Grassroot Movement Made History
San Jose, Sept 5th, 2008
5,181 San Jose Residents and Grassroots Movement Together Made History
"I was elected by the people of District 7, and until the will of the people says 'We want you to resign,'
I am going to continue to do my job,' -- Madison Nguyen.*
*Source: "An ultimatum for Madison Nguyen QUIT OR BE FORCED OUT, BIG VIETNAMESE CROWD WARNS COUNCILWOMAN",
Joshua Molina, Mercury News, 01/09/2008
Weeks before the September 12th deadline, the home grown, grassroots-based Recall Madison Nguyen Committee submitted 5,181 signatures to the Office of the City Clerk; significantly higher than the required 3,162. Most noteworthy was the group’s ability to collect more than 7,000 signatures, with the overwhelming majority obtained by residents voluntarily drove to one of several signature collection stations andwaited in line in order to sign the recall petition. After careful review and consideration, the group opted to submit only those signatures that are legible and verifiable as District 7 voters.
“Because 7,000 residents and voters of San Jose District 7 have the courage to stand up and make their voices heard, despite the harassment, threats and intimidation that they had to endure from members of the opposing camp we have this historical day. The courage of our volunteers speaks volume for the need to bring back integrity and accountability to our District 7 and City Hall,” said Paul Le, a volunteer and a long time resident of San Jose District 7.
"We owe a debt of gratitude to two local attorneys: Steven Dovan, Esq. and Bick Nguyen, Esq. for taking time from their hectic schedules to observe and confirm that the count was conducted in a fair and ethical manner" Le continues.
“We would also like to acknowledge the Office of the City Clerk, in particular, Ms. Lee Price, for conducting a transparent and fair signature-counting process, allowing representatives from both sides of the recall issue, as well as the press, to be present during the count,” said Andrew Nguyen, a Berkeley student, a volunteer and a long time resident of San Jose District 7.
Signatures were successfully collected from all registered voters that in many ways reflected the diversity of San Jose District 7.
“Together, we can make our city a better place for everyone. Thank you.” said Sammy Castillo, another passionate supporter.
Now that the people of District 7 have spoken, is Councilmember Nguyen going to honor their wishes? Stay tune to find out as the City Clerk announces its decision on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 on the details of a special election.