Pete Constant in the News

December 24, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Offical hopes for San Jose memorial
"It is important that cities recognize the extreme sacrifices made by our public safety employees," said Constant, a former police officer, who retired after being injured during an undercover drug enforcement arrest in 1997. "We can't forget that ultimate sacrifice that people have made on behalf of every single resident of the city."

December 22, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Some reservists pressed on debt to city after return from duty
"I'm shocked the city would be going this aggressively," said Councilman Pete Constant. "We know who they are. We should be sitting down with them and seeing where the problem is. We have to face the fact that these guys didn't cause the problem, the city made the mistake."

December 21, 2007
West San Jose Resident, Local residents get update from police about recent shootings
"It is our job to take the youth back, take the streets back, but we need your help." Constant said.

December 8, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Homicide level still climbing
The increase in gang violence "is as serious as they think it is, and we will talk with them how we can deal with it." Constant said. "The important thing to remember is these mostly are not random acts of violence. As a resident, I don't worry about walking down the street and getting shot."

December 4, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose councilwoman won't cross picket line to go meetings
"We still have a city to run," said Councilman Pete Constant. " We have a responsibility not only to our employees, but all our residents who are not on strike."

November 30, 2007
West San Jose Resident, City leaders OK 2-year project to hear more from neighbors
"I just want to make sure that it's implemented in a way that empowers neighborhoods and doesn't hinder them," Constant said. "It's a good place for things that fall through the cracks, and that's not to say they just get the scraps."

November 15, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Porn filters' costs tallied
Councilman wants San Jose to reconsider Internet filtering at libraries.

November 8, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose considers citywide 'green building' rules
"When you start mandating and regulating in a haphazard way, there's no way the market is going to respond well."

October 21, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Councilman wants San Jose libraries to block online porn
"The libraries do not protect children from viewing pornographic and obscene images on the Internet or from others who are publicly viewing such material," Constant said. "It is unlikely that this is the kind of 'education' parents expect their children to get at San Jose libraries."

October 19, 2007
ABC 7, Plan To Ban Porn Sites At S.J. Libraries
"I'm a father of five children, five small young children that I like to take to the library very frequently. I think we need to make our libraries a safe place for our children," says Constant.

October 18, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Council members snipe over East San Jose fire station
"When we are spending the public's money, we need to look at the best value in every purchase we make," Constant said. "It is every council member's job to be a shepherd of the public's money."

October 17, 2007
KGO TV, Plans For Expanded Free Parking Delayed
"San Jose's parking perks may be the last of a dying breed. Gone are the federal rebates for buying a hybrid and the state has now run out of those carpool stickers for hybrid drivers."

October 14, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Internal Affairs: Hopes for City Hall Space
"Moving the office to City Hall would require as much as $1.7 million in renovation - plus nearly $400,000 to upgrade the space the cultural affairs office currently occupies so it could be leased out for retail."

October 5, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Parochialism leads to wasteful San Jose spending
"Mutual purpose must lead the way in decision-making, not the interests of one district or one project. As council members, we should be concerned about delivering appropriate levels of city services to all districts, not about how many dollars we are delivering to our own."

October 5, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Task force backs fuller disclosure of arrest reports
"If we do anything that hinders our ability to arrest criminals and hold them accountable, that would be a travesty," said Councilman Pete Constant, a retired police officer. "The safety of our public has to be No. 1, period."

October 3, 2007
Metro Silicon Valley, Unfiltered Controversy: Is the proposed ban on smoking in San Jose parks an issue of civil liberty or public health?
"He's not a smoker. He doesn't like the smell, nor does he want to be near someone while they are puffing away. But that doesn't mean San Jose City Councilman Pete Constant thinks San Jose should be smoke-free."

October 3, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Council to Shorten Marathon Meetings
"'I don't like staying here until 2 in the morning, but having said that, the proclamations and commendations are important,'" said Constant."

September 30, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Internal Affairs: Campos playing with fire on fire station plan
"'I am confident that there was a violation of the Brown Act,' Constant told IA."

