he problems of tomorrow must be solved today. That’s what
well-regarded Santa Clara County Supervisor Don Gage told a room
filled with about 30 politicians, businessman and concerned
residents Wednesday.
By Cody McDevitt
Special to the Dispatch
Morgan Hill – The problems of tomorrow must be solved today. That’s what well-regarded Santa Clara County Supervisor Don Gage told a room filled with about 30 politicians, businessman and concerned residents Wednesday.
The supervisor was somber and serious, as well as funny at different points during the 45-minute speech at Mama Mia’s Ristorante Italiano in Morgan Hill. He discussed five, the solutions of which are his top priorities: financial stability; relations with fellow politicians at the state, local and federal level; transportation; housing; and homelessness. He believes the solutions will come from the people, not the politicians they elect.
“You have the power. People say, ‘I don’t vote because my vote doesn’t count.’ Well I say, ‘Don’t talk to me, I don’t care about you.’ They’re shocked when I say that,” Gage said before taking it back with, “I’m just kidding.”
Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce President Dan Ehrler, who invited the seasoned South County politician to speak, said about Gage’s local appearance: “He hasn’t spoken to the chamber in six years. We thought that since he’s going through his last term, it was important to hear his opinion on all these issues that are impacting the region. I’m glad we (invited him).”
Gage explained where the county’s funding came from to an audience that was generally familiar with the figures. Fifty-four percent comes from the state and federal government, while the rest comes mostly from houses being sold.
“If you don’t sell houses, we don’t get money. So get out there and do that,” he said to a chorus of laughter.
In addition to the problems brought on by a slow housing market, the state has not been helpful either.
“Every time the state sneezes, we get a nose bleed,” Gage said. “They try to suck all the money south, and they have the votes to do that.”
He also said that Highway 152 is the busiest truck road in the state. The heavy traffic combined with an increasing population compels him to support the use of buses and the addition of another track to the San Jose-Gilroy Caltrain ride. The latter project will begin in 2008, and will be finished by 2010.Â
“If you can’t get to work in a reasonable time, that’s not quality of life. If you’re sitting in your car, that’s a waste of time,” Gage said.
That view went over well with at least one person in the audience.
“From my current home to my office at Menlo Park, it’s two hours each way,” said Ken Roller, an employee at Sales Analysis Inc. “The service from Morgan Hill to San Francisco is terrific, it’s just very limited. It’s a great ride, but the convenience factor isn’t great. So as far as the dynamics of everyday life, it would be great if there were one train.”
As for selling public land to developers, Gage does not support it. He prefers leasing so the county can generate funds on a continual basis. He does not support spending so-called “one-time” money, which is any cash the government gets through thrift or sale, to balance the budget. Gage estimated the county will have a deficit of $200 million next year. It’s a fact that could bring about the elimination of many services, though Gage wouldn’t speculate on what could, or would, be sacrificed.
“If you sell that, then you get a one-time bundle of money. Once you spend that money, you can’t get any more because you already sold the land,” he said.
Despite the problems, Gage remained optimistic about the future.
“If you think outside the box, if you get creative, (solutions) will happen.”
