Misplaced loyalties?

I’ve been reading some disturbing quotes coming from our Mayor and certain council members. They make me wonder for whom they work, and ultimately where their loyalties lie.

Here’s a sampling from our Mayor, Patricia Mahan:

• “I'm a 49er faithful going back to John Brodie and Kezar Stadium" (Nov 9, 2006)

• “[T]hat's what it's all about: doing what's best for the 49ers and doing what's best for the fans." (June 19, 2007)

Really? I thought it’s all about doing what's best for Santa Clara residents and taxpayers. Does the Mayor’s “faithfulness” to the 49ers trump her responsibility to the city of Santa Clara?

Another quote, this time from council member Kevin Moore:

• “It's really good to have the 49ers eating at your restaurant. You know why? They spend a lot of money, eating a lot of food." (at Seniore's Pizza in June 2007)

As the KMA report proves, a more cost-effective use of the land would be Class A offiice project. Not only would this generate more taxes for the city, but an office building full of workers would spend more money … and eat more food, I guess, if that’s council member Moore’s standard for success. Do the 49ers eating habits really impact the economy in any significant way? I know they're big guys, but geez.

But this is potentially the most disturbing: Dominic Caserta is running for the California State Assembly, District 22. This district covers parts of Santa Clara, but also Cupertino, Los Altos, Mountain View, and Sunnyvale. Will council member Caserta attempt to curry favor with this larger electorate by having Santa Clara residents foot the bill for the rest of his district? I've heard from non-Santa Clara 49er fans who would love to have the 49ers in town. Even better if they don't have to pay for it!

Also, one wonders about the funding for his campaign. I wonder if the Yorks might be willing to fund an office seeker who so generously greased the skids for their corporate welfare project.

So Santa Clara City Council, let's see you represent the people who put you in office. And not by simple platitudes whereby you pretend to carefully weigh the pros and cons of a huge white elephant of a stadium. Do it by not giving a dime of our money to a business that can fund their own project itself.