September 29, 2007
West San Jose Resident, Neighbors in Upheaval over Crosswalk at Teale Ave.
"After witnessing the unsafe situation when his children previously attended the charter school, District 1 Councilman Pete Constant has since advocated for a crosswalk."

September 21, 2007
West San Jose Resident, Fun, Food, Games Are Scheduled for the 7th Annual Festival in the Park
"West San Jose residents can find fun, food, entertainment and more at the seventh annual Festival in the Park."

September 19, 2007
Tracy Press, State GOP: Recruit Local, Elect Local
"In San Jose, Pete Constant broke the Democrat monopoly on the San Jose City Council with strong support from the Republican Party of Silicon Valley. Two of the three countywide elected officials in liberal Santa Clara are Republican women."

September 19, 2007
Metro Silicon Valley, the FLY: The Truth About Rubber Chickens
"Nonprofits have been holding these events for quite a while and putting themselves in jeopardy," Constant said. "It's not right for the city to turn a blind eye because it's a nonprofit doing it."

September 19, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose police auditor's role in question
"The council's action Tuesday was recommended by Mayor Chuck Reed, Vice Mayor Dave Cortese and Councilman Pete Constant, a retired police officer... "If the public believes they need to modify the authority granted in the charter, they can start a ballot initiative to change the charter," Constant said."

September 18, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, OPINION: Expand - don't hobble - independent San Jose police auditor
"San Jose needs increased police oversight, but our city government is on the verge of taking us in the wrong direction. Mayor Chuck Reed, Vice Mayor David Cortese and Councilman Pete Constant have put forward a proposal that would make it more difficult for the city's independent police auditor to do her job."

September 16, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Councilman Liccardo backs more affordable housing in San Jose
"If you rush to a decision and you make the wrong decision, we have to live with that decision the next 30 or 40 years," said Constant, the council's lone Republican. "Everybody is concerned about the affordability of housing, and everybody agrees it is a problem. Where some of us disagree is, what is the best way to approach that problem?"

September 14, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Proposal to ban smoking in parks
Councilman Pete Constant, a Republican and former police officer, has decried the proposal as "nanny-government" and raised questions about whether the law would be enforceable.

September 14, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose retirement panel votes to release records
Councilman Pete Constant, a board trustee, said Thursday that the court's decision made clear the records should remain public. "I think we have a legal and moral responsibility to follow the Supreme Court," Constant said."

September 12, 2007
Silicon Valley Metro, The Quiet Hand of Gary Gillmor
"Gary Gillmor's name was also absent from any campaign statements associated with LAFCO commissioners who also hold elected offices: County Supervisors Don Gage and Blanca Alvarado, San Jose Councilmember Pete Constant and Sunnyvale Councilmember John Howe. But Gillmor's wife, children, in-laws and partners seem to be avid supporters of the only Republican county supervisor; since 1997, at least 13 of them have contributed in excess of $11,000 to Gage's campaign accounts."

September 12, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Councilman calls for retiree records to be made public
"Constant, a retired city policeman, was among the retirement board trustees who last month voted to stop publishing lists of retirees and their pensions for privacy reasons. He said the high court has since made clear those records should be public. "I believe that retirees should have some sense of privacy," Constant said Tuesday. "We owe it to them to keep their privacy when we can. But I think the Supreme Court has clearly stated that in this area, we were wrong."

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"As public policy makers, we have to realize when we make a mistake," Constant said. "We have to be willing to go back and revisit things." - San Jose Mercury News (September 12th)

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Sunday, September 9, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Pushing for parking perk
"San Jose City Councilman Pete Constant is a pretty green guy, and not just because he's among the city's newest crop of elected leaders. Constant is the proud owner of one of Chrysler's all-electric, battery powered Global Electric Motorcars, which emit no tailpipe pollution."

September 4, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose council should open debate to require affordable homes
"Councilman Pete Constant opposes inclusionary zoning and believes any consideration should go through the general plan task force."

September 2007
Hellenic Journal, The constant Pete Constant [PDF version]
"When he has completed his two terms on the council, Constant hopes that he can look back on the eight-year experience with satisfaction. “I hope someday people will say that I worked hard not just for my constituents, but for the entire city — and that myefforts made San Jose a better place in which to work and live and raise a family."

