Free money and the farm labor shortage
City, In Essence, Spurning $200K Gift for Downtown
Dear Editor,
No matter which route one drives to reach Gilroy, road signs help point the way. On weather maps or tourists’ guides, traveler’s maps or city promotional materials, Gilroy’s location can quickly be found regardless of where one begins their trip.
Why then a downtown arch, as illustrated on the Dispatch’s front page recently? Land developer James Suner and his partners pledged to spend $200,000 for such a structure because: “The proposal accompanied their efforts to get regulatory approval for a development just south of the city’s historic business district.” Suner says such an arch “identifies the downtown as a place … I think the arch is a good idea.” Gilroy councilman Dion Bracco says: “You see (an arch) in a lot of places that have a nice downtown. They have a gateway arch inviting you into the downtown.”
City Council, however, “spurned the funding for lack of a mechanism’ to accept such contributions.” Thus enthusiasm for the work began dying. Suner is no more anxious to tackle the project than the city, according to the article. The project “… could require permitting to dig up public sidewalks and streets-an undertaking that would rival the months-long process typically involved in getting permits for a new building.”
Suner acknowledges “… the need for months of public meetings to plan the look and location of the arch.” Therefore, he now proposes “… to donate the money to the Downtown Business Association and earmark it for signage or a walkway that passes through buildings.”
Two things are clear: 1) $200,000 has been offered to enhance Gilroy’s image to residents and travelers … and no one seems to know what to do with it and 2) Leadership is needed to maximize this donation toward community betterment. In most cases, such community leadership should come from City Council and its head – the mayor. Sadly, again, Mayor Al Pinheiro can’t get his priorities straight when such an opportunity arises.
Despite Suner’s initial idea for use of his gift – an arch, Gilroy’s mayor can only say: “An arch maybe isn’t the most needed thing right now … I’d love to see (arches) down the road but, when we start prioritizing, paseos are needed to help with the parking issues.” Hey, Mr. Mayor, don’t forget the other needs for Gilroy’s image: Banner poles, informational kiosks and a downtown public square.
How does an arch compare? To a simple country boy like me, that ugly eyesore detracts from what downtown Gilroy offers and raises this thought: “Traveler, you’ve come from afar to visit our community. Using maps, guides or road signs, you’ve reached your goal. But, because we Gilroyans really consider you dumb, here’s our costly arch showing you the obvious – you’re too stupid to know where you are so we have to tell you!”
Use the money to benefit the people – not develop a maintenance eyesore.
James Brescoll, Gilroy
Think of the Farm Labor in These Simple Terms
Dear Editor,
Think of the shortage of cheap illegal labor as if it were an unseasonable freeze that killed all those oranges.
Barb Vickroy, Gilroy
