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Tower of Babble

With an important vote looming, the SJ City Council is still thinking While neighbors disagree with the recommendation for radical expansion of San Jose International Airport, they nonetheless commend the airport staff for admitting that there will be noise, traffic and pollution impacts which cannot be mitigated. But even with a critical vote looming June 4, the city's elected leaders have been less forthcoming. In fact, as of press time, only two of them were willing to take a public position. Councilmember Charlotte Powers, head of the airport commission, says yea. Neighborhood advocate David Pandori says nay. San Jose's mayor and the rest of the councilmembers remain in political Switzerland. Trixie Johnson, District 1 Councilmember: No comment. Charlotte Powers, District 2 Councilmember: "I support Project Case. We have to have the two full-length runways. That is the main reason." David Pandori, District 3 Councilmember: "I support either Alternative A or B, one or the other." Margie Fernandes, District 4 Councilmember, via aide Ben Tripousis, says: "There is a lot of new information. Margie is still evaluating." Manny Diaz, District 5 Councilmember: No comment. Frank Fiscalini, District 6 Councilmember: "I haven't reached a decision. The document is large and it takes a great deal of time to go through. I would certainly say that whatever alternative we come down to, it should be very carefully managed." George Shirakawa, District 7 Councilmember: "I haven't come to any conclusion whatsoever myself. I haven't even come close to that, to tell you the truth." Alice Woody, District 8 Councilmember: No comment. John Diquisto, District 9 Councilmember: "Exactly which one I'm going to vote on, I'm not sure. But two runways would be the best, without a doubt. You can stop dead where we're at right now." Pat Dando, District 10 Councilmember: No comment. Susan Hammer, Mayor, through Press aide Kevin Pursglove: "Mayor Hammer will not make a public statement at this time." [ Metro | Metroactive Central | Archives ]