Our neighbors' opinion on the mayorship
Many wrote to us on the topic of Rishi’s mayorship denial. Here are a few emails we have received:
I've never been to a council meeting and have not been involved in Saratoga politics, but in the past year my husband and I have become increasingly more aware -Â and more active in voicing our opinions -Â around local water issues and high density projects because of the outstanding efforts you've made to raise light on these issues and rally your constituents with specific calls to action.Â
Despite the frustrating mayoral "election" process and disappointing results, please know your actions to fight on behalf of the residents of Saratoga as well as your proactive engagement and level of communication are greatly appreciated and respected by so many members of this community.
Keep up the great work!
***Shelley McNary
​​Truly shameful that of all our City Council folks, you do the most for us yet are being denied! UNBELIEVABLE!!!!
***Donna FrankelÂ
Wow! This is ridiculous.Â
Maybe they should have a mayor elected by the voters and then you would win.
***L Chao
Sorry to hear this.
Alas we are not able to solve this problem - locally here. I wonder why.Â
Hope you are staying positive. You are meant for bigger and greater things.
***Arindam
Rishi, Just read your ND entry about the Saratoga City Council's distasteful behavior. It's really sad that there is a "mini-swap" right here.
I first met you in person about 10 years ago at some kind of technical gathering in downtown SJ. I've followed and supported many of your efforts including fighting the SJ water company. I'm happy to continue to proofread things you write that might make a difference for our community.
Politically I'm an independent choosing to vote for the "best" person for the office. During the last two decades if my memory serves me, I have tried to vote in every election. You're the only Democrat I've voted for in that period because you're a rare person of substance and purpose. I wish you the very best in your quest for taking on the DC swamp. You'll have my vote. (Are you really sure this is something that you want?)
*** Ed Katz
Thanks for this email and for the previous one regarding your story. I am always impressed by talented immigrants coming here, working hard within what has become a very open system, and achieving great success. You are to be congratulated for that and also for wanting to give back in public service. You have also been the most visible politician in Saratoga, reaching out to all of us as voters with news, listening to our concerns, and working to address them. No other council member has done that. I thank you for that.
What you are experiencing goes beyond pettiness. You have run and are running against Anna Eshoo, a member of the local party establishment. You are a threat to her and them and their power, especially because you get things done, rather than just talking about them. That is the reason our local assemblyman and a member of the Santa Clara board of supervisors stayed up to 2:30 in morning to make sure you did not become mayor last time. These, by the way are I believe, are among the same people supporting SB9 and greater housing density with a larger population, while doing nothing the create the infrastructure in terms of water and power supply and highways to support it and in general ignoring those who live here. It is dystopia in the making, as such people have created in SF, where I lived for many years.
How does this happen? It is apparent to me that the one party system is to blame. With no competition, politician feel no need to address the concerns of voters and instead serve their own interests and the interest of their government constituencies. They rule, they do not serve the people.
With appreciation,
*** Hobey Birmingham