Earlier this week, we released a statement urging the San José City Council to fill the Council vacancies for District 8 and District 10 by appointment, allowing voters to choose their representatives in the upcoming regular election cycle.
We need your voice advocating for an appointment process at the Council meeting this coming Monday, December 5, at 5pm.
Voters passed Measure B this June because San Jose residents overwhelmingly believe that democracy is best served when more people vote, not fewer. It’s time once again to take a stand for greater representation and participation and against low turnout elections.
Filling the vacancies by appointment would ensure that residents in District 8 and District 10 have continuity of representation, and that the new council can get to work on pressing priorities such as homelessness, public safety, and filling almost 1000 city vacancies.
The alternative would be to waste upwards of $10 million on a low-turnout, special election dominated by developers and other wealthy interests and voters who do not fully represent the residents of the districts.
Politicians shouldn’t choose who gets to vote for them by scheduling an election at a time when they know that many voters, busy with the struggles they face in their daily lives, won’t vote.
Let’s get to work. Tell Council to approve a thorough and transparent process to fill the vacancies for the duration of the term and to focus city time and resources on what’s important, good jobs, safe communities, clean streets, and neighborhood investments.
Speakers Needed – Monday, December 5th
Time: 5:00pm
Location: Hybrid
Speak in person at San Jose City Hall (200 East Santa Clara Street) or via Zoom.
Zoom Link: https://sanjoseca.zoom.us/j/88957084529
Ways you can help:
1) Call and email members of the San Jose City Council this week asking for an appointment process for the completion of the terms.
2) Speak at the December 5th special meeting.
3) Ask others to call or write their members of the San Jose City Council or to speak on Dec 5.
4) Write a letter to the editor or a social media post urging the Council to fill the vacancies by appointment
Regards, Bill James
Santa Clara County Democratic Party Chair
