March 16, 2006

City Hall Briefs

Vice mayor, council members propose Sunshine
Ordinance to rebuild public trust

Reforms propose greater access to public information, increased
neighborhood participation, and more government accountability

Vice Mayor Cindy Chavez, along with Councilmembers Linda J. LeZotte, Judy Chirco and Nancy Pyle, announced March 8 that they are proposing that the city adopt a “Sunshine” Ordinance to win back the public trust in their city government, which has been tarnished by a number of recent political scandals.

They said that the specific and practical reforms will provide clear lines of delineation, connect people to their government, and begin the process of rebuilding trust in San Jose’s government. Citing overwhelming support from neighborhood leaders and representatives, the council members are proposing reforms to provide information to the public sooner, require transparent and open decision making, and greater opportunities for public engagement.

“These reforms are an important first step,” Chavez said. “They recommit us to higher standards, open our process, and, most importantly, invite greater public participation.”

The four council members developed these proposals in consultation with residents and neighborhood leaders from across the city. Highlights of the proposals include adding time for the public to review expenditures over $1 million, providing citywide budget hearings for greater public input, and publishing all public record requests online.

“San Jose has always had a tradition of community involvement,” explains LeZotte. “In fact, the four of us all began our careers working as community activists, however, programs like the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative have empowered our neighborhoods like never before and we are simply responding to their requests for a greater voice in their government.”

The Rules committee sent the proposal to the full council and will be heard at the March 21 evening council session. The evening session was chosen to provide opportunity for greater public comment.

“We are releasing these proposals nearly two weeks in advance,” said Chavez, “to provide the public ample opportunity to review them and contribute. This is about a government of windows, not doors.”

Councilmembers Pyle and Chirco have often voiced concerns over receiving late memos and have offered reforms geared specifically toward making important information available to the Council and the Public as soon as possible. “It is a concern I have voiced the entire time I’ve been on the Council,” said Chirco “Come to find out, I’m not alone … our constituents don’t like it much either.”

This is the first step in the process of changing the way business is done at City Hall, but it will take some stamina and leadership. “I ran for Council, because I wanted to shake things up a little and help make the city more responsive to our neighborhoods,” recounted Pyle. “I’m committed to the road we’ve started down and am excited about the opportunities it will provide for people to get more involved in our city government.”

Chamber’s political action committee endorses
Michael Mulcahy for mayor

The San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (COMPAC) Board of Trustees announced their endorsement of Michael Mulcahy for mayor last Friday.

The announcement came after two days of candidate interviews, followed by in-depth discussions and a two-thirds majority vote for Mulcahy.

“This is a new beginning,” said Mike Fox, chair of COMPAC and former Chamber president. “We need new leadership and Michael Mulcahy is the one to take our city and region to the next level.”

COMPAC’s decision to support Mulcahy was based on a number of issues, including:

He is a proven businessman who will put his management expertise to work restoring the local economy.

He proved he could turn around a struggling organization when he took charge of the San Jose Children’s Musical Theater and provided the leadership that has made it one of the most vibrant and successful theater companies in the state.

He has the vision and strength of character to bring San Jose’s many diverse groups and communities together.
He does not have the political baggage that may undermine his leadership and prevent a bold vision for San Jose.

“Michael Mulcahy has just the right combination of skills to lead San Jose and he has the independence it will take to reform our city government,” said Bill Baron, 2005 Chamber chair.” He is our choice to restore the economy and return this government back to the people.”

Pat Dando, President and CEO of the Chamber notified the five leading candidates—Chuck Reed, Cindy Chavez, David Cortese, David Pandori and Mulcahy of the decision Friday afternoon.

“It is an understatement to say that Michael was pleased by the support and confidence that this endorsement signals,” said Dando. “COMPAC consists of members that represent all sectors of the business community, from high-tech to mom and pop. Although this is diverse representation, we have one thing in common. We share Michael’s vision to make San Jose one of the best cities in the nation.”

In a statement late Friday afternoon, Mulcahy said he was looking forward to working with business leaders and a broad coalition of community representatives in an effort to unite San Jose, build a strong economy and reestablish greater trust in city government.

“I am tremendously honored by this endorsement from COMPAC,” he said. “My background is in business and civic leadership, not politics. That’s why I think I am the right person to lead the effort to reform our government and make sure decisions are made in public, not behind closed doors. This vote of confidence is a tremendous boost to our campaign to create a strong economy and a responsive city government.”

According to Dando, some of the most successful mayors in the nation have proven that it is not necessary to come from a political background or have political experience to run the city.

“We feel Michael is the fresh face the city of San Jose needs to move forward,” she said.

Kim Roberts named interim director of Valley Health and Hospital System

County Executive Pete Kutras announced on Monday the appointment of Kim Roberts as interim executive director at Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System (SCVHHS), effective March 20.

Roberts will replace outgoing Executive Director Robert Sillen, who has been selected to serve as receiver for the California prison medical system.

Roberts has served as the chief financial officer of the Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System for nearly nine years. In her current position, Roberts oversees the SCVHHS finance, information systems, compliance and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

“Kim is one of the key executives in the Valley Health & Hospital System,” said County Executive Pete Kutras.

“She has acted as the system’s director during Sillen’s absences and I’m confident that she will provide effective leadership.”

Prior to working for the County, Roberts held various financial and management positions in the field of health care, including associate director of Hospital and Clinics and assistant director of Finance for Financial Planning Chief Financial Officer at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center, where she was employed for 10 years. Roberts holds a master of health administration degree from Duke University and a bachelor of science degree from University of California, Irvine.

“We have such a creative and enthusiastic team here,” said Roberts. “I am delighted and honored to contribute to the leadership and stewardship of our premier public health care system.”

The $1.5 billion Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System represents a third of the county’s budget with 6,000 employees (full-time equivalent) is comprised of seven departments—Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Public Health Department, Mental Health Department, Department of Alcohol & Drug Services, Community Outreach Services, Valley Health Plan, and Children’s Shelter and Custody Health Services.

The county executive will retain an executive search firm in April to begin the search for an executive director. Roberts has indicated that she will not be a candidate for the post. Her interests and strengths are in managing finance and information technology—critical to the ongoing success of the Health & Hospital system.

“The recruitment process will be inclusive and involve community and internal stakeholders to ensure that we find a candidate committed to our vision for Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System,” Kutras said. “We will be looking for a leader to maintain the existing standard of excellence.”