August 24, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Editorial: Sunshine reforms advance, but there's a long way to go
"Reed and newly elected Councilmen Pete Constant and Sam Liccardo wanted to approve closed session recording, at least in concept, but the rest of the council wants to first see proposed rules to determine if and when the recordings would become public."

August 22, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose council lets some sunshine in
"Reed and Councilmen Pete Constant and Sam Liccardo lost a bid for the council to state its intent to support taping closed meetings... "Given what people perceive to happen behind closed doors," Constant said, "it's a worthy investment."

August 19, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, BMX park finally goes airborne
"There were unique challenges because we couldn't just go out and copy what others had done, because no one had done it," said City Councilman Pete Constant... "Finding experts to design something this specialized was tough. We wanted it to be a safe and well-designed course, but challenging enough so the kids wouldn't feel compelled to modify it as they'd done over the years."

August 17, 2007
West San Jose Resident, Neighbors meet their neighbors at night out
"The Blackford Neighborhood Action Coalition hosted a National Night Out celebration at Starbird Park with food, information and entertainment. Mayor Chuck Reed and District 1 Councilman Pete Constant, who represents the West San Jose area, were in attendance."

August 17, 2007
West San Jose Resident, New association is off to a busy start
"Constant said he was happy with the turnout at the first meeting."This is very important, and I think it bodes well for the future of this neighborhood," Constant said."

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"Meanwhile, Pete Constant outdid everyone as a "community event junkie" this summer." - The Metro (August 8th)

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August 17, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Pizarro: BMX park's dirt is ready for face-off
"Who's got more fancy tricks up their sleeves - politicians or the press? That question will be decided Saturday, when San Jose City Councilman Pete Constant and Mercury News columnist Joe Rodriguez square off in a BMX bike-riding challenge at the grand opening of a long-awaited BMX facility at Calabazas Park."

August 17, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Cassidy: Working out with fitness legend Jack LaLanne
"San Jose City Councilman Pete Constant, left, chatted with fitness guru Jack LaLanne on Thursday, August 16, 2007, after a morning exercise session in the circle of palms outside the Fairmont Hotel..."

August 17, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose limits access to pension-cost information
'"When it comes to these personnel issues, I think we should err on the side of privacy," said Councilman Pete Constant, a retired policeman who sits on the board overseeing pensions for the city's civilian employees."

August 16, 2007
Almaden Times, Baseball and barbeque
"Constant had gone to bed early Friday night to wake up at 4 and spread his rub on the ribs... But it was touch and go for the ribs, with the tasters going back and forth on whether the sweet or the smoky was better. They finally chose the sweet, making Constant the winner."

August 15, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose council approves plan to rezone Flea Market site
"Councilman Pete Constant opposed the motion, saying his colleagues were adding too many last-minute requirements on the property owner concerning relocating vendors, green building standards, and affordable housing."

August 14, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Council postpones decision on North San Jose apartment project
"On a motion by Councilman Kansen Chu, who was elected in June to represent North San Jose, the council decided on a 7-4 vote - after a two-and-half-hour discussion - to postpone the issue for two weeks. Mayor Chuck Reed and council members Pete Constant, Pierluigi Oliverio and Nancy Pyle opposed the motion."

August 8, 2007
San Jose Mercury News (mercextra.com), Touring San Jose neighborhoods with the mayor
"Councilman Pete Constant and his predecessor Linda LeZotte are here at the Blackford area park. Chief Davis is here again, too, also doing the “ping pong ball” thing. This event has two bounce houses and a clown, who accosts the mayor as we’re leaving a few minutes later."

August 8, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose City Council wary of cuts to retiree health benefits
"Failure to fund the retirement health care obligations could jeopardize the city's sterling credit, increasing borrowing costs. But some council members suggested the city could take steps short of fully funding the benefit. Councilman Pete Constant, a retired San Jose police officer, said the city should look at a range of funding horizons instead of the current 10 to 15 years."

