February 6, 2007

StreetTalk

by Carol Rosen

What were your thoughts when news broke about San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom’s affair with Ruby Rippey Tourk, the wife of his top aide? Has this changed your opinion of him as mayor? Do you think he should resign?
(Asked at Kirkwood Plaza)

“I don’t think he should resign, he’s doing a good job working hard on lots of problems. I’m sad and disappointed [by his behavior]. But it’s more of a personal issue. I feel disappointed because he seems like one of the good guys and what he did wasn’t such a good thing.”

Rayme Wells, 30ish
Campbell / Instructional aide


“I thought ugh, but at least he’s better looking than Ron Gonzales. This hasn’t changed my mind about him at all—he’s still a Democrat. And, I don’t think he should resign.”

Dan Sisson, 56
San Jose
Financial consultant


“My first thought was ‘big deal.’ No, it hasn’t [changed my opinion]. I think that people in the position of power make mistakes. If Bill Clinton can get away with it, why shouldn’t Gavin Newsom? I like Bill Clinton’s work. No, he shouldn’t resign. He made a mistake, he admitted it and came out and apologized.”

Shirley Herold, 66
Saratoga / Retired


“Too bad he had to apologize. I have no problem [with what he did]. It bothers me that he has to apologize for a problem between him and another guy. He didn’t do anything illegal and he didn’t do anything immoral in my opinion. He absolutely should not resign and it absolutely hasn’t changed my opinion of him.”

Curt Blanding, 63
Campbell
Electrical engineer


“It surprised me. I thought it was weird that it was his friend. As long as it doesn’t affect us, I have no problem with it. It’s his personal life; it should be separate. No it hasn’t changed my opinion of him, and no he shouldn’t resign."

Cori Stephens, 44
Campbell
Payroll/HR manager


“He’s human, it happens. I understand he was going through a divorce and that she was flirting with him. She is his friend’s wife. I don’t believe in cheating—marriage is sacred. Yes, he should resign. Public officials are held to a higher standard. He messed up, he should step down.”

Elizabeth Edelstein, 22
Campbell / Yahoo


"Unfortunately, it’s just par for the course. It seems like people in high power situations can do what they want and then apologize for it. As long as they apologize, it’s acceptable. But it shouldn’t be tolerated. I have mixed feelings about his resignation. If that’s what he’s like in his personal life, then how will he behave as a leader?”

Sonia Avery 37
Campbell / Registered nurse