Mountain View's Lack-Luster Minimum Wage Increase: Who is the Problem?

On October 9, Mountain View City Council's chambers was standing room only, filled with proponents of a wage increase that would make a real difference to working poor. They filed out in protest when the council made it clear would do no more than copy San Jose's minimum wage law.

People in favor of a wage increase who came to the meeting included many people who work in Mountain View but live elsewhere because of the city's high rents. At a rally before the meeting the Raging Grannies led chants.

Opponents included Don Bahl, a local developer who told the council not to sympathize too much with the stories of the city's working poor. Vice Mayor Jack McAlister owns Mountain View's Baskin Robbins and spoke out against the increase, saying it hurts his bottom line. Some protesters shouted at him, "Recuse yourself."