August 8, 2007
Metro Silicon Valley, the fly: How I Spent My Summer Vacation
"Meanwhile, Pete Constant outdid everyone as a "community event junkie" this summer. According to his chief of staff Jim Cogan, Constant went to neighborhood barbecues every single weekend in July—a grueling—albeit caloric—task that every elected official must perform."

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"Meanwhile, Pete Constant outdid everyone as a "community event junkie" this summer." - The Metro (August 8th)

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August 3, 2007
West San Jose Resident, Decision is made: Calabazas Branch Library to stay on Blaney Avenue
"Initially the library staff and PRNS thought Rainbow Park was the best option, Constant said, but the community disagreed. Relocating the library to Rainbow Park also raised concerns about traffic on Johnson Avenue."

August 3, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Pizarro: Tedesco to step down as non-profit savior
"Many friends came out to toast the Owens - called the "Rolls Royces of philanthropy" by Christine Davis. Among them were Nick and Diane Speno; former Santa Clara County Supervisor Susanne Wilson; San Jose City Councilman Pete Constant and his wife, Julie...."

July 29, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Herhold: Calendars reveal San Jose council's inner workings
"Constant also told me, after I politely inquired, that he borrowed a motorcycle from developer Robert Emami to participate in the Law Enforcement Memorial Run, a motorcycle caravan to Hollister that benefits the families of fallen officers."

July 27, 2007
West San Jose Resident, Calabazas library to stay on Blaney Ave.
"Constant said his office received a lot of community input about where to rebuild the library. “There were significant benefits to each location and a lot of public outcry for each location. This [expansion] will cause the least disruption for the neighborhood groups and serve everyone’s needs.”

July 27, 2007
West San Jose Resident, NEIGHBORHOOD: Neighbors get to know one other by name
"Honored guests were District 1 Councilman Pete Constant, Campbell Mayor Dan Furtado, representatives from San Jose Fire Department’s Station 14 and members of the San Jose Police Department’s mounted unit, to name a few. “Getting to know our neighbors and city leaders, building partnerships and a strong community in our neighborhood, creating memories that our children will cherish—this is what it is all about; this is why the STWNA was formed, and this is something we are proud of,” said association president Heather Sutton."

July 25, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose's Calabazas Library to be rebuilt and expanded
"Constant is also searching for funding to add a 1,000-square-foot community meeting room. "The fact that we had to have community meetings about this project at facilities in other parts of the district illustrates the need for a community meeting room in this neighborhood," Constant said. "I will work to ensure that they have a place to meet."

July 12, 2007
Almaden Times, City Council decorations: Which office belongs to the council members and mayor?
"When District 1 Council member Pete Constant saw the white office walls, he claimed they reminded him of a hospital. He decided to paint one wall Wedgwood blue, spurring the other members to do likewise."

July 8, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Internal Affairs: Nguyen sides with police
"At a recent council meeting, Nguyen joined with Mayor Chuck Reed, Vice Mayor Dave Cortese and Councilman Pete Constant - a retired cop - in shooting down a proposal to tighten oversight of the police force."

July 1, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Internal Affairs: Making a fashion statement at City Hall
"Wow! Did you lose a bet?" That's what San Jose City Councilman Pete Constant heard all day Tuesday at City Hall from observers astonished to see his shiny, bald head. The District 1 representative's new look was created backstage during San Jose Stage Company's Monday Night Live show, an annual benefit for the downtown theater group."

June 29, 2007
West San Jose Resident, New youth center opens doors for teens
"Pete Constant, who represents San Jose's Council District 1, which includes the center, said his thoughts run along a similar rail. "The best way to keep kids out of trouble is to give them something to do," he says. If the city's youth can't find a constructive use of their time, Constant adds, they may turn to more destructive outlets."

June 29, 2007
West San Jose Resident, Sap-dripping trees prompt a meeting
"Sap-dripping, sidewalk-lifting trees are a problem in many San Jose neighborhoods, including those in District 1. Residents are encouraged to meet with Councilman Pete Constant on June 30 from 10 a.m. to noon to discuss tree-specific issues and possible solutions at the West Valley branch library"

June 28, 2007
Almaden Times, Council members hold expanded session before July recess to discuss compensation, development policies
"Constant questioned how this would affect him as liaison to the Downtown Association and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. He said he finds it confusing when the city pays the Convention and Visitors Bureau to market San Jose and these entities also influence council decisions."

