Before interviewing the candidates, the Editorial Board of the
Dispatch asked each to respond to a dozen written questions. The
Editorial Board stipulated that the responses to each question be
limited to 400 words and let the candidates know that the answers
would be published at www.gilroydispatch.com and sent out to
subscribers to the Dispatch mobile application.
Here are the answers. The responses have not been edited for
grammar or clarity.
Councilman and candidate Peter Arellano was the only person in
the race who did not respond to the request.
Before interviewing the candidates, the Editorial Board of the Dispatch asked each to respond to a dozen written questions. The Editorial Board stipulated that the responses to each question be limited to 400 words and let the candidates know that the answers would be published at www.gilroydispatch.com and sent out to subscribers to the Dispatch mobile application.
Here are the answers. The responses have not been edited for grammar or clarity.
Councilman and candidate Peter Arellano was the only person in the race who did not respond to the request.
1. What are the best characteristics of Gilroy?
Gilroy is a beautiful town surrounded by hills with a farming community and mild weather. I grew up here and love it.
2. What does Gilroy need to improve on most?
We need to improve on spending money and establish priorities.
3. Do you believe that the public employee benefit system, including retirement, needs reform? If so, be specific on what you would advocate.
Yes. We need to use the “Total Compensation method”. Total Comp. = wages plus all benefits. The City PERS system needs to restructured on the amounts of money retires will get.
4. Did the City Council pursue the right course of action to shut down MediLeaf, the medical marijuana dispensary in Gilroy? Explain your position. Also, will you vote for or against state Proposition 19?
Yes, and yes I would vote against Proposition 19,
5. What is your perception of the current Gilroy City Council?
Not fiscally responsible, spending to much money, and not establishing priorities.
6. Would you seriously consider contracting out for city public safety services? Why or why not?
Absolutely not. It will cost more and we will not be in control of expenses or management.
7. What is downtown’s role in the community? Is it important? If so, what would you do to revitalize the area?
It is important. We need to reduce requirements and cost for opening the vacant stores ASAP.
8. What ideas do you have for economic development and job creation? Please be specific.
Jobs come from Industrial and Commercial businesses. We need to reduce development fees, red tape, and process plans much faster.
9. Tell us something about you personally that wouldn’t show up on your resume, but that would help make you an effective Council member?
I am honest, trustworthy, and open.
10. Are city expenditures properly balanced between public safety and other city services such as parks and recreation? If not, what change would you advocate?
I would say so
11. In calendar year 2009, 30 city employees made more than $20,000 in overtime pay led by Fire Captains Ed Bozzo ($54,368 in OT pay), Paul Butler ($41,267 in OT pay) and Chris Weber ($36,554 in OT pay). Is this a city management issue? If so, what changes would you advocate?
Yes. Managers should not get overtime as they are compensated in their salary.
12. What is your vision for Gilroy and what would you do specifically to advance that vision?
My vision and hope for Gilroy is to take over the Electric Service from PG&E. This can create revenue for the City and reduce cost to our citizens and businesses. PG&E rates are extremely high and we have no control over them.
Q&A with candidate Art Barron
Q&A with candidate Dion Bracco
Q&A with candidate Paul Kloecker
Q&A with candidate Peter Leroe-Muñoz
Q&A with candidate Russ Valiquette
