Vote Klein, Melton, Cisneros, Din in Sunnyvale races

Sunnyvale, the second-largest of Santa Clara County’s 15 cities, has a well- deserved reputation for being a well-run, safe city.

The City Council’s adherence to a prudent, 10-year budget plan has kept Sunnyvale’s finances largely in order. And, while other cities struggle with police reforms, Sunnyvale’s public safety department, in which all of its officers are trained in fire, police and emergency medical services, is seen as a possible national model.

Instead of fighting a legal challenge to its at-large voting system, as neighboring Santa Clara did at a cost of $4 million, the Sunnyvale City Council wisely asked voters in March to approve an amendment to the city charter calling for six district elections and an at-large mayor. The switch puts Sunnyvale in compliance with California’s Voting Rights Act, designed to protect the rights of minority voters.

Sunnyvale voters on Nov. 3 will choose a mayor and three council members from its newly created districts. Voters should elect Larry Klein as mayor, newcomer Alysa Cisneros in District 2, current Councilman Russ Melton in District 4, and newcomer Omar Din in District 6.

Mayor

Three current council members — Klein, Nancy Smith and Michael Goldman — are on the ballot. Klein and Smith would both be good mayors. They are experienced, knowledgeable and would keep Sunnyvale on track on housing, transportation and financial issues.

Klein, who is currently the appointed mayor, gets the nod for his expertise on land-use issues and his ability to bring residents together in times of crisis.

For example, Klein spoke at the rally attended by 2,000 at Sunnyvale City Hall to protest the death of George Floyd and then helped lead five listening events to hear public concerns about transparency and the potential for further police reforms.

He served for nine years on Sunnyvale’s Planning Commission and has been a tireless supporter of efforts to build higher density housing at transit centers and more affordable housing, including accessory dwelling units — he has one on his own property — in the city.

Smith, a program manager at Nvidia Corp., is the most progressive of the three candidates.

She has been an effective councilwoman since she was elected in 2016. She has a solid record on housing issues and is a strong advocate for making Sunnyvale more friendly to pedestrians and bicyclists. Smith would work to make the city’s budget process more transparent to residents.

Goldman, who joined the council in 2018, is the antigrowth candidate. He opposes further development of the new city hall project, and his opposition to growth dominates his positions on almost every other issue. Of the three candidates, he would have the hardest time gaining the support of other council members on housing, transportation and finance issues.

District 2

Cisneros is running against Josh Grossman and Hina Siddiqui. Cisneros has little experience on appointed boards, having only served since June on the library board. But she grew up in Sunnyvale and is smart and well-versed on community issues. She promoted equity in public schools while working for the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California and also served as a senior policy associate for the Silicon Valley Leadership Group. She is an advocate for more affordable housing and favors plans to build high- density housing near transportation hubs. She would bring much-needed diversity to the council, especially on social justice issues.

Grossman, an attorney, serves on the Sunnyvale Housing and Human Services Commission and has a history of being engaged in community activities. But he is also an anti-growth candidate who opposes what he calls the hyperdevelopment in Sunnyvale.

Siddiqui is articulate on issues and would bring added diversity to the council. But she has lived in the county for only a year. We would like to see her gain experience on a board or commission and run for office again at a later date.

District 4

Councilman Russ Melton is a slam-dunk choice over Paul Lesevic- Campos, who declined to be interviewed. Melton has 20 years of experience in hightech finance, and would bring key knowledge and expertise on budget issues to the council. He also has a solid handle on housing and land-use issues, having served as a Planning Commissioner from 2012-17.

District 6

It is rare for us to endorse a 22-year- old for public office, but Omar Din, who turns 23 next month, has much to offer for Sunnyvale residents. And with four strong, experienced members on the council, he will have plenty of mentors to help him become acclimated if elected.

Din, a Cornell graduate, is a financial analyst who is serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission. He was born and raised in Sunnyvale and would be the first Muslim American elected to the council.

He gained experience working in Assemblyman Evan Low’s office and has been extremely active as a volunteer in the community. He articulates mainstream council thinking on financial, housing and transportation issues.

His opponent, Leia Mehman, also has very little experience on boards or commissions. She is a strong proponent of rent stabilization and does not have Din’s command of financial and housing issues.