January 9, 2007

From the Mayor’s Desk

Mayor Furtado looks at year ahead for Campbell

By Daniel E. Furtado, Mayor
Special to the Times

I want to thank my colleagues on the council for electing me to mayor this year. This is both an honor and a responsibility, and I will work diligently to represent both the council and staff and the citizens of our city to achieve our collective vision and goals.

Local government in California and in the country as a whole struggles to succeed in providing public services in the face of a slowly recovering economy, pre-emption by state and federal governments and imposition of unfunded mandates and ever changing demographics and challenges. These facts, of course, don’t excuse us from meeting our statutory obligations and responsibilities.

Among the projects we will be addressing over this next year will be proposed developments on Winchester Boulevard and at Rincon Avenue; an evaluation of the Campbell Avenue corridor from the railroad tracks to Bascom Avenue; and a discussion of the city-initiated Library Needs Assessment.

I am personally committed to our infrastructure needs, including both street and sidewalk maintenance and repair. Infrastructure needs are of concern to all Californians as evidenced by the recent passage of Propositions 1A-E. Hopefully, we in Campbell will realize some financial benefits from these bonds.

A high-level of city services, including our public safety, public works and recreation and community services has been the priority of the council over many years, and I know we on the council and the city staff remain committed to this goal. We have an outstanding city staff, who despite several vacancies due to budget constraints, continue to work exceptionally hard to meet our responsibilities. Both elected and appointed members of Campbell city government will work cooperatively to provide effective and efficient public services.

I plan to reach out to our residents and the business community for input and discussion as to how Campbell should evolve in the future. We need to take steps today to lay the groundwork for the kind of city we envision for tomorrow. I am available both in person and by electronic means to talk to anyone. I look forward to our continuing partnerships and liaison with our elementary and high school districts in meeting our collective and community responsibilities to children, teenagers and young adults.

Likewise, our association with other cities in Santa Clara County, our membership in the Association of Bay Area Governments, the League of California Cities and the National League of Cities will make us a better city and will ensure our voice is heard in planning the future of local government and preserving its rightful autonomy in delivering and managing local public services.

I look forward to serving as your mayor this year and hope you and your families have a Happy and Prosperous New Year.