Endorsement recap: It’s a pivotal local Election Day Nov. 6

No on Measure A, Gilroy’s
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new
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Communication Users’ Tax
Perry Woodward, Cat Tucker and Bob Dillon for City Council
Re-elect Al Pinheiro for mayor, a leader who can manage
transition
Gilroy voters must choose three city council members and a mayor in the Tuesday, Nov. 6 election, a day that promises to be pivotal in our city, which has faced important and controversial issues in the last two years. An informed, involved electorate is the most important way to ensure that government keeps the best interests of residents as its top priority.

With that in mind, here’s a recap of our recommendations for Gilroy voters:

Don’t be fooled by the modest rate .5 percent rate reduction that this measure dangles in front of voters; this measure permits the city of Gilroy to tax services it currently does not tax and for which the city has no role in delivery, like satellite television and voice-over-Internet telephone plans.

In his defense of Measure A in an article written by reporter Chris Bone, Mayor Al Pinheiro described the proposed new tax as “a protection of the revenue the city has.” His competitor for the mayoral seat, Councilman Craig Gartman, who opposes Measure A, described it as “blanket tax” that gives the city “pre-approval to any tax the city deems as ‘telecommunications.” We think Gartman’s assessment is correct.

 Vote no on Measure A.

Given the out-of-kilter balance of power at City Hall, the tendency toward secrecy instead of openness and the urge to protect city bureaucracy at the expense of the best interests of city residents, we believe it’s time for a sweeping change on the city council.

Perry Woodward, Cat Tucker, and Bob Dillon are the candidates who will shift the alliances on the council dais and ensure that residents’ best interests are the top priority. 

Perry Woodward, our top choice, asks difficult questions, won’t let pat answers slide and is in touch with the rank-and-file members of the Gilroy Police Department. 

Cat Tucker’s extensive private-sector experience and common-sense approach will serve Gilroyans well. 

Bob Dillon’s no-nonsense approach to issues has been missed on the dais for the last two years.

We urge Gilroyans to choose Perry Woodward, Cat Tucker and Bob Dillon for City Council.

Despite serious policy missteps by incumbent Mayor Al Pinheiro, the majority of the editorial board believes that he can and will do better in a second term. We believe that Pinheiro understands where he’s failed and will correct course.

Further, we believe that given the churn in high-level city staff – a new police chief and city administrator will hopefully be starting in a few months – that some consistency in leadership is advisable.

We’re also comforted because Pinheiro’s opponent, Councilman Gartman, is running from a “safe” council seat, so his important voice won’t be lost on council even if he loses the mayoral race.

Vote Al Pinheiro for mayor.

Whether or not you agree with our recommendations, the most important thing for all Gilroyans is to study the issues and vote. Hold your elected officials accountable at the ballot box by casting an informed vote on Nov. 6.