Dear Mayor and City Council Members,

As a past resident of Santa Clara, I have witnessed a concerning decline in ethical behavior within our local government. It is disheartening to see council members indicted for perjury, secret meetings with the 49ers, dismissals of commissioners for personal and political reasons, and baseless accusations against our Police Chief. This erosion of trust has left our community feeling disillusioned and disconnected from the values that once defined us.

I am writing this petition to implore you to take immediate action by amending the Charter of the City of Santa Clara to establish an independent Ethics Commission. This commission would serve as a safeguard against corruption, ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to ethical standards within our local government.

The need for such an Ethics Commission is evident when we consider recent events that have tarnished Santa Clara's reputation. Council members being indicted for perjury not only damages public trust but also undermines the very foundation upon which our democracy stands – honesty and integrity. The numerous secret meetings held with the 49ers raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest and favoritism over serving the best interests of all residents.

Furthermore, dismissing commissioners without justifiable cause or solely based on personal or political reasons undermines their ability to provide unbiased advice on critical matters affecting our community. Such actions erode public confidence in decision-making processes while stifling diverse perspectives necessary for well-rounded governance.

Accusing our dedicated Police Chief of embezzlement without substantial evidence not only harms his reputation but also creates unnecessary tension between law enforcement agencies and residents. These unfounded allegations distract from addressing real issues affecting public safety while sowing seeds of doubt among those who rely on law enforcement protection.

To restore faith in local government and uphold the values we hold dear as residents of Mission City – named after St. Clare herself – we must establish an independent Ethics Commission. This commission would be responsible for overseeing the conduct of elected officials, ensuring compliance with ethical standards, investigating complaints of misconduct, and promoting transparency in decision-making processes.

By signing this petition, I join my fellow Santa Clara residents in urging you to prioritize the establishment of an independent Ethics Commission by amending the Charter of the City of Santa Clara. Let us reclaim our city's integrity and restore faith in our local government.

Thank you for your attention to this matter that is deeply personal to me and countless others who have witnessed the erosion of ethics over the years. Together, let us work towards a brighter future for Santa Clara – one rooted in transparency, accountability, and values that honor St. Clare's legacy.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]