Majority of speakers against ousting Gonzales

By Jason Bennert, Bay City News Service

June 28, 2006

SAN JOSE (BCN) - A clear majority of public speakers at today's San Jose City Council special meeting, including a former councilman, opposed having the council oust Mayor Ron Gonzales or restrict his office because of his indictment on bribery, conspiracy and other charges.

Former San Jose City Councilman John Diquisto said that "asking him (to leave office) is OK but forcing him is not.''

"What I see before us now is a mayor and a staff who might have broken the law, we don't know," Diquisto said.

Members of the public spent approximately an hour speaking to the council and while a number of then called upon Gonzales to resign or be thrown out of office the majority asked the council to wait for the legal process to be completed.

Last week the mayor was indicted by a Santa Clara County grand jury in connection with his conduct regarding the city's garbage and recycling contract with Norcal Waste Systems. A majority of the council has called for Gonzales to step aside but he has proclaimed his innocence of the bribery, conspiracy and other charges against him and has vowed to remain in office until the end of his term on Dec. 31.

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