When there’s a race for public office, the community benefits
because voters have to make a distinction
The following organizations and individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
CHEERS: For Francisco Dominguez, who decided to enter the race for the Gilroy Unified School District Board of Trustees. By throwing his hat into the ring, the November election will actually be a race with five candidates running for four seats. Having a race is better for our community. It forces candidates to define their positions, sharpen their communication skills and interact with the voters in a variety of settings. Dominguez, who moved to Gilroy a year ago, has three children in Gilroy schools and previous experience as a trustee.
CHEERS: For Gilroy Toyota owner Frank Bolea, who announced plans for a new cutting-edge 60,000-square-foot dealership on Chestnut Avenue. Besides having a fantastic architectural plan, it’s a whole new concept for car selling. The business will house a community center, a coffee shop, a test track, an atrium with barbecues and a nail salon. Get your oil changed, get your nails done. This represents creative business thinking at its finest. With Bolea’s commitment to customer service, it’s a winning combination. That’s great news for Gilroy, too. The new dealership will solidify an Gilroy’s place in a very important industry.
JEERS: For our nation’s lack of perspective on terrorism and air safety. The United Kingdom gets it: Terrorists are people, not luggage. Focus on the people who are trying to kill Americans, not the toothpaste or wine bottle in an innocent traveler’s bag. Sure, we all want to be as safe as possible, but the truth is all baggage cannot be checked all the time. Targeting those most likely to want to kill Americans is the best way to protect us without sacrificing our lifestyle. Is it profiling? You bet it is.
CHEERS: For the slight increase in STAR test scores notched by the Gilroy Unified School District. Let’s keep up that positive trend.
JEERS: For the news that charitable donations are off at our churches and St. Joseph’s Family Center, which cares for the poor in our area. If you can find it in your heart, send a little extra this fast-approaching holiday season.
CHEERS: For the conviction of Roby Galbraith, who stole irrigation piping from a local farmer. Agriculture theft is a growing problem, and putting a thief like Galbraith away sets a good example for those who think cherry-picking goods from farmers is easy money.
CHEERS: For the Gilroy Little League Softball All-Stars, who made it to the World Series for the second straight year. The girls lost a tough
1-0 game to the eventual champion and, most importantly, represented Gilroy well.
