Posted by Arch Conservative, a resident of the Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park neighborhood, on Nov 7, 2011 at 2:27 pm

Come on Joe- go out into the private sector and get a real job.

But, as you said at one time, (Paraphrase) "I don't know what I could do- I've always been in politics."

How long have you been at the public trough?

Posted by wap, a resident of the Menlo Park: Felton Gables neighborhood, on Nov 7, 2011 at 2:38 pm

Serial politician is not the prescription for new ideas and good government. Retire, please. Let others that are youthful and able to bring forth ideas to make our economy thrive. Get out of the way.

Posted by Debbie Mytels, a resident of another community, on Nov 7, 2011 at 3:52 pm

The letters above are insulting not only to our State Senator, but to all of us who have voted for a fine public servant.

Joe Simitian is one of the most effective and intelligent leaders we have today in Sacramento. He's a great example of why term limits are detrimental to our governmental system.

As a Santa Clara County resident, we were very well served by Joe when he was our Supervisor, and I'm sure that he will devote his intelligence and ability to craft cost-effective, collaborative solutions to the gnarly problems that our county is facing. It's only too bad that we can't keep him in Sacramento.

Posted by Peter Carpenter, a resident of the Atherton: Lindenwood neighborhood, on Nov 7, 2011 at 4:27 pm

I second Debbie Mytels thoughtful comments and only regret that, as a San Mateo County resident, I will not be able to vote for Simitian as a Santa Clara County Supervisor. I knew him way back when he was on the Palo Alto City Council and he is a true professional. I don't agree with all of his positions but I do agree with his standard of public service.

Posted by Observer, a member of the Woodside High School community, on Nov 7, 2011 at 5:08 pm

One must acknowlege the wisdom on both sides. Joe Simitian is a deeply capable, thoughtful and trustworthy individual whom I strongly respect and who makes me feel well-represented. And yet, imagine if those skills were tempered with experience and fresh exposure beyond just the political realm. Ted Lempert is an exemplar here.

Term limits should mean more than just a dance of the offices: you run for mine and I'll run for yours. After all, the incumbents don't own our offices.

Posted by Brielle Johnck, a resident of the Menlo Park: The Willows neighborhood, on Nov 8, 2011 at 12:30 pm

Term limits is the problem. Joe is a great senator and should be allowed to keep his seat until he is voted out. The legislator shuffle is due to term limits. Byron Sher served Joe's district for many years and did so exceptionally. We lost Ted Lempert due to term limits and he went back to the SM County Board of Supervisors and lost when trying to advance to the Senate. It's crazy making; costs thousands of dollars and invites special interests to influence our state and federal government. Term limits should be abolished.

Santa Clara County is fortunate to have a dedicated public servant run for its Board of Supervisors.

Posted by Tired of Eshoo, a resident of the Menlo Park: Stanford Hills neighborhood, on Nov 12, 2011 at 11:06 pm

Senator's Simitian's destiny is the House of Representatives. It is time to retire Eshoo and bring in a well reasoned, assiduous, and expereienced representative who will work tirelessly for his constituents. Go Joe! We need you to represent us on a national level.