Mayor elaborates on his quote and a resident speaks out on
children taking the bus to school
Half the Quote on the Front Page Hardly Gave the Full Picture
Dear Editor,
I was misquoted on the front page of the Dispatch on Oct. 7, regarding the Gilroy firefighter’s union endorsement. When asked how I felt about not receiving the endorsement of the firefighters’ union, I replied by reiterating my strong support of our local public safety departments, “It doesn’t matter whether I get the endorsement or not – It is my view that public safety is a priority to the community …”
By leaving off the second half of my quote on the front page, the meaning of my reply was completely changed. For the record, I continue to have nothing but respect for the men and women who put their lives on the line to keep Gilroy safe. That does not change.
As mayor, I work hard to balance our budget while still providing the best police and fire protection available for all residents of Gilroy. In the last few years, we built the much-needed new police station as well as the new Sunrise fire station which is now fully staffed. Many people don’t realize that for every $1 of taxpayer money that the council must decide how to spend – $0.76 of that dollar is automatically spent on our police and fire services.
I believe that supporting public safety is the first duty of government, but it is also just one piece in a much larger budget puzzle. Just as I do in my insurance business, I look for ways to maximize the services for all Gilroy residents – youth, families, seniors – while striving to balance our budget.
Regardless of any endorsement, I will continue to support Gilroy’s police and fire departments so that they can continue their important job of keeping Gilroy safe.
Al Pinheiro, Mayor of Gilroy
It’s not the Bus per se, It’s a Matter of Safety and Wasted Time
Dear Editor,
I couldn’t help but respond after reading the recent letter “Horrendous School Traffic Issue.” There are so many other issues keeping parents form sending their children to school on the bus other than the “parents abusing the system” as stated in the letter.
My son is an example of one reason. He is now in high school, however he did attend Solorsano and at the time in order for him to get to school by 8:20am he had to catch the bus out in the country at 6:50am. I decided his time was more valuable with me then on a bus. Walking was out of the question since we live several miles from the school. The Gilroy District Transportation Department only allows children that live in the country to ride the bus. I don’t think I’m alone on saying I do not want my child walking to school unless he or she lives within a safe walking distance and even then there are to many issues regarding safety to really determine what is safe. So if wanting to drive your child to school or have them get there safe is a abuse of the system then I am guilty.
Jody Swift, Gilroy
