Tony Santos Says Stark Served San Leandro

Recently, local newspapers have had derogatory articles about Congressman Pete Stark. The Chronicle's editorial staff endorsed Eric Swalwell, Congressman Stark’s chief opponent. While the Chronicle noted Congressman Stark’s first campaign against Congressman George Miller, its editors failed to note (nor did the ANG newspapers) Congressman Stark’s achievements serving his district over the past 40 years.

I would like to note a few of the things Rep. Stark did for seniors, his district, his constituents and veterans.

Over the years he saw to it that his district received its fair share of federal dollars. While I cannot speak for all of the cities within Congressman Stark’s district, I know what he did for San Leandro as a result of my 18 years of service on the city council, including four years as Mayor.

Congressman Stark provided millions of dollars to the City for street maintenance and for the Cops program. In my last year in office, Congressman Stark assisted the city in obtaining $5 million dollars which allowed the City to hiring five officers over a period of four years. In all deference to Mr. Swalwell, I do not believe he would have enough clout in Washington to be in position to do what Mr. Stark recently did.

More than anything else, I want to note Pete’s efforts in assisting veterans. I do not know if any member of either the Chronicle or ANG papers served, but I do know Congressman Stark served in the US Air Force.

I want to provide you with one instance on how Mr. Stark helped one veteran. Mr. Leo Trimble a young soldier at the time was captured on Anzio Beach in Italy and became a prisoner of war for over a year. Mr. Trimble was liberated weighing just 80 pounds. He had been abused while a prisoner of war in Poland and later Germany. After Mr. Trimble’s service, he was unable to receive veteran benefits. After 30 years of trying, Mr. Trimble finally found and ally in Mr. Stark. Mr. Stark was able to get Mr. Trimble’s service recognized and finally Mr. Trimble received the benefits he had coming. Today Mr. Trimble is buried at Arlington Cemetery thanks to Mr. Stark.

While you can criticize Congressman Stark, it is your right to do so; I ask that you do not forget the service Congressman Stark provided to his Country, His Community and to all of us in his district.

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