Mayor Gonzales booed while speaking at San Jose special meeting

By Jason Bennert, Bay City News Service

June 28, 2006

SAN JOSE (BCN) - San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales was booed in the city council chambers today as he reiterated his intention to remain in office until his term ends in December despite being indicted on six felony charges.

An unidentified member of the half-filled city council chamber audience yelled, "you should stand in front of a jury," when Gonzales asked his family and then his staff to stand as he spoke about how important both groups are to him.

Gonzales told the audience anyone interrupting or speaking without being recognized would be removed.

The mayor's voice broke briefly as he implored the city council not to punish them by cutting the budget for the mayor's staff in an effort to punish him.

"Their work ethic is incredible," Gonzales said of his staff.

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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