Elections are all about choice. That’s why we’re glad to see
that Councilman Al Pinheiro is giving Gilroy voters a choice when
they cast their ballots for mayor this November.
Elections are all about choice. That’s why we’re glad to see that Councilman Al Pinheiro is giving Gilroy voters a choice when they cast their ballots for mayor this November.
Pinheiro has decided that instead of running for re-election for his council seat, he will instead challenge incumbent Mayor Tom Springer – who has announced his intention to run for re-election. Pinheiro’s decision carries some risk – by choosing to run for mayor, he gives up a relatively safe bet that he would be elected to another term on City Council.
With Pinheiro’s hat thrown into the ring, Springer will have to defend his decisions over the last several years now that he is facing an opponent instead of cake walk in November.
Regardless of who wins the mayor’s seat, the debate and discussion a real race engenders can only be good for Gilroy.
But Pinheiro’s decision has other ramifications. It means that the race for three seats on City Council is much more open than before. Now, at least one of the three other seats on the panel will not have an incumbent. The other two seats are held by Peter Arrellano and Roland Velasco. Both men have said they are currently undecided on whether they will seek re-election.
A City Council seat without an incumbent is much more appealing to challengers, making it more likely that newcomers will decide to run for
City Council. New faces carry with them the potential for fresh ideas and will hopefully inject excitement into what might otherwise be an mostly ignored local election in a non-presidential election year.
Let’s hope Pinheiro’s decision, and the important issues Gilroyans have to consider – from retail incentives to downtown revitalization, from joining the county’s Open Space Authority to the police station price tag, from staffing a third fire station to relationships with the school district – will engage citizens and send them scurrying to their polling places this November.
Kudos to Pinheiro for not taking the easy, sure path – let’s reward his decision by becoming educated voters. If you’re not already registered to vote, register today. You can register online at www.ss.ca.gov/elections/votereg1.html or pick up a registration card at the Gilroy Public Library or City Hall.
Because a majority of City Council seats will be on the November ballot, the upcoming election has the potential to reshape Gilroy’s political scene. Whether you’re a Pinheiro backer, not a fan, or undecided, let’s make sure voter turnout is at an all-time high.
