Daily Post Endorsement

Following the path blazed by the Daily Journal here, the Daily Post has endorsed Michael Brownrigg, Ann Keighran and Russ Cohen for B'game City Council.  The incumbents are both endorsed by Labor which always worries the Post, but it is convinced both have "demonstrated independence".  Necessity being the mother of independence in this case.  For the challenger pick of Russ Cohen, the Post notes

On Council (from 2005 to 2007) he opposed the Peninsula Avenue overpass project that would have resulted in the seizure of dozens of homes and businesses through eminent domain. ...we think Cohen will provide a balanced view between the push for high-density housing and the need to protect Burlingame's charm and livability.

It's not clear the San Jose Mercury Times will even do an endorsement this far north, so that may be the end of the endorsement story--a consensus among the two local editors.  I cannot say for sure it's the first time, but I also cannot recall it happening.  With absentee ballots about to arrive, many voters have what they need. 

Comments

[Mark]

So Daily Post, try this mental exercise: go back four years at each issue that was voted on for the city and pretend you are a developer voting a certain way or expressing certain opinions so as to help out your fellow developers. What does that record look like? Sadly, from what I can tell, it looks like Michael Brownrigg's. so much for 'independence'. This seems weird because as far as I can tell, Brownrigg has no developer buddies, which in some ways makes it even worse because you wonder what's in the kool aid. I can see Keighran making some independent decisions--despite family construction background-- and Cohen definitely has shown independence, which I personally think is what this city needs very badly.

I've also been hearing people regurgitating what the incumbents are saying, 'this council works so great together--vote for no change'. I'm sorry but what is this a groupthink rubber stamping committee where everyone likes to make easy decisions that everyone else agrees upon with no controversy? Alternative opinions are clearly not welcome, which is a shame because better decisions are arrived with dissenting opinions and where alternative views are freely expressed and encouraged .

The real breath of fresh air with rationally has been Cohen. Some of the other guys (Shinagle, Peceimer) have some alternative views, but don't seem to be articulated in a rational way, which isn't great either. That Peceimer mic grabbing and gas station sign shenanigans alone raises some eyebrows. And I thought the scariest part of Halloween in burlingame was the tricked out haunted houses.

[JROC]

"Ricardo Ortiz , who has a strong background in banking and finance, would strive for balance between revitalization and protecting the charm of Burlingame."
Daily Post

[J. Mir]

Frankly, I am getting tired of leadership that believes our world begins and ends with Burlingame Ave. I myself never spent more than 60 minutes there this year (and half of that was dropping/picking up my daughter). Parking is impossible and I can't buy anything non-digestible on the Ave for less than $20. As a Northside resident, who rents and does not live in the expensive termite-ridden properties near the Ave, I have noticed that Northside feels like a neglected child - look at the giant rusting hulk of a building on Trousdale, a perfect example of this mindset. I emailed the council again this year about the building and Brownrigg was the only one who directly responded (by email) to my concerns. I guess he'll get my vote just for that, but the point is that i'm still waiting for the candidate who says things like "I love the Northside! It's home to our only middle school, our 2 largest elementary schools (including a CA Distinguished School), 40% of our rental stock, the ever-awesome American Bull, and not to mention oh yeah MILLS PENINSULA, which is only the city's largest employer!" Still waiting...

[Not Helpful]

I cannot recall Ortiz ever talking about protecting our charming town. He's all about development or revitalization or growing revenue or being business friendly. While those are all good to a degree and who would disagree in moderation I think the newspaper is just repeating what he told them to be polite since he did not get their endorsement.

[Scooter]

I pretty much agree with Mark, this idea of a rubber stamping city council earning the approval of the press doesn't make any sense. I do like Peceimer though... and since Schinagel has no chance, I'd love to see Peceimer and Cohen get in there and really shake things up. A council not welcoming to debate needs major change, not just a little.