Letters: Boon for VTA | SJUSD accountability

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Gonot has been
a boon for the VTA

Re: “VTA needs new leader after BART debacles” (Page A8, June 9).

This editorial continues to ignore the causes of cost increases for BART Silicon Valley, much of which is a national trend, not necessarily VTA’s fault. The NHCCI, a construction cost index from the FHWA, shows nationwide transportation infrastructure costs rose 60% between Q2 2020 and Q3 2023. VTA’s cost is slightly above that, which is concerning, but they don’t control the economy or national cost trends.

Carolyn Gonot has been an incredible advocate at VTA for increased service, more effective community outreach and establishing a badly needed vision for the future. Yes, VTA has had transparency issues and should be criticized for them, but Gonot has consistently supported board efforts for increased transparency.

Gonot is also not the sole voice at VTA. She is the captain of a team, not the entire agency.

This editorial is misleading to the public and frustrating to those who understand the context.

Harry Neil
San Jose

Hold SJUSD to account
for mismanagement

San Jose Unified School District plans to place a bond measure on the November ballot. Despite having one child in SJUSD, my spouse teaching there and recognizing the need for additional funding, without prompt reforms, I’ll be voting no on the bond measure in November.

Since becoming a homeowner in SJUSD District 1 in 2013, there is nary an education bond measure I’ve not supported. My confidence in the district has been shattered. Reneging on a ratified raise for the teachers is outrageous. Their toxic, tyrannical, top-down management culture is driving away good teachers and families.

Rather than serving stakeholders, the board seems committed to covering for mismanagement and largely dismissing the stakeholders desperately seeking help. Accountability for mismanagement is overdue.

Christopher Webb
San Jose

Kounalakis has nothing
to show for time in office

Re: “Kounalakis’ wealth should not buy victory” (Page A6, June 12).

As Mark Barabak says in his piece regarding Eleni Kounalakis, a candidate’s wealth should not decide an election. This is especially important given that money may be the most noteworthy element of Eleni Kounalakis’ campaign.

Kounalakis has had ample time to make a real impact. Instead, her tenure as lieutenant governor has been muted, with journalists like George Skelton noting the lack of engagement.

In regard to the severe housing crisis facing the state, what has Kounalakis, the former president of her family’s real estate empire, had to say? Nothing, despite years of industry experience.

In regards to facing growing authoritarian trends, how does Eleni react? As shown by her Hungary ambassadorship: weakly.

Her political career is over a decade old; where are her accomplishments? As of now, her only political relevance is massive wealth at a time when Californians are struggling. That’s the opposite of what California needs.

Christopher Dooner
Sunnyvale

State must continue
to lead climate charge