June 27, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Sidewalk repairs fall under city's 'prevailing wage' rule
"The San Jose City Council voted Tuesday to require that the city pay prevailing union wages when repairing sidewalks on behalf of homeowners... Councilman Pete Constant was the lone dissenter, saying he felt it would be unfair to several homeowners whose sidewalk repairs were already in the works."

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"Councilman Pete Constant was the lone dissenter, saying he felt it would be unfair to several homeowners whose sidewalk repairs were already in the works." - San Jose Mercury News (June 27th)

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June 24, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose seeks ideas to protect city's trees
"Councilman Pete Constant said he wanted one of the meetings held in his West San Jose district because of residents' frustration over hundreds of infected tulip trees that drop sap onto cars and sidewalks, creating a nuisance. The current city policies make it difficult for residents to find solutions, he said. But he also wants the city to simplify and streamline the permit process, a necessary step for removing or pruning street trees that are at least 56 inches in circumference. "I don't think we've done a good job of educating the public," he said."

June 21, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, SJPD, police auditor head for showdown
"But Councilman Pete Constant, a former San Jose police officer, said there was already an appropriate level of accountability - and most of it should be in the hands of the command staff. "We should take every complaint seriously and hold officers accountable when they do things improperly," Constant said. "But I haven't seen anything that shows me that the complaint process is broken; nothing is out of whack."

June 21, 2007
Almaden Times, City Council pushes through agenda
"Constant questioned how this would affect him as liaison to the Downtown Association and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. He said he finds it confusing when the city pays the Convention and Visitors Bureau to market San Jose and these entities also influence council decisions."

June 20, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Independent San Jose police auditor pushes for more authority
"Reed's own recommendations, signed by Vice Mayor Dave Cortese and council members Pete Constant - a former San Jose police officer - and Madison Nguyen, mostly focused on making the complaint process easier to decipher."

June 19, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Letters to the Editor: Let public weigh in on Prop. 22 brief
" In 2000, the people of California spoke loudly and clearly. Mayor Chuck Reed and council member Pete Constant get it. They voted no."

June 18, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose mayor focuses on repairing ties with Vietnamese
"Less than six months into his reign as mayor, Chuck Reed finds himself in an awkward and unexpected position: trying to mollify a Vietnamese-American community that was once one of his biggest backers but now questions his political savvy... As it is now, he generally has backing on many issues from Sam Liccardo, Pete Constant, Pierluigi Oliverio and Dave Cortese."

June 14, 2007
Almaden Times, Long day’s journey toward a budget
"District 1 Councilman Pete Constant, who made the initial motion to pass the budget message, was not pleased to add more money to the budget with San Jose’s current structural budget deficit."

June 13, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose City Council approves adjusted budget
"The San Jose City Council unanimously approved Mayor Chuck Reed's recommended adjustments to the city manager's proposed budget Tuesday with some last-minute additions requested by council members... Reed and Councilman Pete Constant opposed the last-minute addition, saying they would only support it if council members agreed to pay for it out of their own office budgets."

June 13, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose alters labor negotiation rules
"Councilman Pete Constant, a retired city policeman, said he understood employee concerns. But indicating a fat binder containing the city budget, he urged workers to understand the city's plight. "We need to come up with comprehensive ways to attack this budget," Constant said. "It would really be fiscally irresponsible for us as a council not to look at compensation."

June 13, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose to support San Francisco on gay-marriage plea to high court
"The San Jose City Council voted 10-2 today in closed session to file a friend-of-the-court brief backing San Francisco's request that the Supreme Court declare Prop 22 unconstitutional. Mayor Chuck Reed and Councilman Pete Constant were opposed."

June 10, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Soccer stadium still on track
"Nguyen and Councilman Pete Constant also said they worried about the appearance of the city selling development rights."

