Letter to the Editor: Kishimoto responds

By Yoriko Kishimoto – The South Bay Labor Council has spent over $70,000 to fund negative mailers that mislead the public about my transportation record — specifically stating that I fought against improved public transportation for Santa Clara County and have "obstructed" a mass transit system.

The fact is that I opposed the BART extension into San Jose because it would siphon off virtually all funding for all other transit improvements in the county for the next 30 years.

This flyer is yet another example of special interests trying to buy political influence in Sacramento. It is a sign that they know I cannot be bought and I consider it a badge of honor. This is exactly what's wrong with our system and why I am running for Assembly.

In my eight years in public service I have read the budgets and done my homework. I make decisions based on real analysis, balanced listening and what is in the best interest of the people.

I also opposed Measure B in 2008, a 1/8-cent sales-tax increase to pay for BART operating costs when the extension begins operations. Such a tax is regressive and not the way to fund transit for the entire county.

In addition, all transit is not equal, as we have learned with high-speed rail. We must pay attention to the details to design the transportation system right: integrated, modern and efficient in travel time, energy and costs. Creating jobs is important but we need to create them by adding real value to the system.

Yoriko Kishimoto
Former Mayor of Palo Alto
Candidate for State Assembly District 21
 
Link to original: http://www.paloaltoonline.com/weekly/story.php?story_id=13020