☆ Advice to Mahan: Address the elephant in the room
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Contributors Gregg Dieguez and Lance Christensen recommend that Mayor Mahan discusses (reining in) gov’t bloat and inefficiencies in his State of the City address. Like unproductive churn on homelessness. Or—you guessed it—VTA. An Opp Now exclusive.
Gregg Dieguez, SHIFT-Bay Area sustainability director: I would like to hear his analysis/statement on the capital account deficits of the major infrastructure components of the city and related vital services (e.g., transit, water, sewer, power). His prior statement about issuing $20 Waymo/Uber passes for riders of VTA, instead of operating the agency, suggests a realization of the cost inefficiencies of operating inflexible, costly, bureaucratic systems when compared to more agile, affordable, and convenient (potentially autonomous) transit options. I hope and expect that part of his realization of those inefficiencies stems from understanding the outsized capital asset requirements of older transit models. But I'd like to hear an actual fiscal sustainability assessment, which I believe would guide important infrastructure decisions henceforth.
Lance Christensen, California Policy Center vice president of government affairs: San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley’s innovation, must harness its tech-driven spirit to thrive in the 21st century.
Mayor Mahan needs to champion a vision of a lean, transparent and accountable government that eschews bloat and empowers residents. Prioritizing secure neighborhoods, pristine public spaces, and a world-class education environment where parents can choose the best options for their children's academic achievement will draw families to the area for decades and accelerate economic growth. By fostering bold civic dialogue, he can dismantle stifling bureaucracy.
Californians crave city leaders who spark progress with audacious, practical strides toward a thriving, proud San Jose—a beacon of innovation, opportunity, and prosperity for all.
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