Dear Editor:
John Zingrich’s letters in this paper the past couple years
reflect that he’s a prudent man who is strong in his convictions
and cares about Gilroy’s environment and the quality of life we all
strive for here.
Dear Editor:
John Zingrich’s letters in this paper the past couple years reflect that he’s a prudent man who is strong in his convictions and cares about Gilroy’s environment and the quality of life we all strive for here.
Recently, in relation to the newly approved police department headquarters, he asked: “Has the City Council ever enacted or even considered a cost CUTTING measure?”
Here’s a few:
1. They slashed downtown building impact fees and we’re all witnessing urban renewal right before eyes. No new taxes.
2. Two months ago, they voted 6-1 to consider the Gilroy Energy Independence Ordinance. When enacted next year, it will reduce or eliminate city fees for homeowners and businesses that install alternative energy solar electrical power generation systems. It’s self funding.
3. They created a below market rate housing fund to allow teachers and caregivers to afford to live among the rest of us and cut costs associated with buying their homes. Pays for itself in employee training, recruiting and retention expense savings.
4. They have, and continue to support, policies and facilities for nonprofit self funding CALSTAR Emergency Rescue Helicopter in Gilroy. CALSTAR’s fuel and operating costs continue to be slashed. Allows more lives to be saved in Gilroy without a cent in new or existing taxes.
5. The Mayor and all six Councilmembers serve double-time hours. They get paid less than the minimum wage for the hours they give us. Far less than minimum.
The police station that was downtown when I was a teenager and Gilroy’s population was 17,000 should not be supporting our officers crime fighting technology as we approach 50,000 residents in the 21st century. I agree with Mr. Gingrich, $28 million for a new police building does seem like a lot in these tight economic times. But please consider that the real cost spread over the next few decades for this beautiful and functional new community asset is just pennies a day for each Gilroyan, in 2004 dollars, actually in 2004 cents.
We can put off the needed building, but then it will cost more later. Likely.
Costs per person will be lowered if our population increases. Certain.
Nothing is more important than each of our families’ safety. Priceless.
If the new earthquake, terrorism and disaster resistant building keeps our senior citizens secure, gives officers the up to date tools they need to better protect our kids, and keeps crime and gang statistics some of the lowest in this region while increasing officer’s safety, that cuts cost and makes Gilroy an even better place to live.
Chris Coté, Gilroy
Submitted Aug. 10, 2004