June 9, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, SJ may ban park smoking
"Constant, a Republican and former police officer, said he dislikes being around smoke but thinks government too often attempts to restrict people's freedoms. He also said enforcing such a law would be a waste of a police officer's time. "Our police department has enough challenges in staffing and enforcing the laws we have on the books," Constant said. "I think it would be a low priority that receives little attention."

June 8, 2007
West San Jose Resident, West San Jose residents revive Lynhaven group over ice cream
"The Lynhaven Neighborhood Association was founded by District 1 Councilman Pete Constant, with boundaries of Moorpark Avenue, San Tomas Expressway, Williams Road and Winchester Boulevard. "I haven't strayed very far from where I grew up," said Constant, who spent the last 30 years in the West San Jose area and attended the neighborhood meeting with his wife, Julie, and their five children."

June 4, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Pizarro: A night of song, food for charity at 'Night of Heart's Delight'
"It was a proud moment for San Jose City Councilman Pete Constant, who was the commencement speaker for his master's class when he received his degree in leadership from St. Mary's College in Moraga on Saturday."

June 4, 2007
KGO-TV (abc7news.com), San Jose Council Votes For Pay Raise
"San Jose touts itself as the tenth largest city in the nationbut its city council members make $75,000 a year and haven't had a raise in five years. Pete Constant, Councilmember: "I'm putting in well over 70 hours a week and if you work it out on an hourly basis, it's like 19 dollars an hour to be a council member."

May 24, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Herhold: How San Jose officials should get their pay hike
"So distasteful is voting for your own raise that a group of council members - including Nancy Pyle, Madison Nguyen, Sam Liccardo, and Pete Constant - has suggested giving the authority to a third party, like the salary-setting commission."

May 23, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Pay raise for San Jose council approved
"Councilman Pete Constant said that while he knew what the job paid when he ran for office last year, the salary - flat since 2002 - is still a hardship for family people like himself, a father of five. He said council pay should be raised "unless you want to make this a retired millionaire's club." Constant was joined in approving the raises by council members Madison Nguyen, Forrest Williams, Nora Campos, Nancy Pyle and Judy Chirco."

May 23, 2007
METRO Silicon Valley, Silicon Valley News Notes: Lean Machines
"More importantly, how did San Jose City Councilmen Sam Liccardo and Pete Constant manage to ride a tandem bike to their City Hall workplace? "It was a challenge," Liccardo says, "but we were able to pull it off because Pete leans to the right and I lean to the left."

May 20, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Internal Affairs: Political tandem provides priceless photo op
"So IA hears there were some 100,000 Lycra-clad folks plying the Bay Area byways during last week's Bike to Work Day. Some of them were famous. Some of them were rich. And at least two of them - rookie San Jose Councilmen Sam Liccardo and Pete Constant - were on a bicycle built for two."

May 13, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Joe Rodriguez: Soon, a place BMX riders can call their own
"City Councilman Pete Constant arrived on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, but promised to take a spin on a BMX bike at the real opening. "I'm here to see how things are going," he said. "It looks pretty good."

May 11, 2007
Rose Garden Resident, Seniors rise early for challenging mall walk
"On the morning of April 27, the mall opened early just for older adults as part of the West Valley Senior Walk. Early risers from all over the South Bay, including Rose Garden, attended the event, hosted by Councilman Pete Constant. Councilwoman Judy Chirco, District 6 Councilman Pierluigi Oliverio and Cupertino's Mayor Kris Wang also participated. "I hope that for seniors this is the beginning of a good habit--getting exercise in a safe environment," Constant said, emphasizing the flat walking surfaces throughout the mall and ideal atmosphere. When Constant was injured in 1997 during an undercover drug arrest, his doctor even recommended indoor mall walking to help him recover."

May 11, 2007
Almaden Resident, Council sends proposed pet law changes back to city attorney
"In an unusual move, the San Jose City Council voted May 1 to return the proposed animal ordinance to the city attorney and the department of animal services for redrafting. Councilman Pete Constant, who introduced the animal ordinance, called the council's decision rare since it will add an extra step to the normal process of changing city law."

