Dominic Caserta’s sudden departure Tuesday from the Santa Clara County supervisor’s race amid sexual harassment allegations left his former opponents talking about ethics.
“This race really should be about providing ethical and honorable representation and women are having a watershed moment where sexual harassment and unethical behavior are not tolerated,” candidate Susan Ellenberg said when asked her thoughts about Caserta, who also resigned as a member of the Santa Clara City Council.
Candidate Mike Alvarado said he found the news “distressing” for everyone involved and noted that ethics now more than ever is a candidate’s most important quality.
“It’s just a shame,” he said. “I think this kind of goes to the ethics that we need of our candidates. We really have to hold our elected officials to a higher standard.”
While Caserta’s resignation “upends the race,” candidate Jason Baker said it was the right decision for everyone involved, including Caserta and his family. Baker said he believes the accusations were “credible allegations that should be taken seriously.”
“I am impressed with the strength of the alleged victims for coming out,” Baker added. “I’m glad we’re in an environment now where it’s a little easier with the #MeToo movement.”
Candidate Maria Hernandez said “the fact that (the allegations are) coming up to light during election time speaks up to the neglect that victims of abuse in our county have silently suffered for years, with too few willing to listen or take action.”
Candidate Don Rocha said he won’t be using Caserta’s demise for any political advantage.
“Sexual assault is a very serious matter, not to be used for votes or an election,” he said. “As a father of a daughter in high school, this issue is near and dear to my heart.”
Pierluigi Oliverio, a former San Jose councilman who recently came under renewed fire from unions and others for allegedly calling his former chief of staff a derogatory name and making inappropriate sexual comments several years ago, expressed sadness for Caserta’s family and potential victims.
But Oliverio, who has denied the allegations, said that despite being “bullied” by union bosses to drop out of the race, he’s not going to. “For the record, I never touched anyone or made sexual advances,” he said.
The candidates are all vying to to replace outgoing Supervisor Ken Yeager.
Link:
Candidates react to Caserta dropping out of Santa Clara County supervisor’s race
