by Ruby Elbogen

Not sure how many people caught the zinger by Former Mayor, Orrin Mahoney at the last City Council Meeting:  “Yes, until you were elected we just gave away money to everyone who came before the City Council.”

High Five to Mahoney, and he said it with his usual good- natured style.

The discourse, or disgrace—depending upon one’s outlook on the reputation of the City Council honoring it’s obligations– came about as “You Know Who” made a big whoop about why he would not vote yes on a small detail regarding the previous Council’s vote to move the property line in an apartment complex deeding land TO the City for a park. In this particular vote, we were GETTING – NOT GIVING AWAY.

YKW, seemingly didn’t understand the subject and thought the City Council was giving away $400,000. What should have been a blip in the agenda taking 5 minutes, went on for the usual-Let’s drag it out to show everyone how smart I am, because I’m the “fiscal conservative” hour. Council Members—ALL 5 of you NEED to do your homework, or at the very least, ask the City Manager for a Cheat Sheet.  We promise, if you let him, Dave Knapp can make you look really smart on the issues coming up before you.

We are all going through difficult times during this downturn. However, if Cupertino is ever going to attract developers of projects, our “Leaders” have to show knowledge and good faith, not kick developers and businesses to the curb. Some of us are really sick and tired of all the banal rhetoric droning on for no apparent reason except for playing to the peanut gallery. Or in this case, how about some reason over rhyme, and not the other way round.