May 11, 2007
West San Jose Resident, Constant encourages community to scrutinize San Jose's spending
"The city budget is released in June, said Constant, who urged residents to measure the city's performance and spending, using the newly set priorities as a guideline... "If they're not congruent, then you need to come rattle some trees and shake some doors at city hall because we should be responding to you. We should be doing what is in the best interest of the city as a whole," Constant said."

May 9 , 2007
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose ups garbage rates
"Even council members who supported the increase Tuesday were sheepish in their support. "This stinks, and I am not just talking about the garbage," said Councilman Pete Constant, whose comments sparked cheers. But those cheers quickly turned to jeers when Constant added, "I don't want to vote for this increase, but I have to."

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"This stinks, and I am not just talking about the garbage," said Councilman Pete Constant, whose comments sparked cheers."
- San Jose Mercury News (May 8, 2007)

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May 1, 2007
Willow Glen Times, Oliverio recommends pilot park maintenance program
"Councilmembers Pete Constant and Judy Chirco asked that the item be deferred until the May 15 evening session so that it could be publicized, provide adequate outreach and allow the public and city workers to attend and speak on the subject."

April 28, 2007
West San Jose Resident, Cambrian resident's motto picked as District 1 slogan
"The search for talented motto-makers is over in Council District 1, and the prize goes to a Cambrian resident."

April 25 , 2007
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose fixing military pay
"Councilman Pete Constant, a retired police officer, said he had spoken to many of the reservists and that they were pleased with the city's handling of the situation. Other council members praised staff for swiftly addressing the problems."

March 31, 2007
West San Jose Resident, San Tomas neighborhood group bridges Campbell, SJ boundaries
"Guest speaker District 1 Councilman Pete Constant, who represents the West San Jose area, introduced himself and commended the group for forming one organization from two different communities. "I think it is really unique to see a neighborhood that spans two cities and comes together to look at themselves as one neighborhood and doesn't see district and city boundaries as being an inhibitor of working together," Constant said. He said six years ago he started the Lynhaven association in his own nearby neighborhood, which is bounded by Williams Road, Moorpark Avenue, Winchester Boulevard and San Tomas Expressway."

March 30, 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Council member's calendar online: Pete Constant First to Post Current Version
"Pete Constant has won the race to be the first San Jose City Council member to post a current, interactive version of his daily calendar online."

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"Pete Constant has won the race to be the first San Jose City Council member to post a current, interactive version of his daily calendar online."
- San Jose Mercury News (March 30, 2007)

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March 16, 2007
West San Jose Resident, Gang awareness training benefits W. San Jose, Campbell residents
"Pete Constant is ready to put an end to gang violence not only because he is the elected District 1 councilman who represents West San Jose, but also because he is the father of five. Constant said he wants his young children to be able to play outside without having to worry."

March 16, 2007
West San Jose Resident, Five association leaders recognized from District 1
"Because of their efforts, District 1 Councilman Pete Constant, who represents the West San Jose area, recently honored the five officers for demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities in their community. The honorees, in addition to nominees from each council district, were recognized March 7 with outstanding citizen awards at the sold-out State of the City Address and Community Breakfast held at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center."

March 9, 2007
West San Jose Resident, City representatives make a visit to Murdock neighborhood group
"Also a guest speaker, District 1 Councilman Pete Constant spoke briefly about upcoming community events and his plans to be available to meet with his constituents. Constant will hold open office hours on a trial basis twice a month to address community issues and concerns. "We want to build other neighborhood associations," said Constant, who offers start-up kits that include a website, technical support, help with meetings and materials for anyone interested in starting an association in their neighborhood. There are currently 23 neighborhood organizations in Council District 1."

February 7 , 2007
San Jose Mercury News, Trees will get stronger protection
"Councilman Pete Constant said he'd been a council member for only 37 days but had heard multiple complaints about rules governing trees. "Sometimes we make the process so cumbersome, it's hard to comply," he said... Constant urged staff and committee members to come up with ordinance changes that are easy to understand, with fines that are simple to calculate and are "fair, so that people don't lose their property rights."

