Pierluigi Oliverio
Pandora’s Box Was Opened Last Week
May 19, 2008, by Pierluigi Oliverio Comments (8)
City Hall Diary
In a prior blog I wrote about the “mystery” of closed session meetings. These meetings occur every Tuesday morning and cover real estate, litigation and labor negotiations. In addition, everything covered at the meetings is confidential. Last week, the city council voted to release a revision of a closed session memo for public distribution called “Confidential Legal Advice Related to Imposition of Appropriate Conditions in Land Use Approval.” This memo was released on May 16 so it could be shared with the general public and the development community.
Walk the Walk
May 12, 2008, by Pierluigi Oliverio Comments (28)
City Hall Diary
A few weeks ago, I wrote about my biggest regret as an elected official: my support last year of the unanimous vote that converted commercial property to residential on Lincoln Ave—820 units to be exact. Going forward, I will vote on what is best for San Jose and our future.
Socializing Under the Stars
May 05, 2008, by Pierluigi Oliverio Comments (19)
In a prior column, I wrote about taking advantage of the great San Jose weather by having events at City Hall Plaza or at the Circle of Palms. At last week’s city council meeting, there was an item that pertained to sidewalk cafes at night. I support outside settings and made a motion at the meeting proposing to extend hours at sidewalk cafes until 2 a.m. A majority of the council supported the motion.
Like Berkeley and Santa Cruz?
Apr 28, 2008, by Pierluigi Oliverio Comments (13)
City Hall Diary
Berkeley and Santa Cruz have a reputation of voting on proclamations or supporting causes that are outside their domains, such as the independence of Tibet, the genocide in Darfur, and federal issues like immigration or going to war. Topics like these are worthy of discussion on a blog, in person, or for our elected officials in Washington DC. However, is it the best use of time dealing with these at a level where you have limited influence instead of spending time on what you can really make an impact on? Like the “City” Council meetings?
Instant Runoff Voting (IRV)
Apr 21, 2008, by Pierluigi Oliverio Comments (13)
City Hall Diary
Recently, I attended the San Jose Elections Commission where Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) was on the agenda. (By the way, there are two unfilled seats waiting for SJ residents on this commission.) IRV was discussed, but the commission deferred the item for one year. The main reason for deferral was that to implement IRV would require a vote of the people to change the city charter. This in itself was not a worry; however, the cost for the city to put it on the ballot was viewed as bad timing, considering our current budget deficit.
Alcohol and Carrots
Apr 14, 2008, by Pierluigi Oliverio Comments (6)
City Hall Diary
Last Tuesday, the city council had two agenda items to vote on that would allow for applicants to sell alcohol: one for a Whole Foods grocery store and the other for a gas station.
One Year-One Regret
Apr 07, 2008, by Pierluigi Oliverio Comments (14)
City Hall Diary
The end of March marked my first anniversary as an elected official. As I reflect on my first year in public office, I am amazed at all the different topics I have been involved in as a councilmember. I am pleased that employees who work at companies like Cisco and Adobe are now allowed to volunteer in our parks and that the Rose Garden was adopted by volunteers. I am ecstatic that Coyote Valley has been shelved—for now. I am feeling positive about the evolution of residential towers downtown and saving our city money on technology. The council is making progress with balancing the budget and I enjoyed being part of the efforts of updating the traffic calming policy.
Fund Thyself
Mar 31, 2008, by Pierluigi Oliverio Comments (27)
A month ago I drafted a memo that would expand the city’s ordinance to allow Community Benefit Improvement Districts (CBID). This is not an original idea, nor is it cutting edge. In fact, it’s embarrassing that the City of San Jose didn’t jump on this opportunity sooner.
Viewing Past Performance and Future Needs When Voting
Mar 24, 2008, by Pierluigi Oliverio Comments (38)
The council meeting last Tuesday evening lasted until almost midnight. The council discussed and voted on the Mayor’s Budget Message, San Jose Medical Center and Mexican Heritage Plaza. I was happy to see the budget discussed at night so more people were able to attend.
Black, White and Grey
Mar 17, 2008, by Pierluigi Oliverio Comments (43)
Last week I wrote about exploring furloughs instead of layoffs to balance the budget. Part of my job is to come up with ideas/solutions to issues/problems. There are lots of departments in a city our size and lots of different opinions. What one department sees as black, another may see as white, and yet another, grey.
When it comes to the question of the December shutdown of City Hall (200 East Santa Clara), the reality is that it is not the same as a private sector shutdown where employees simply do not get paid regardless of accrued vacation hours.
About the Author
Pierluigi Oliverio represents District 6 on the San Jose City Council. His “City Hall Diary” appears on Mondays. He can be contacted at:
pierluigi.oliverio@sanjoseca.gov
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