State politicians back mayoral candidate Arellano

Gilroy Councilman Peter Arellano has won the support of three Democratic state assemblymen in his campaign for Gilroy mayor. 

In a Wednesday press release, Arellano announced Assemblymen Luis Alejo of Watsonville, Bill Monning of Carmel and Paul Fong of Cupertino as three of his major endorsers. 

“The strong endorsements are just the first of many endorsements expected by California representatives for the mayoral candidate,” Arellano’s press manager Vince Monroy wrote in a press release sent out Wednesday afternoon. 

Along with the addition of these three Democrat state politicians on Arellano’s side, the press release also highlighted the fact that Arellano is the only Democrat running for mayor in Gilroy, despite the fact that the election is actually nonpartisan. 

“Yes it’s nonpartisan, but meanwhile, he’s seeking support from people that share his values,” Monroy said. The fact that they are all Democrats is just a coincidence, he said. 

“And obviously it worked out for Peter because it’s good solid support,” Monroy said.  

Fong, who has worked with Arellano in the Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee, believes that Arellano has integrity, is dedicated to the people of Gilroy and is a good Democrat.

“Peter is a good man,” Fong said. “He’s got a good social consciousness on his shoulder, and he deserves to be mayor.”

Monning said that if elected mayor, Arellano’s partisanship would be secondary to his ability to serve all people in Gilroy, no matter their political persuasion.

“Peter’s been a long time friend, and I have great confidence in his ability,” Monning said. 

Arellano is a doctor at Kaiser Permanente and was first elected to the council in 1999.

He is running against Councilman Dion Bracco and Santa Clara Valley Water District Director and former Gilroy mayor Don Gage.

Current Mayor Al Pinheiro’s term expires this year and he has said he will not run.