The Red Phone has been inundated with calls about the City
Council
– some complaining about the newspaper’s coverage, others
lauding the
”
lone dissenter
”
Craig Gartman and some wondering about the coming election. So,
Red Phone answers your calls for help.
The Red Phone has been inundated with calls about the City Council – some complaining about the newspaper’s coverage, others lauding the “lone dissenter” Craig Gartman and some wondering about the coming election. So, Red Phone answers your calls for help.
Down to the wire
Red Phone:
Dear Callers, The Dispatch operates in a world of deadlines, and it often proves problematic to contact every council member on every story – not to mention how long the stories would become. For that reason, the paper tries to contact council members on a rotating basis, though preference is often given to the mayor as the top elected official in the city.
But there are numerous reasons why some council members appear in the paper more than others. Perhaps some have busier work schedules and for that reason are difficult to reach during the day. Some simply do not return phone calls, or return them long after the paper has gone to press. Other than Mayor Al Pinheiro, Craig Gartman is the council member that makes himself available and promptly returns phone calls. We can’t force politicians to call back. The stories in the paper mirror who responds. And, of course, when a council member calls us with a comment, we include it.
Lastly, Councilman Gartman likely is quoted more often because he is often the council’s lone dissenting voice. It’s important for the community to hear not just the majority, but the minority opinion.
Sailor spending
Callers:
Is there something the public can do immediately or if there is some sort of referendum to stop the out-of-control city council from spending our money like drunken sailors? And, “thank God for Gartman.”Â
Red Phone:
Dear Caller, There is always a recall remedy for Gilroy residents. But since the November elections are near, the Red Phone suggests readers focus on the issues, write letters to the editor and, of course, exercise their right to vote. That’s what elections are all about – a chance for the people to speak their minds at the ballot box. In November, four council seats come up for election. In addition to Mayor Al Pinheiro, three council seats are up for grabs this fall – those of Paul Correa, Russ Valiquette and Roland Velasco. Perhaps the good caller will consider stepping up to the plate and running. November’s race should be interesting.
The Red Phone is adding more lines to handle the volume calls. In the meantime it gives you a look at all of your council members.
