed by Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte.

At SJSU, where I teach, many students are extremely anxious over possibly losing their reproductive rights. I therefore support PPGenAction SJSU, our student organization affiliated with Planned Parenthood Mar Monte. And it’s one reason I support Jay.

Second, I’ve known Jay since 2006, when he served as prosecutor on a vehicular manslaughter case involving the death of a good friend of mine. Throughout this tragedy, I was deeply moved by how Jay remained committed to legal procedure while also being genuinely compassionate toward the victim’s family.

Today, Jay is still that same caring, committed public servant. That’s why I wholeheartedly support him for judge.

— Karin Jeffery Mountain View

Keep your eye on local races Nov. 5

The presidential race is receiving the majority of coverage from news outlets and social media, which is understandable given the stakes. However, I urge voters not to ignore the local and statewide elections and ballot measures.

One could argue that these elected officials, propositions and measures have more impact on our daily lives than even the presidency.

Important issues such as crime, education, homelessness and taxes are handled at the city, county and state levels. Voters need to do their research and, as much as possible, decipher what each initiative and candidate represents. (I find that looking at who endorses or is against a particular proposition or candidate helps me determine how I will vote.)

Who runs our country is an extremely critical decision that we all have to make, but let’s not overlook the rest of the ballot. This November, exercise your right to vote.

— Ted Glogovac San Jose

Elect Campos to S.J. City Council

Pamela Campos is the leader San Jose’s District 2 needs. She has spent her career working for the neighborhoods she grew up in.

Pamela knows public safety, homelessness, schools, safety, transportation and the economy require residents, labor, businesses and elected officials to collaborate.

Compare candidate websites. Campos fills hers with community priorities, policies needed and paths that ensure vital business districts and vibrant neighborhoods.

Campos chairs a regional body reporting to MTC (Metropolitan Transportation Commission) on matters of transit, housing, economy, environment and the homeless. She makes the connection from neighborhood to city to regional problems, understanding how solutions are funded.

Campos is the candidate fighting for her residents. Vote for Pamela Campos for San Jose City Council District 2.

— Randi Kinman, San Jose

Elect Duong supervisor in Santa Clara County

As someone who had the honor of serving the people of Santa Clara County District 3 for twelve years (1996-2008), I am closely following the current race for District 2. I have endorsed both candidates as they are both competent and could do an excellent job as county supervisor.

However, I believe that Betty Duong is the better candidate because she had the benefit of already working for the county of Santa Clara for over 10 years, including currently serving two years as the chief of staff for the position she is seeking.

Please vote for Betty Duong.

— Pete McHugh Milpitas