Editor,Â
The democratic process is under serious attack in Belmont, and Deniz Bolbol is needed on the City Council to help restore it to health. Our council votes in lockstep on major issues and ignores those who disagree with them. Not only does it ignore other viewpoints, it actively suppresses them by failing to discuss them or explain them in the minutes of meetings. Deniz promises to be responsive to all residents, and give voice to those who have been shut out.
Disdain for citizen input has been recently expressed on nextdoor.com by Councilman Charles Stone, who said: “Direct democracy is a real problem in California,” and expressed that elected representatives should be trusted to do what’s best for citizens. However, we don’t elect dictators, and citizen input should always be welcomed and respected. In addition, this current council has taken a number of actions to limit transparency; including approving sanitized “action” minutes for council and committee meetings, with few details of comments by the public; refusing to video or audio record meetings of some committees; and allowing changes to the rules for council meetings to limit public input. In contrast, Deniz has made transparency in city government one of her top priorities. Failing to elect Deniz will send an unfortunate message to the council that it is okay to continue ignoring and suppressing other points of view. I’m voting only for Deniz. Please see her fact check videos on deniz4belmont.com for shocking examples of fake news by the incumbents.
Tim Strinden
Belmont
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(12) comments
Haha! "Fake news." Did you seriously just take a line from the Trump playbook to promote your candidate?
Well, that answers my question about showing class...
She will definitely get my vote. Not taking away from any accomplishments of the current council, but I'm not a fan of voting slates. They're not a good thing. I don't think one person with alternative views is going to be the demise of Belmont. Out of the box thinkers are important. I certainly hope the council shows some class when Deniz gets elected and calls off their dogs who are trying to discredit her.
That's some pretty strange logic. If the incumbents are doing good things (which they are) and get along well with each other (which they do), why would you add a contrarian with a record of divisiveness and terrible policy ideas into the mix? No thanks.
Yes to Mates, Stone and Lieberman instead!
Call off their dogs? That's classy. Classy projection. Sigh!
When my family moved to Belmont in 2002, it was in bad shape. I did not realize the problem until Crystal Springs Uplands School wanted to build on Davis Drive, and there was such an uproar. The NIMBYS were crying that the school would lead to the "Destruction of Belmont". It was nuts! Thankfully, the late Eric Reed stepped in and got on the council. Then came Charles Stone, Davina Hurt, Doug Kim. I think they have all worked well together and Belmont has made great progress on many issues locally and regionally. However, it is very apparent that Charles Stone, Warren Lieberman and Julia Mates will get my families vote. They have done a ton of volunteer work for the city!! When others are working 13 hour days, six days per week. BTW, thanks for passing Measure I the roads finally are getting paved!!! I never want Belmont going back to the way it used to be..it was toxic.
Simply put: Deniz Bolbol is the only candidate for Belmont City Council that has not accepted any money from special interest groups, PACs, etc. She has not sought out endorsements from elected officials either. She is totally independent.
If one looks at the women running for elected positions today across America, they are a new breed, far more independent and not a function of special interests.
Times a changing folks! Let's hope this continues.
Very insightful analysis coming from the journalism department at Carlmont High — http://scotscoop.com/op-ed-dont-let-rhetoric-trump-reason-in-belmont/.
Thank you, the old ABC crowd is behind Bobol. Coralin Feierbach, Kristen Mercer, Joe Brennan, Michael O'Neill, Tran Tran. Belmont don't be fooled. Vote Charles Stone, Warren Lieberman and Julia Mates! Every vote counts!
The "Old ABC crowd" happens to be the group that created the two referendums which essentially stopped the Mansionisation of our pretty city. Super sized 6000 sq ft houses on lots is what Stone, Lieberman and Mates had voted for. Also larger secondary units to boot.
Look at what they just recently voted for our downtown: 4-5 stories throughout our down town.
And the final frosting on the cake? Two hit pieces and the three candidates signed a pledge not to send out anything negative.
More Trumpian stuff coming on Monday?
Here's hoping there are enough Belmont voters who can see what's going on, and whose votes will keep Bolbol off the City Council.
@JCS, do you know if, and how far & wide, that column is being seen/published? It would be great for it to be in the Daily Journal. Important info for voters to know.
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