Readers share thoughts on connecting the local political dots,
closing the achievement gap, the Islamic center proposal and a
moldy eminent domain vote
Mayoral Candidate and Proud Stepson of an Independent Thinker
Dear Editor,
A few days ago, Erwin Boggs wrote in a letter to the editor, “Let’s connect the dots … there is one particular person who rarely has anything other than caustic comments leveled at our mayor, Al Pinheiro, and the City Council … with one exception … People should know you (Jim Brescoll) are Greg Gartman’s step-father so when they read what you write they can keep that in mind.”
Let me tell you about my stepfather. He is a very proud man who wants to speak out when he sees things that he feels are not right. Jim has always been involved with politics. One of Jim’s good friends is John Vasconcellos whom he supported and helped to get elected to state assembly back in the ’60s. Jim also worked for State Sen. Leroy Green for many years.
Growing up around Jim definitely influenced my political views, so it should be no surprise that some of Jim’s letters concur with my positions on certain issues.
However, Jim has also written on subjects blasting all of council, including me, as well as other issues pertaining to the GUSD Board of Trustees, Measure I, Gilroy’s Economic Incentive Program, and former Mayor Tom Springer to name just a few.
He has that right and I would never influence him not write something just because I disagree with him. I DO NOT tell him what to write nor does he tell me how I should vote on council.
In addition, in 2003, Jim made public the fact that he is related to me by marriage in a letter to the editor stating, “For the readers – Craig Gartman is my stepson. He did not ask/suggest/order/demand I write this letter nor does he know/direct what I write on any issue.”
Secondly, Mr. Boggs wrote, “Mr. Brescoll, you must have nothing to do other than sit under that negative dark cloud spewing negativity time after time.”
Well, Mr. Boggs, Jim has multiple sclerosis which has confined him to a wheelchair for the last 15 years. When it sometimes takes up to two hours to get out of bed, then one might expect Jim to live under a dark cloud. However, even though he struggles, he still has the heart and desire to speak his mind and I have nothing but the greatest admiration for him.
By the way, I was wondering why recently Al Pinheiro called me to confirm if my stepfather is James Fennell or James Brescoll – it makes one think that maybe there are more dots to connect.
Finally, my name is CRAIG Gartman not “Greg Gartman.”
Craig Gartman, candidate for mayor and proud stepson of James Brescoll
Refreshing to Read Column Supporting the Islamic Center
Dear Editor,
It was delightfully refreshing to read this article after many baseless anti-Muslim articles that had appeared on the opinion page.
I really appreciated Sal Akhter’s efforts to provide factual data in support of his arguments.
Islam is the fasting growing religion in America and just like the African American and Jewish communities before us, Muslims are here to stay and contribute towards this society. Cordoba Project is one such attempt of serving the broader community in the long run.
Thanks for publishing this guest column.
Mohammad Azizuddin, Morgan Hill
Motion to Establish Closing Gap was Approved by All
Dear Editor,
At its Sept. 20th meeting, the School Board adopted multiple district-wide goals to focus on in the next three years.
At this meeting, the Board unanimously supported my motion to include as one of its goals developing specific strategies for closing the achievement gap by accelerating the learning of two subgroups, English Language Learners and socioeconomic students (students living in low-income households).
Dispatch Staff Writer Christopher Quirk misrepresented this action in his article entitled “Gap Divides School Board” published on Sept. 26. He incorrectly wrote that the board did not approve the list of goals, but rather directed the superintendent to return to the board with a fuller definition of what the achievement gap is and to vote on a final list of goals at a later board meeting.
This was simply not the case. Having made the motion and reviewed the discussion, I was very clear to include “closing the achievement gap” as a goal and we directed the superintendent to create a timeline for accomplishing the districtwide goals that were adopted.
As our community’s only newspaper, the Dispatch has a duty and obligation to report the facts with due diligence. I look forward to working with the entire board, the superintendent and the district’s stakeholders to accomplish the recently approved goals. I invite you to join in our effort to address the achievement gap facing our district by attending a study session on Thursday, Oct. 4 at 6pm at the GUSD district office.
Javier Aguirre, GUSD Board Member
An Answer to Complaint About Eminent Domain
Dear Editor,
This letter responds to that of Alan Viarengo, concerning the city’s acquisition by eminent domain of the closed Chinese restaurant for the new Arts and Cultural Center in the 7300 block of Monterey Street.
Mr. Viarengo, as you may remember, you initiated a phone call when the process began between Mr. Dong and I when I was on the City Council. Mr. Dong said he wished to sell, but wanted $450,000 for the property. I was glad to hear via that phone conversation with him that the property WAS for sale, and all we were talking about after that was the price.
At the time, the initial appraisal came in at $79,000, and then when council decided that was ridiculously low, the appraiser upped his appraisal at our direction and came back with a revised estimate of $97,000. Negotiation is part of the process in real estate, Mr. Viarengo. We as a council liked to save as much as anyone when buying derelict buildings.
Then we ran head on into California law. According to the City Attorney, we were forbidden by state law from paying much over the appraisals we had, because previously, paying far over the appraisal price in California was occasionally used as a bribe. Also, we were expending public funds, so caution was advised.
Mr. Dong was quoted in this paper in a news article published on Feb. 13 2004 as saying “I don’t cheat the city. After the city pay(s) me the fair price, I (will be) happy.” Further, in that same story, the reporter also wrote that “He also said he knows that other restaurants downtown recently have sold for around $250,000′” as well as “In a letter to the city, Dong said he thinks his property is worth between $380,000 and $410,000.”
So, the matter went to court. The appraiser in the action, who is appointed by the judge in eminent domain lawsuits, said the property was worth $330,000, which we paid, as well as a relocation allowance of $50,000, for a total of $380,000, $130,000 more, according to Mr. Dong, than like restaurants (presumably open for business) were priced. Transfer of the property may also have had important tax breaks for Mr. Dong because the property was taken by eminent domain.
I thought at the time (and still do) that the Arts and Cultural Center will make a fine anchor to the southern end of the continuing renovation of our formerly dilapidated downtown, which you opposed in print.
In closing, given the quotes above from Mr. Dong, I believe he should be happy with the result, Mr. Viarengo. Why aren’t you?
Robert T. Dillon,
candidate for City Council, Gilroy