February 2, 2007
West San Jose Resident, Wanted: Motto for Council District 1
"One of my campaign promises was to increase community involvement, and I wanted to start right away with the District 1 slogan," Constant said. "It's going to be a message that unifies our community, and I want everyone in District 1 to have a chance to share their thoughts on what this message should be."

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"One of my campaign promises was to increase community involvement, and I wanted to start right away with the District 1 slogan," Constant said.
- West San Jose Resident (February 2, 2007)

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February, 2007
San Jose Magazine, Gossip on the Green [PDF Format]
"PETE: I spend some time with my wife and five kids. We love to go to Starbucks, where we share pastries and drink juice and coffee together. We usually follow that up with a trip to the playground."

February, 2007
San Jose Downtown Association, SJDA Interview with District 1 City Councilmember Pete Constant
"After his retirement from the Police Department, Pete searched for new ways to serve the public and found an outlet in community service. In District 1, he helped found the Lynhaven Neighborhood Association and was later elected as the association president. Citywide, Pete was been appointed by the City Council to the Valley Transit Authority’s Citizen Advisory Committee and to the City of San Jose Appeals Hearing Board, where he served as the chair."

January 13, 2007
Gilroy Dispatch, A 'Constant' Approach to Growth Issues
"Newly elected San Jose Councilman Pete Constant was appointed Tuesday as a new representative to the five-member [Local Agency Formation Commission], which has veto power over cities' annexation requests in Santa Clara County. The former San Jose police officer is a self-described property rights advocate who plans to meet with Gilroy and Morgan Hill leaders to discuss growth issues."

January 11, 2007
Almaden Resident, Community Beat: Capt. Jack Farmer put names to Almaden's faces
"Pete Constant is one former officer who was impressed by Farmer's tutelage. When Constant took the oath of office as the new District 1 city councilman on Jan. 9, he had Farmer swear him in. "I've known Jack for 20 years," Constant said. "I met him when I was a reserve police officer and he was working vice. Later, when I went to the street crimes unit, he was my commander..."

January 2 , 2007
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose's new mayor makes the rounds on New Year's Day
"San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed woke up well before dawn New Year's Day,grabbed some chocolate chip cookies his wife, Paula, baked and spent his first day on the job passing them out to city cops, firefighters and sewage workers... Also tagging along on Reed's goodwill tour were newly elected councilmen Pete Constant and Sam Liccardo. "I was a cop for 14 years and I spent a lot of holidays working," Constant said. "Some people take for granted the sacrifice these people make. We do know what they are doing and we care."

December 26 , 2007
San Jose Mercury News, The Reed Rules: San Jose's independent-minded Mayor-elect makes some adjustments as he prepares to take office
"That'll be particularly challenging early in the year when two council seats - Reed's and former Councilman Ken Yeager's - remain open. Six votes are needed to approve council action, and the election for the open seats isn't until March 6. Reed has included incoming council members Pete Constant and Sam Liccardo on his transition team."

December 22 , 2006
San Jose Mercury News, Pete Constant took the oath of office Friday to serve on the San Jose City Council representing the first district.
"Joined by his wife, Julie, and their five children, Constant said he wants to use technology to help make San Jose more open and customer-friendly. He also pledged, to continue LeZotte's success organizing West San Jose neighborhoods, build the city's employment base and make the city family-friendly."

September 14, 2006
West San Jose Resident, Finishing touches put on the Discovery Charter campus just in time for the first day of school
"A flier was available at the meeting detailing the school's drop-off and pickup procedures, and another advisory note will be going out to parents soon, said council member-elect Pete Constant, who is in charge of traffic control for the school, which his children also attend. Constant said they have a volunteer-run valet system in place to help traffic move quickly in the morning, so parents don't have to get out of their cars. He added that traffic has been getting better since the first day of school, and neighbors were notified of the Sept. 5 grand opening."

June 2006
San Jose Magazine, In Hot Pursuit; Constant Effort by San Jose District 1 Hopeful [PDF Format]
"His vision includes residents with regained confidence in a City Hall that is "open and inclusive". If a regular citizen wants to talk to a Councilmember, they should get their wish. "Whether you agree with someone or not, you should be willing to listen.

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