Press Releases

Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS PAC Announces Endorsements for Peninsula and South Bay Council Races

Cupertino, CA - The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) Political Action Committee (PAC) has announced its endorsements for candidates running for local office in seven Peninsula and South Bay cities and towns in the November 7th General Election.

"The candidates endorsed by our association understand the importance of protecting homeowners and the challenges in promoting opportunities for homeownership in Silicon Valley," said Gene Lentz, Chairman of the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS PAC.

SILVAR PAC endorsed candidates in East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and Saratoga.

"Affordable housing, good jobs, and quality educational opportunities are the three biggest challenges confronting communities in the Bay Area," noted Lentz. "Our endorsements are aimed at supporting individuals who understand the importance of strong and secure neighborhoods and vibrant businesses in our communities and offer the vision and leadership necessary to meet these challenges."

SILVAR PAC's endorsement process was open to all candidates running for local office who sought SILVAR PAC's support, completed a questionnaire, and were interviewed by Realtors from their community. SILVAR PAC endorses the following candidates:

East Palo Alto (2 seats) - David Woods.
Menlo Park (3 seats) - John Boyle, Lee Duboc, and Mickie Winkler.
Los Altos Hills (2 seats) - John Vidovich and Dean Warshawsky.
Mountain View (3 seats) - Margaret Abe-Koga, John Inks, Kalwant Sandhu, and Jac Siegel.
Los Gatos (3 seats) - Dennis Byron, Diane McNutt, and Mike Wasserman.
Monte Sereno (3 seats) - Alan Aerts, Burton Craig, and Don Perry.
Saratoga (3 seats) - Chuck Page and Kathleen King.

The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® PAC also opposes Measure A, the Santa Clara County land use initiative, on the November ballot. While sharing the aims of Measure A's proponents, SILVAR PAC concluded that the consequences and impacts of the initiative pose a tremendous threat to farmers and ranchers, property owners and homeowners, and to the valley's rich agricultural heritage and future economic vitality.

"Measure A has many fatal flaws which cannot be corrected now that the initiative is on the November ballot," said Lentz. "It would downzone and devalue almost half of the land in Santa Clara County. Furthermore, we share the concern raised in the report prepared by the Santa Clara County Planning Office which noted that 'the possible continuing need for interpretation of the Initiative for each action or permit related to land use and development could subject the County to an almost continuing threat of litigation from anyone disputing such interpretations or the permit application outcomes.' We urge all County residents to vote NO."

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The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.

The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

For further information, please contact Rose Meily at SILVAR Public Affairs, e-mail , or phone (408) 200-0109.

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