Cinderella and Prince Christopher grew up in separate worlds, but soon find their similarities—and mutual affection—overcome everything else. From Cinderella (1997).

Concluding our Opp Now exclusive Election ’24 series, SJ Housing Commissioner Roberta Moore rejects the notion that ideological polarization is just a fact we must accept in Silicon Valley—pointing instead to common goals we can all get behind (gov’t accountability, anyone?).

How can we move forward, post-election, amidst increased political polarization?

Roberta Moore, San Jose housing commissioner: Realize most of us want and care about the same thing. Most of us are moderate and agree on the issues: we want the government to spend our money wisely; take as little of it as possible; keep us safe; let us work and support our families (however that is defined for us); keep us free including being able to attempt to achieve our dreams and goals; provide a path to citizenship for immigrants; provide access to clean food, air, and water; lift people up to better circumstances when we can and take care of those who need it, when we can’t or when they can’t fend for themselves.Sign up to receive updates on Opp Now articles. Click HERE.

To accomplish this, the following suggestions come to mind:

1. Stop letting the government and corporate-driven media manipulate and divide us.
2. Focus on the common goals, and ignore the ideology-based rhetoric used to support unachievable outcomes by those trying to divide us for their own gain.
3. Have a bipartisan dialogue to create solutions that have taken into account all the perspectives. (The City of SJ continues to only listen to the progressive agenda while ignoring the consequences shared by housing providers. As a result, the situation continues to get worse for renters.)
4. Don’t rely on those who benefit from swaying the outcome to their benefit. (Nonprofits and City staff who receive funding from the government drive the failed ideology-based rhetoric for housing and homeless.)
5. Realize there is value in bipartisanship and including all stakeholders. One party or group of stakeholders dominating over the others may not have the best outcomes. (The progressive agenda dominating California government has made California the worst state to live in, including: the highest crime rates, the most homeless, the highest rents, and the highest costs of living.)
6. Create accountability in government and the nonprofits they fund by requiring measurable results and tracking performance. (Government at all levels does not require results. California doesn’t even know how the $24 billion in funds for the homeless was spent or who received it.)

There is new leadership in San Jose’s Housing Department that seems to be focused on all six of these recommendations. Erik Solivan, San Jose’s new Director of Housing, is such a refreshing change. He and the team he is recruiting have an approach to preserving affordable housing, preventing homelessness, and housing the homeless that is responsible, comprehensive, and balanced.